Trailer Leaf Springs

For those that have built their own trailers with leaf springs, please chime in and verify my estimates. What else should I consider when choosing leaf springs?
I'm going to build my own trailer basically following these plans (more or less)....


https://myhub.autodesk360.com/ue29cb58f/g/shares/SHabee1QT1a327cf2b...

Trailer will be constructed from 2x3x1/8" wall tubing with leaf spring suspension and 13" tires.

Weight estimates:
17' Don Hill Flyfisher= 350lbs
Trailer sprung weight (not including axle, wheels, springs) = 300lbs
Misc (oars, cooler/ice, other stuff) = 100lbs
Total Sprung Weight = 750 lbs

A *very* loose "rule of thumb" that I can gleam from reading on how to spec leaf springs is to pick a total axle rating that is double the sprung weight, in my case 750 X 2 = 1500lbs....basically choose qty two 750lbs rated leaf springs. Does that seem reasonable for a 17' wooden drift boat?  My concern is ending up with springs that are too stiff resulting in a bouncy ride.

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Permalink Reply by Bennett Yarbrough on November 15, 2025 at 3:08pm

I swapped in 750lb springs and have been very happy with them. Steel trailer, 17x54 boat, loaded cooler. It rides like a dream. If they’re too squishy 1000 lb springs are easy to find and it will be a less than 100 dollar mistake

Permalink Reply by Art Page on November 15, 2025 at 9:56pm

Awesome, that's exactly what I wanted to hear.  Thanks for verifying.

Permalink Reply by Shawn Baker on January 15, 2026 at 7:25am

Also understand that springs are progressive.  Pushing down on that spring pack 1" will usually only flex the outside of the main spring.  Another inch flexes it more and starts to flex the middle leaf.  A max load will engage all 3 or 4 springs in the pack.

Spring packs are generally rated for the MAX load, not the most common load...but if you'll rarely ever exceed 750lbs, you'll probably be perfectly happy with the 750# spring packs.  I think I put 1,000 or 1,200# leafs when I rebuilt my trailer (original had trailer house springs and it was STIFF!!).  I'm glad I did the slightly heavier leafs.  They're not TOO heavy for my 300# drift boat, but when I had to haul my 600# dory plus cooler/gear, it still felt solid and not squishy.

How's the trailer project coming?

Sorry for the late post, I haven't checked in here in awhile.

Permalink Reply by Art Page on January 15, 2026 at 7:41am

Thanks for chiming in Shawn.  The trailer will ever only be hauling the drift boat and nothing heavier, so sounds like the 750lbs springs should be the ticket.  I haven't started the trailer project yet.  All of my efforts up to this point have been focused on the boat.  I hit a bit of a snag and developed tendonitis (tennis elbow) in my dominant arm back around Thanksgiving and it's still slowing me down.  When I do turn my efforts to the trailer the first order of business will be buying the sticks of 2x3 tubing.  I already have sources identified for the axle and springs.

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