Should I upgrade my springs?

[jollymon1375]

Hey folks,

I bought a 4x6 trailer from tractor supply to use as a general hauling tool. Now I've got the camper bug so I've been modifying the thing to suit my needs. Here's what I've done so far: flipped the axle under the leaf springs, installed 30x 9.50 jeep wheels and tires, installed new fenders and lengthened the tongue and added gussets from the tongue to the trailer and welded everything in place. My question is should I upgrade the springs? I'd like to keep the axle for cost reasons but is changing out the springs worth it? If I remember correctly, the trailer was rated at 950lbs prior to upgrading the wheels. Thoughts?

Jolly

[len19070]

It probably wouldn't hurt.

Tractor Supply uses a slipper spring and it would be real easy to do and for probably less than $50 its not worth taking a chance.

950lbs would be a little to close to the flame.

Heres the number of the axle on the 1500lb trailer Dexter Axle #2K6047

I don't know for sure, but I'll bet the axle on the TS 1500lb and your trailer are the same.

Check the number with yours.


Happy Trails

Len

[brian_bp]

If the axle - including hubs and spindles - is good for more than the trailer's 950 lb weight rating, then higher-capacity springs might be suitable. If those components are not up to it, then there's no point in "upgrading" the springs, as replacing the axle means there's essentially nothing of the original trailer left, and there was no point in buying it.

Even if everything else is up to the task, I don't see any point in higher-rated springs unless the loaded weight is to be more than 950 lb. Otherwise, the higher-capacity springs are just stiffer and mean the trailer will be pounded harder by bumps.