Trailer Advice

TomParis · #1 07-17-2016, 04:25 PM

So I am trying to get my trailer ready for the Seacraft meet at Crystal River, and my leaf springs are in bad shape. So the question is, its a double axle trailer with leaf springs that are connected in the middle and I measured from bolt to bolt and they are like right at 21.5 from the middle of the bolt to the middle of the bolt.

So now I am trying to find the springs locally to replace them myself to save money, and I found these I figure with two sets of them that would be a maximum of 4,ooo lbs, which should be fine with a 20' Seacraft and a 115 motor I would think. Looking for advice, thanks.

Tom

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pro...y?cm_vc=-10005

bumpdraft · #2 07-17-2016, 04:55 PM

Don't forget fuel and gear weight, as well as the weight of the trailer itself. Close maybe?
Actually,the weight of the axles, wheels and tires wouldn't count(on ground)so I suppose so.

RUSTYNTABATHA · #3 07-17-2016, 05:12 PM

http://www.tiedown.com/
check out these guys ... also hit ebay and amazon... you might be surprised at the prices ...just keep an eye on shipping cost

==== edit on tiedown.... they are wholesale only it appears now... hit the other 2...

DonV · #4 07-17-2016, 05:53 PM

Check out these guys......

http://www.sturdybuiltonline.com/

bumpdraft · #5 07-17-2016, 08:08 PM

I noticed on that site, that the springs were rated as individual ratings. On some other sites, the springs were rated for the axle rating (combined).

Snookerd · #6 07-17-2016, 09:30 PM

Don's suggestion is who I use. Great prices.

Islandtrader · #7 07-18-2016, 08:06 AM

I use a local guy...and he has told me that if you are dipping in saltwater, no amount of rinsing will get you more than a few years on the springs. I use my trailer 2x a year and after 5 years new springs.

DonV · #8 07-18-2016, 08:45 AM

Terry speaks the truth. It's not difficult to change springs and associated hardware...with the boat off the trailer..., a few 4 1/2" cut off wheels, large hammer, some money, impact wrench and off you go! I think I've done it about 8 to 10 times on various trailers.

I upgraded my springs the last time from 1750# to 2000#, made a big difference in the trailer's stability. I think it was a $5 difference per spring. Oh yeah, remember to specify the 9/16" bolts! I've seen people use 1/2" bolts with a nylon spacer, no good in my opinion.

TomParis · #9 07-18-2016, 09:05 AM

I rechecked my measurements and they are currently 21.5 inches but I assume as they have gotten wore out they have expanded out, so I am guessing that I still need the 20' ones. Thanks for the reminder on the bolt size. I am going to see if I can find some that will work locally, if not I will try Amazon/ebay as you guys suggested.

Thanks
Tom

Bushwacker · #10 07-18-2016, 12:35 PM

Tom, here's another outfit I've used that has a good selection of parts.

One thing you might consider that might add a bit of life to the springs is spraying them with some LPS3 to penetrate between the leaves and then spray them with automotive undercoating before you install them. I did that to my 1985 EZ Loader roller trailer and I'm still running the original springs! I have inadvertantly dunked the springs a couple of times, although I don't normally have to dunk it. I've also repeated the LPS3 spray a couple of times.

BTW I emailed you a list I came up with of the weights of typical boat gear that might give you some idea of total boat weight.
Denny