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New Trailer Suspension

Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2016 2:04 pm
by Baseshakers
So I am getting a free boat, and the trailer that comes with it. It needs new leaf springs, and I am trying to decide what to get. It is a home made trailer, and it is easy to add new hangers in new locations. The trailer currently has 1 3/4" wide leaf springs that are 27" long. I have no idea if these were sized correctly when the trailer was built. The boat is a 17 foot Boston Whaler style (officially a 1969 Glassmaster trihull) with a 125hp two-cycle outboard. A little googling gives a weight (w/o trailer) of ~1600lbs, but I could easily be off by a few hundred lbs. What size leaf springs should I go with? http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer ... rings.aspx has a lot of options. What do you guys think?

Re: New Trailer Suspension

Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2016 3:01 pm
by Frank
Tractor Supply has leaf springs cheap. If your guessing 1600lbs Id go 2k just to be sure. They should be nearer the rear to support the engine. Have you towed the boat ? How did it tow. Is the guesstimating tongue weight about 200/300 . My axle for my 17ft bass boat advertised at 1260lbs , is 2ft from the back of the trailer itself. The only thing past the trailer is the engine. FjR68

Re: New Trailer Suspension

Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2016 11:26 am
by Baseshakers
Agreed, I'd rather go a bit oversized. What length leaf spring is good for a boat trailer? I'm planning on moving the axle back a bit, as the boat needs to be pulled tight up to the winch to put any real weight on the hitch. Haven't towed it yet, the trailer needs some TLC before I'd risk taking it out on the road.

Re: New Trailer Suspension

Posted: Fri Mar 04, 2016 7:54 am
by Frank
I will get dimensions today and let you know. What I do know is, I can just about lift the tongue with the trailer on the jack wheel and boat on. Makes for good towing with or with out the boat. T.S. sells the springs , hangers, bearings, spindles . I carry a bearing kit in the truck in case and the same for the ramp trailer. The other place is online. Redneck Trailer . com Those people are good with trailers also. FjR68

Re: New Trailer Suspension

Posted: Wed Mar 09, 2016 2:02 pm
by Baseshakers
not that I don't trust Franky but... anyone else have an opinion? :-)