Step 1: Determine Type of Trailer Spring
Determine the type of trailer spring. What do the ends of your trailer spring look like? Below are images of the most common types of trailer springs. You will need to know if you have a double eye spring or a slipper spring with a flat, radius, open eye, or hook end.
Step 2: Measure Width of Spring
Measure the width of the spring. The majority of trailer springs for boat, motorcycle, horse, camping, flatbed, and utility trailers range from 1-3/4 to 2 inches wide. To determine the width, measure across the top of the top leaf.
Step 3: Measure Length of Spring
Measure the length of the spring. If you are replacing a spring, getting the same length is important. To measure the free length, refer to letter “C” below. It is important that your trailer is unloaded when measuring the length. When determining length (C), measure from the center of one spring eye to the center of the other spring eye for double eye springs. Measurements will vary depending on the age and fatigue of your spring. We offer a large selection of trailer springs. Determining the length first, will narrow your selection down considerably and make finding the correct spring quicker.
Step 4: Determine Capacity
Determine the capacity and how many leafs. Determine what type of capacity you require and how many steel leaves your existing springs have. If you are replacing all of your springs, the number of leafs will not be as important. You can switch from a 4 leaf to a 3 leaf with thicker steel if you prefer. The capacity ratings are per spring. Determine the rating of your trailer axle and then select the capacity of your springs. If you have a 6000 lb. rated trailer axle with two springs, use two 3000 lb. rated or higher trailer springs.
Step 5: Measure Free Open and Arc of the Spring
Measure the free open (H) and the arc (A) and (B) of the trailer spring. These measurements are more for reference and will change with the age and fatigue of your spring. These measurements can show you the importance of replacing all of your springs rather than one at a time. If you have an older spring that has lost its arc over time and you add one new spring with a taller arc to the other side of your trailer, your trailer will lean to one side causing for an uneven load and unsafe conditions.
Trailer Spring Capacity
The capacity rating is per spring. If you have a 6000 lb. rated trailer axle with two springs, use two 3000 lb. rated springs.
Change Springs in Pairs
All springs are sold individually, but it is highly recommended to change them in pairs. Changing only one spring may cause your trailer to lean to one side due to the spring fatigue of the unchanged spring(s) and can cause excessive tire wear.
www.OrderTrailerParts.com
Are you thinking about replacing your boat, caravan or trailer springs and want to make sure you order the correct ones? Following are some tips on how to properly measure trailer springs, to help make sure you get it correct the first time.
Step 1:
DETERMINE THE TYPE OF TRAILER SPRING
Double Eye Spring Slipper Spring - Open Eye Slipper Spring - Radius End Slipper Spring - Flat End Slipper Spring - Hook End
Accurately measuring your trailer springs and choosing the correct replacements is important for the function of your trailer and will make the job of replacing them much easier. Using replacement trailer springs with the correct length will keep the axle in the same position, eliminating the need to move guards or suspension components like spring hangers. Matching your weight capacity, arch, and leaf count will keep the ride height of the trailer the same and keep the ride characteristics the same.
Step 2:
MEASURE THE WIDTH OF THE TRAILER SPRING
Measure the width of the spring. The majority of
trailer springsfor boat, motorcycle, horse, camping, flatbed, and utility trailers are 45mm wide. To determine the width, simply measure along the center of the top leaf.
Step 3:
MEASURE THE LENGTH OF THE TRAILER LEAF SPRING
Measure the length of the trailer leaf spring. If you are replacing a spring, getting the same length is important. To measure the free length, refer to letter “C” above. It is important that your trailer is unloaded when measuring the length. When determining length (C), measure from the center of one spring eye to the center of the other spring eye for double eye trailer springs. Measurements will vary depending on the age and fatigue of your spring. We offer a large selection of
trailer springs. Determining the length first will narrow your selection down considerably and make finding the correct spring quicker.
Step 4:
DETERMINE THE CAPACITY OF THE SPRINGS
Determine the rating of your trailer axle and then select the capacity of your springs. If you have a 1500 Kg. rated trailer axle with two springs, you will use two 750 Kg. rated trailer springs or higher. Please note, the capacity ratings are for each individual trailer spring.
Step 5:
MEASURE FREE OPEN AND ARC OF THE TRAILER SPRING
Measure the free open (H) and the arc (A) and (B) of the trailer spring. These measurements are more for reference and will change with the age and fatigue of your spring. These measurements can show you the importance of replacing all of your springs rather than one at a time. If you have an older spring that has lost its arc over time and you add one new spring with a taller arc to the other side of your trailer, your trailer will lean to one side causing for an uneven load and unsafe conditions.
NOTE:
CHANGE SPRINGS IN PAIRS
All trailer springs are sold individually, but it is highly recommended to change them in pairs. Changing only one spring may cause your trailer to lean to one side due to the spring fatigue of the unchanged spring(s).