Changing springs and axle. - The Hull Truth

surrender · 02-26-2010, 05:12 AM

Loadmaster 20 with 3000 pound net capacity. 3500 pound axle. My springs are shot and was wondering if I increase the springs to 2000 pounds a side and go with a 4500 pound axle can I carry 4000 net? trailer is a 2004 and everything else is in great shape.

crothers · 02-26-2010, 06:31 AM

Hmmm,
By raising the spring rate, you increase the loading to the frame of the trailer where the spring shackles attach and where the load (boat) weight attaches to the frame. Bottom line, the frame will start to flex more (they are not perfectly rigid), so depending on the details of the structure of the trailer (I beam size, etc etc) it may be ok or lead to stress fractures of the trailer structure. If they made the same trailer frame with a higher capacity axle by the orig manufacturer good indication you are good to go. IF not.......

rwidman · 02-27-2010, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surrender

Loadmaster 20 with 3000 pound net capacity. 3500 pound axle. My springs are shot and was wondering if I increase the springs to 2000 pounds a side and go with a 4500 pound axle can I carry 4000 net? trailer is a 2004 and everything else is in great shape.

Did your boat gain weight?

The trailer's capacity is based on several things, not just the axle or springs. If you want a reliable answer, contact the trailer manufacturer with your question.