trailer leaf springs

[dhughes49]

I have a 2002 kenner 21 ft . Its setting on a single axel trailer . It seems to me to be setting too low . You cant get a finger between the tire and the finder. The keel hit the axel and tore my keel guard. I just bought this boat and want to fix the problem. tag on trailer says GAWR 3740LBS

GAWR3740LBS it says it twice

type trailer . boat model KV21-5AB

TRAILER CAPACITY 2940LBS.

I Cant figure what springs to buy to replace these or if springs are what I really need. Trailer was made by tracker marine . I tried googleing all this info and found nothing that told me what springs are on this trailer .If anyone knows please let me know.

 

[colbyt]

Re: trailer leaf springs

Let's be sure springs are your problem. Most fenders have adjustments. The relationship between the tire and fender is a function of tire size and fender mounting. Perhaps larger wheels were used without remounting the fender.

The boat usually sets above the fenders. This is determined by bunk or roller rise above the frame and has nothing to do with the springs.

If I got the right boat your GVW sounds like it is line. Boat: 1991 Kenner Boats 21

All these things need to be considered before you start firing the parts cannon.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: trailer leaf springs

3740# is an odd rating for an axle. Are you certain the number isn't 3500#. GVWR is gross vehicle weight rating which is the total maximum allowable weight of the trailer, boat, engine, gear, fuel and other stuff. GAWR is gross axle weight rating which is the maximum load the axle is capable of. In other words if the GVWR is 3740 and the GAWR is 3500 the axle would be overloaded by 240#. The axle should have a capacity tag on it and I would guess it will say 3500# The axle, springs, and tire capacity determine what the maximum all up weight can be. Since maximum load capacity is 2940# -- that should be within the 3500# (or 3740#) capacity of the axle and springs as that would mean the trailer itself weighs in the 500 - 700# range depending on which number is correct.

 

[robert graham]

Re: trailer leaf springs

My son just went through the same thing with his boat/trailer....had to replace his leaf springs With some heavier rated springs....if you could remove one of your springs and take it to a place like Northern Tool or similar trailer supply store, they can help you pick the stronger springs for your rig....Or maybe you could tow your rig over there so they could look at it and recommend the correct springs. Springs should be just right, not to stiff and not too soft, so your rig will sit and tow correctly.

 

[dhughes49]

Re: trailer leaf springs

oh my mistake. the GVWR is 3740lbs
and the .................GAWR IS 3740LBS

 

[KD4UPL]

Re: trailer leaf springs

The FIRST thing you need to do is fill the boat with fuel and gear and go weigh it. You can find scales at truck stops, feed mills, landfills, quarries, etc.
It's quite possible that the trailer is overloaded and squatting the springs too much.
I don't know what your boat weighs but my 21' boat, on the trailer, comes to around 4,500 pounds. I bought it used with a single axle trailer. After a few years the trailer frame broke. It was then that I weighed it and discovered the trailer was overloaded. The boat now rides on a tandem axle trailer.

 

[dhughes49]

Re: trailer leaf springs

I think your right. thanks