Replacing Trailer Leaf Springs (How to estimate capacity needed)

[R1Peacock]

I’m the original owner of a 2004 Champion 198 Elite. Champions are heavy boats and I’ve never been happy with a single axle trailer. My fault for cutting cost 20 years ago when I purchased the package. Hopefully a new dual axle trailer is in the not so distant future. Its been about 10 years since I had the suspension replaced. I’m about to pull maintenance on the brakes, bearings and bunks and wanted to replace the leaf springs, shackles and Ubolts while I have the trailer empty. I can measure the springs (center of eye to eye) but what is the best way to calculate the spring rate needed for optimum stability. I don’t mind going up in the rate just a bit to give me a little more room with the fender height. I trailer the boat on highways and the ramps I launch from normally have a paved access road. The fenders are currently pretty close to the tires and I’ve always worried about hitting a pot hole and having the fenders hit the tires.

I’ve included a pic of the trailer sticker. To my knowledge the trailer has a UFP 3500 axle. Would 2000 lb. leaf springs be ok adding just a bit more strength to each side and maybe giving me a bit more fender clearance. Appreciate any recommendations.

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[Robby Moser]

I would definitely go up a leaf if possible,as long as eye to eye distance stays the same.It will lift the fenders higher giving more tire clearance but will ride a little rougher.

[R1Peacock]

In reading other sites you normally split the difference of your axle weight and target a 1750 LB spring. Is the consensus to go to a 2000 LB spring if you wanted a stiffer spring — I know it may cause a harsh ride I just don’t want to be under sprung and bounce too much since the weight of my boat, motor and gear is estimated at 3100 +/- . The springs that were replaced 10 years ago by a local shop have “ZQ China 1812-1209 written on them and are 5 leafs.