leaf spring

Thank you! Appreciate it. looks great!

I can understand wanting a little more wiggle room, but I don't know enough to advise. The tire folks led me to believe I'd be fine w/ LR C tire, rated at 1760lb each. I recall them mentioning it was the side loads that's the most concern which wasn't a big factor in my case. Keep in mind I don't do much trailering, only 2 trips / year at less than one mile each way so my exposure is low. Also, my axle of course is only rated at 3500lb as I recall which puts boat and trailer near the top end of all these ratings. Good luck w your decision.

FYI, the tire fender clearance worked out well w/ the boat loaded, one of my concerns. Unfortunately, my prop clearance on the prop guard didn't, it's barely touching. My original trailer had a double set of boards which I understood I didn't need... but now I may have to go back and add a 2X4 spacer under the bunks. I'd be curious to know if anyone else has run into this issue.

FYI here's a picture of the completed trailer w/ boat loaded... I haven't installed the carpeted step panels as of yet.       

CCATW wrote: Also, my axle of course is only rated at 3500lb

What

Morfoot wrote: OldSchoolBlue84 wrote: Looking for LRD tires but having a hard time finding LRD rims matching the tire rating. Personally, I would like to match all components. Thanks Bought a new set of Goodyear Marathons from Wally World last summer along with a new set of rims from a site that TRBenj suggested. The OEM rims were rusting and beat up a bit. Shouldn't have a issue finding both.

What was the site. I was trying to find these.

Hey Tim, I am looking for options for my 84 other then the painted white rims I found etrailer. Thanks

https://www.etrailer.com/Tires-and-Wheels/Kenda/AM32161.html

I have the 5 lug on my trailer. Will be putting on the 5k springs and was looking to purchase a set of LRD close to the 2,040# capacity to get me over the 3,500# to have some additional insurance. I have been getting some inner tire wear which I believe it’s due to the original springs age or trailering with full tank of gas and gear. The allighment, tire presssure as well as bearings have been checked and verified. I am probably overthinking it. Thanks guys

It’s been around 4-5 years when I changed the bearings but never payed to much attention to the spindles. Tire wear started maybe around 2 years ago. The plan is to change all components including springs, bushings and bolts as you guys mentioned in this thread. It may not be a bad idea to change the spindles while upgrading everything else. Thanks again for your help!

TRBenj wrote: Spindles are part of the axle and not easily replaced (no one here in CT does it)... could mean full axle replacement if you find issues.

OldSchoolBlue84 wrote: I have the 5 lug on my trailer. Will be putting on the 5k springs and was looking to purchase a set of LRD close to the 2,040# capacity to get me over the 3,500# to have some additional insurance.

If it were me I would stay away from a 5200 lb axle.   I just put a new Dexter 3500# axle under my new trailer that I am building. It has 1 1/16" outer bearings and 1 3/8 inner bearings. Plenty stout.   The problem with "over springing" a trailer is that your load is not enough to make the spring actually work and you end up transferring all of the road humps and bumps to the boat and have no cushioning effect. Sort of where the "log wagon" term comes about. I doubt that your present axle has been flexing. Old springs tend to wear out and are no longer capable of the load they were made for.   JMO   Duane

OldSchoolBlue84 wrote: TRBenj wrote: Spindles are part of the axle and not easily replaced (no one here in CT does it)... could mean full axle replacement if you find issues.

Kostas,
Regarding spindle replacement, give a couple trailer shops and welding shops a call before you condemn the axle. Unlike CT. in the Midwest people do know how to weld metal!

8122pbrainard wrote: in the Midwest people do know how to weld metal!

Seem to remember running across one or two.

The 5k springs should work well on a 2001- with the delux trailer you’re near 3500lbs before you add gas, cooler or ski gear. I’ve used them on a 80’s #4 carrying a similar load and they ride very well. Leaf count and thickness is on par with the factory set up. They are too much spring for the lighter 2-gen SN and standard #3, however (IMHO).

Maybe it has to do with labor rates or implied liability, but none of the trailer shops would touch my bent spindle a few years ago... and they were clearly set up for more serious work than that. New axle they all said. While not the same solid stuff that came on the older trailers, the hollow dexter axle kits are very reasonably priced.

If you do end up with a new axle I would absolutely upgrade to the 5200lb version as the aforementioned 2001 weight is line on line with the older 3500lb set up and is surely why cc started overbuilding them soon after. The peace of mind that comes with the extra capacity (and ability to load the boat with equipment) sure is nice for longer hauls. I went through this on the BFN a few years ago.

Wow lots of good information to absorb! Appertiate the comments.

Duane, Johnson’s surplus is awesome. That’s were I purchased the trailer tires I have now. Can not complain for mediocre tires that lasted 5 years, even longer if the inner did not wear out . Is that were you purchased your new axle?

Even nonexistent bushings don’t cause wandering in my experience (but they’ll make a racket and look scary). Check tongue weight #1 if it wags at speed.

Well....all in and just a waiting game also for the UPS to deliver the mechanic to install Thanks everyone for providing links and sites to get everything.