leaf spring flat on one side...what are cheap options? I mean CHEAP!!!

Swivelhart

Swivelhart

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Nov 5, 2008
Messages
185
My boat trailer spring shackle is almost all the way up against the trailer frame. The spring is completely flat. I dont see a broken spring but I am going on a camping trip in a week and really cannot afford to buy a set of springs right now. Can I add a leaf (do they sell a cheap kit?) What is the cheapest possible route even if it is just temporary???

2011-08-18062839.jpg
 
royal0014

royal0014

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 6, 2010
Messages
874
Re: leaf spring flat on one side...what are cheap options? I mean CHEAP!!!

Junk yard for a used set of leafs. Good luck.....

Don't do some half-***** jury rig and risk your boat, tow-vehicle, and other people on the road.


<<)))(((>>
 
Silvertip

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,762
Re: leaf spring flat on one side...what are cheap options? I mean CHEAP!!!

To lay back like that means 1) the trailer was overloaded at some point or 2) the existing leaf/leaves are actually broken. Can't tell for sure by the picture but it wold appear both 1 and 2 are possible. Boat looks heavy for the trailer.
 
bigdee

bigdee

Commander
Joined
Jul 27, 2006
Messages
2,665
Re: leaf spring flat on one side...what are cheap options? I mean CHEAP!!!

Northern tool 1500# springs $22-$30
 
woosterken

woosterken

Lieutenant
Joined
May 18, 2005
Messages
1,431
Re: leaf spring flat on one side...what are cheap options? I mean CHEAP!!!

redneck repair, jam a pice of 4x4 in there,just long enough to make trailer set level.
hey , you said cheap as possible LOL
woosterken
 
M

MAXXIE

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Feb 26, 2009
Messages
556
Re: leaf spring flat on one side...what are cheap options? I mean CHEAP!!!

Not sure if this will do anything for you or not, but I had a tire issue a week or so ago & bought 2 new tires on rims from Wal Mart. Upon removing the old tire & wheels I noticed there were U-bolts around the spring packs on both sides. It looked to me as though it was to fix sagging springs & keep them together. Not sure what there for to be honest with you. My boat is a 17' bowrider w/O/B much like yours & the trailer looks to be the same. Like I said, Don't know if this info will help, but it would be a cheap/quick fix just to go camping for the weekend. Good luck.
 
j_martin

j_martin

Admiral
Joined
Sep 22, 2006
Messages
7,474
Re: leaf spring flat on one side...what are cheap options? I mean CHEAP!!!

You should be able to load springs to the stops and they will recover their shape. I would bet you have broken leaves, probably at the center bolt hole.

I have used emergency red-neck repairs (wood block, strap to frame, etc) to get home, but I don't leave home with them.

When you have a heavy boat on a single axle trailer and a spring breaks, equipment is lost, and people get hurt.
 
oldjeep

oldjeep

Admiral
Joined
May 17, 2010
Messages
6,455
Re: leaf spring flat on one side...what are cheap options? I mean CHEAP!!!

Brand new trailer springs are cheap - accidents are expensive, no reason to half *** anything. Pull the spring off and take it to Northern tool or your local spring shop. Should be able to replace it for under $50
 
Swivelhart

Swivelhart

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Nov 5, 2008
Messages
185
Re: leaf spring flat on one side...what are cheap options? I mean CHEAP!!!

I ordered springs today...thanks for all the advice. They are long springs (28") from eye to eye when not under load!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top