trailer question - NJFishing.com Your Best Online Source for Fishing Information in New Jersey

BigRock44 · #1 05-13-2018, 09:33 AM

when is it time to change out the leaf springs in your trailer? going into my 5th year with it and they are well covered with rust. wondering at what point they should be replaced. i trailer my boat around, sometimes on the garden state pkwy at higher speeds, so wanna make sure they don't give out. any info would be greatly appreciated - thanks in advance...

capspackle · #2 05-13-2018, 10:12 AM

I don't know the condition of your spring now but you can give fluid film a try.
Here is a link to their web site
https://www.fluid-film.com/boating-applications/
If the springs are weak they should be replaced.
If just rusted up this could help.

Maritime Matt · #3 05-13-2018, 10:21 AM

U-bolts, tie-plates and axles usually rust away long before i see springs deteriorate. Fresh water rinse is a must every time your done in the salt. I use Corrosion X regular and heavy duty formula on all parts of my trailers.

Capt. Lou · #4 05-13-2018, 10:01 PM

Get a Float On Trailer eliminates common issues and super easy to load n unload as long as u have good water

Capt. Debbie · #5 05-15-2018, 10:33 AM

I had leaf springs last as long as my oldest trailer 16 years.

As pointed out check of the U bolts. They will rust like hell. The leafs also have movement. So does the pivot bolt attaching them to the frame.

Get some silicone ( Not WD-40) spray in between the leafs and spray or light grease inside the pivot bolt housing on frame. If you jack up the trailer frame allowing the wheels to droop you will see how much they slide fore and aft play there is. A LOT.

Spray in between leafs to coat. The springs will take shock as good as new.

BigRock44 · #6 05-17-2018, 07:46 AM

good info!
thanks again

bulletbob · #7 05-30-2018, 12:14 PM

If the springs, u bolts/plates and shackles are covered in rust, but are still solid here;s what I do.. Clean the excess flaking rust off with a wire brush, and then hose them off with a garden hose and let dry.. Now you can do a few different things,, You can use heavy motor oil, grease, trans or gear oil,,, anything wet and slippery that will hang on.. WD 40 penetrates well, but is gone in a few days.. I oil between the leaves, and all the nuts and bolts.. Everything really gets oiled or greased, and my trailer parts last for decades..

If you would rather not deal with oil/grease, simply clean everything well, and paint with black Rustoleum.. EVERYWHERE!.. It works very well, and lasts a very long time, and does stop rust pretty well.. If your springs , shackles. U bolts are not strong and solid, probably should replace them first, before greasing or painting everything down there..If you don't know how to tell, ask someone that does.. Any decent auto mechanic will know if they are still serviceable.....
Once you know the spring parts are solid, and you clean and grease or paint them,always wash the trailer well wish a hose, including the wheels, axle, springs, lights, rails, everything, each time it sees salt water.. Takes a minute and your trailer will last forever... When you see rotted out trailer axles and springs, its simply a matter of neglect.. I never have had corrosion problems because I kept the trailer clean, free of salt, and either greased up, or painted, or both.... bob