Odd Question Maybe

[dhuffman]

Hello Everyone,

I am working on my 2001 EZ-Loader trailer for my 203. I have repaired and replaced almost everything on the trailer at this point. I am now down to the leaf springs, equalizers, links, etc... I asked the question to Eastern Marine about what weight capacity those springs need to be, and they told me 1500 pound. I will not claim to be a leaf spring expert in any way, but that seems to be really heavy for a 2000-pound boat. Does anyone have a level of expertise or experience in this area. I dont want the boat riding around on a brick for suspension. I would think a little bit of give would be appropriate. Please chime in if you have any comment. The leaf springs are not expensive, but I would like to get the rights ones the first time.
I appreciate your consideration on this.

David

[STLBassBuster]

I have a 1999 203 with the same trailer. I replaced my equalizers, shackles, bolts, and bushings. It made a world of a difference. I would replace these parts first and see how it rides before replacing the springs as you may not need to.

[trashmanssd]

1500 lb springs is correct. Your total trailer weight when ready to fish is probably closer to 4000 lbs. When you are on uneven ground individual springs will take more load so you need so room for that. Better to be a little over on the spring capacity then under as the trailer will be more stable and will settle down from bouncing quicker. As for ride quality for the boat, springs are way better than torsion axles so be glad you even have springs.

[dhuffman]

I pushed the button, I appreciate your input. This is not my area of expertise at all and was concerned I might purchase them, put them in, and then regret doing so.

Thanks,
David

[STLBassBuster]

I pushed the button, I appreciate your input. This is not my area of expertise at all and was concerned I might purchase them, put them in, and then regret doing so.

Thanks,
David

David could you post a link to the springs? Thanks.

[smokewagon]

Hello Everyone,

I am working on my 2001 EZ-Loader trailer for my 203. I have repaired and replaced almost everything on the trailer at this point. I am now down to the leaf springs, equalizers, links, etc... I asked the question to Eastern Marine about what weight capacity those springs need to be, and they told me 1500 pound. I will not claim to be a leaf spring expert in any way, but that seems to be really heavy for a 2000-pound boat. Does anyone have a level of expertise or experience in this area. I dont want the boat riding around on a brick for suspension. I would think a little bit of give would be appropriate. Please chime in if you have any comment. The leaf springs are not expensive, but I would like to get the rights ones the first time.
I appreciate your consideration on this.

David

You have to add up the weight of hull, outboard/trolling motors, batteries, all fishing gear, AND weight of the trailer.

[Tin Star Cajun]

When replacing the equalizers consider adding the zerk fitting bolts (called wet bolt system).