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Keeping the axle tight against the leaf spring is what keeps your suspension stable. This U-bolt plate locks a 2-3/8" diameter axle to a 1-3/4" wide spring, giving the setup a firm, reliable clamp point. It uses (2) 1/2" diameter U-bolts (sold separately) for a solid grip that holds alignment and helps your trailer track straight.
This plate is formed from strong steel and drilled with 9/16" holes to match 1/2" U-bolts. At 5-7/8" long and 3-3/4" wide overall, with 2-15/16" and 2-5/16" center-to-center spacing, it’s sized right for dependable clamping pressure. The sturdy hardware keeps weight evenly distributed across the springs, so the axle stays planted even when the load shifts.
Saltwater, rain, and road grime can eat through regular steel fast. This plate is hot-dipped in zinc after forming, building up a 3-mil to 5-mil coating that seals out moisture. The thick galvanized layer means it won’t rust or corrode easily, making it ideal for boat or snowmobile trailers that see wet conditions.
The hole layout and plate size are designed for easy alignment with standard 1/2" U-bolts. Once everything’s tightened down, the connection feels solid and stays that way. It’s a simple piece of hardware that does its job right—keeping your axle secure and your suspension working the way it should.
Videos are provided as a guide only. Refer to manufacturer installation instructions and specs for complete information.
Today we're going to be taking a look at the CE Smith U-bolt plate for trailer suspension systems. The U-bolt plate's going to help secure at 2-3/8 inch diameter axle to a 1-3/4 inch wide leaf spring. We can tell that it's designed for a 1-1/4 inch wide leaf spring by taking a measurement between these 2 holes, closest point to closest point. That's going to give us that 1-3/4 inch measurement. This does require 2, 1/2 inch diameter U-bolts. Those are going to be sold separately.
If you're in need of those, you can find them here at etrailer.com. The 4 outer holes on the unit are designed to accept 1/2 inch diameter bolts. The unit's made from a galvanized steel construction, very strong and durable, as well as corrosion resistant, so it's going to be great for use on boat trailers or any application that's exposed to moisture. The product's made in the USA. The diameter of the hole here in the center is around 5/8 of an inch.
A few measurements to go over with you real quick, starting with the overall length. Measuring from edge to edge, we're looking at about 5-7/8 of an inch. The distance that we have between these 2 holes, center on center, that's going to measure 2-15/16 of an inch. We'll take a measurement of the overall width from outer edge to outer edge. We're looking at a measurement of 3-3/4 of an inch and then the distance between these 2 holes center on center is going to be 2-5/16 of an inch. That's going to do it for today's look at the CE Smith U-bolt plate for trailer suspension systems..
Customer Satisfaction Score:
97% were satisfied with this product
3% of customers were not satisfied
Ratings & Reviews
I bought springs, shackle bolts, and u-bolts and plates. Everything was great and fit perfectly. Only issue were the u bolts which were not galvanized. However, at a local trailer store, I bought galvanized U bolts for $4.50 each.
For the DYIers, taking the old ones off took more than 4 hours for each side. My existing shackle bolts were so heavily rusted that I had to cut three off with a hack saw. Difficulty was confined space to operate hack saw with boat still on trailer. However, reassembling the new springs was less than 45 minutes each side.
Must have tools are large diameter 3/4-13/16-7/8 deep sockets (6 point), 2 2 foot long breaker bars and a can of PB blaster.
For safety: Good quality jack stands, minimum of 3--don't rely on the front trailer jack as it may roll.
By the way, I did these myself and I am 64 years old.
I looked all over and no one had these it seems that everybody had 2 inch. My boat trailer is an older one probably from the 1970s with a1 3/4 axle not that common anymore. Thanks etrailer just what I needed.
All is well
Good product with zinc oxide coating to resist corrosion. I would give this product a better rating but truthfully, it needs to be thicker to resist bending when the 1/2-13 u-bolts are tighten to recommended torque specifications.
etrailer is Amazing...Great customer service always reaching out to make sure your satisfied...My order was quick and easy to order
Great parts fast shipping
Excellent quality
Fit perfectly and as advertised. Replaced my stock leaf spring plates on fifth wheel RV which were too wide to accept the SumoSprings trailer helper springs. Easy install.
Heavy duty and good galvanized plating
The two plates were joined together and appear to have been dipped together and could not be separated. Trailer has sent out replacements immediately
Exactly what I needed, couldn’t find it anywhere else. Super fast transaction and shipping
I’ve placed a lot of orders , everything is always as advertised and I can’t believe how fast they ship it
Thick sturdy metal, great heavy duty plates. Measurements were accurate. Well made plates.
The product description made it easy to order the correct one the first time. Product arrived in timely manner and was as described. Competitively priced. Only negative was the center hole had to be reamed out a little to fit over the spring nut.
I would recommend this product for your 3500Lb axle installation. It's excellent quality.
Perfect for my rebuilt trailer!
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Rick B.
6/27/2022
Still perfect!