Need to replace trailer springs

[BruceW]

I know they are 25" double end, but I forgot to measure width. Does 1 1/4" sound right? I can order 1750# capacity ones for <20 bucks apiece. Probably need new bolts and nuts. Is it worth it to replace equalizer too?

The reason I need to do this is, one leaf is cracked through on left side front set. It's twin on other side is corroded nearly through, so I'd need to replace it soon anyway. I figure the rear ones are ready to go too, so it's a whole set I think I should get.

Any other issues I should know about?

[brackish]

Not sure if it is relevant but mine are 1-3/4" wide.

[BruceW]

Thanks, Brackish.


I guess I really ought to have measured the width. Since yours are wider, mine also might be. I can't recall the make of the trailer either. Well, next time I'm down in New Bern, I'll try to remember to measure. Might as well get it right.

[cw021382]

Hi Bruce,

Mine are 1 3/4" also.  My trailer is a 2000 model Performance.  I think Performance trailers are what compac sells with new boats. 

-Chris

[Bob23]

Iv'e gotten many trailer parts from here:
www.easternmarine.com   
It's not too far from my house so I drive there- kinda like a Wallyworld of trailer stuff.
Bob23

[BruceW]

Bob,I've heard of them; I use champion, but hey, they both look worthy. There's also a shop in New Bern that may work. I'm just going to have to remember to measure the spring width; can't believe I didn't think about that till I was already home. Yes I can.

[HeaveToo]

Bruce....I would suggest taking scaled pictures of the springs before you go into the store.  Maybe a length, width, and height picture.  You can turn off the flash in daylight and use a measuring tape (even better if you use a smart phone as you have the pictures on it and you always have the phone on you).  It may save you a trip back to the boat and it is helpful for the employees to see what you are talking about.

[BruceW]

Heave,

Yep, that's how I do it when I remember to do anything. I have since discovered that I mis-read the spring widths on the Champion site anyway. They are 1 3/4 wide also.

Next step is probably to call down to the New Bern supplier to see his pricing. If it is close, I can save shipping, measure the equalizer and the bolts, pick up everything there, and be on my way. Only issue is, I have to be there M-F, or Saturday morning early. That means I go down Friday, wake up, measure, then go to the trailer place. Still a good move.

[Floridagent]

Performance went out of business in 2005-2006.  But they used standard easy to get parts from the generic trailer component makers.  I have a Performance for my Century 2201.  My Sunday Cat came new on a Magic Tilt trailer custom specified by the factory.  I get parts and accessories for all my boat trailers, utility, and dump trailers from Eastern.
Bob    Florida Gent.

[nies]

Another great source for trailer parts is eTrailer.com,  I rebuilt my 1980 trailer that came with my compac 16, great prices and info, the site has video and lots a tech info...............................nies

[BruceW]

Update

I got all 4 springs, galvanized, from the local guys. I got new brackets & bolts too, because I ended up hacksawing and grinding off the old bolts. I didn't replace the equalizers. I got the front two springs off and replaced. This included the broken set. I stopped there, due to being tired and running out of time.

3 weeks later, I still haven't been back due to cold and rainy weather. This weekend I will try to go, see if I just go sailing, or if I do some work also. The 50+ degree days are few and far between, so I'm for sailing and waiting on the back set of springs. These weren't as bad looking anyway, but I might as well replace them all.

Then I'll take another crack at getting more rust off and painting with Ospho and galvanize. There's a sandblast guy up the road from the club and I might even try that sometime.

[HeaveToo]

Why don't you nail the rest of the stuff with PB Blaster each time you go down there and see the boat.  Maybe in a few weeks it will penetrate everything and you can get them off.

Just a thought.

[BruceW]

Well, I do have that stuff, and won't mind trying it if I decide not to work on it this time. Frankly, though, the grinding, hacksawing worked out pretty easily, also!

[relamb]

I look at every project as a justification to buy a new tool.  So if you don't have a 4" cutoff wheel / grinder, this would be the ideal reason to get one.  Besides, you should replace the bolts anyway, and what better reason than because you had to grind them off?
Enough projects, and you can work your way up to a plasma cutter.
Rick

[BruceW]

Haha, Rick, I'm with ya. I do in fact have the 4" grinder to use. It made quick work. With the first set of springs, though, I did use a hacksaw at first, to get to a spot that was hard to get to.