Springs on your boat trailer or hauler worn out? Properly measuring trailer springs for replacement is key to ordering the right parts the first time.
What’s the Best Way to Measure Trailer Springs for Replacement?
- Measure the width.
Using the top leaf, measure the width of the spring along the center. (Most trailer springs are 1 ¾ inches wide.) - Measure the length.
Ordering the same length spring as the ones currently on your trailer is important. It will also narrow down spring selection significantly, helping you find the right part more quickly. For accurate measurement, your trailer must be unloaded and empty. To calculate spring length, measure the distance from the center of one spring eye, to the center of the other spring eye. (NOTE: This may vary depending on the age/wear of your spring.) - Calculate the capacity.
For this you will need to know the rating of your trailer axle. For instance, for a 6,000-pound trailer axle with two springs, you would need two 3,000-pound rated springs. Capacity ratings are for each individual leaf spring. You can replace your springs exactly as they are now, or if you are replacing all of your springs, in another number, switching from 4 leaf springs to 3 thicker springs, for instance, so long as the weight capacity adds up.
Avoid a Pair of Problems: Don’t Order Individual Springs
Though springs are sold individually, it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to change leaf springs in pairs. Swapping a single spring can lead to some awkward experiences, leading your trailer to lean unstably to one side due to the fatigue of the older, unchanged spring, creating an unbalanced load and unsafe hauling conditions. Not sold? Measure the free and open arc of your old springs, which will change with age and wear, compared to the new set. Nothing can better illustrate the importance of changing your springs together rather than one side at a time.
Looking for a fast, affordable way to tackle the replacement of your trailer springs? Our ‘express lanes’ have you covered. Discover why we’re known for our stellar service and trustworthy work. Contact Ainsworth Trailer Repair for a complimentary repair estimate today.
