Exchanging a 4 blade leaf spring with a 5 leaf

[rockfish1980]

Looking for advise. I purchased a boat and trailer combo in 2007. used the boat mostly in 2007 and in 2008. Biggest issue I am having is the boat as it sits on the trailer compresses the leaf springs down to within an inch or less of touching the fenders. With two blowouts and a couple of sliced tires, I am a little gun shy about trailering the boat. Tried to address the issue back in 2008 with no results from the trailer maker or the boat manufacturer. Being away from home the past 3 years and now wanting to fix this issue once and for all, what are my options. I have been told that I could try and exchange the 4 band leaf springs with a 5 or 6 band spring. The 4 band spring is rated for around 2000 which is actually less then what my boat and motor combination is. I see the 5 band is rated for 2500 and the 6 is rated for 2900. I have around 2100 to 2200 pounds of weight. Is this possible and what do I need to know about issues that might arise from doing so? Any help?

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Exchanging a 4 blade leaf spring with a 5 leaf

yeah it is possible and depending on how your trailer is set up it could fix your problem, smaller tires would also, there are a few things you could do.

Pics would help a bunch.

 

[inthedirtagain]

Re: Exchanging a 4 blade leaf spring with a 5 leaf

The number of leaves doesn't matter in this situation, but what is important is their rated capacity. The only reason for having mulitple leafe packs are for safety if one of them should break. At least, this is what the Army believes (retired 63B). If your boat is a tad heavy over the axle, you can look into replacing the leaf packs with something a little stronger, or look into getting a small lift for the trailer. Replacement would be the better route, though. As long as the replacement leaves are the same length from eye to eye, or front-eye to rear slider, you'll be fine. While you're at it, get replacement u-bolts and nuts for cheap insurance. Predict some rust, especially if the trailer has seen salt water. Obvioulsy, you'll need to place the trailer on jack stands rated at least 1.5 times the wieght of the boat and trailer. Take you time, have fun with it, and learn a little something new. Better yet, order up a pizza and a 6-pack with it, and you'll be done in a few hours.

 

[rockfish1980]

Re: Exchanging a 4 blade leaf spring with a 5 leaf

My axel is rated for 3500 pounds so exchanging the current leaf springs for heavier ones would not be an issue. No salt water has touched the boat. Not sure about lift kits as mentioned in one of the replies. Trailer has common 26" springs. Puzzles me why Sea Ark and B&M MFG. would consider this an appropriate trailer for the boat. I know many folks now that have had issues with this set-up. A few have opted to go with a tandem axel trailer. The other option I could see but not wanting to do is cut the fenders off and re weld them into a higher arc giving me the adequate clearence between the tire and fender. Changing the leaf springs is no biggie.
I have attached 3 pictures of the tires as they sit on the trailer with no extra weight other then the boat and motor. The left side sits centered and has about 1 inc clearence to the fender. The right side sits further towards the back of the fender and has very minimal clearence. Now I argued with this setup from the get go. However, since being relocated for work for the past 3 years I haven't been able to do anything with it.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Exchanging a 4 blade leaf spring with a 5 leaf

Springs do not appear to be stressed. Easiest fix is to replace the shackles at the end of the spring for longer ones that will give you about an extra inch of lift.
An extra leaf will really stiffen up the springs and result in a rough ride for the boat.

 

[dlngr]

Re: Exchanging a 4 blade leaf spring with a 5 leaf

Or you could raise it about 3 inches just by putting the axle under the springs instead of on top the springs.

 

[inthedirtagain]

Re: Exchanging a 4 blade leaf spring with a 5 leaf

Another item I forgot to mention was if the fenders are adjustable? I know that mine have 3 different positions for variations in weight and tire size.