How Much Space Should be Between the Top of the Axles and the Bottom of a Boat Trailer

Updated 04/03/2015 | Published 04/02/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with EZ-Lube Spindles - 89" Long - 3,500 lbs

(800)

$224.93

Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 3-1/4" Front/Rear, 3-5/8" Center

(696)

$84.25

Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 3-1/4" Front/Rear, 5-7/16" Center

(126)

$166.18

3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 2,500-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/8" Long

(2180)

$36.84

Question:

So I am in in the process of upgrading my single axle boat trailer into a tandem. And I failed to realize the single axle was a drop axle and the v style frame droops in the center. If I use the height of the original hangers I estimate I will only have about 2inch overhead clearance from the top of the bowed axle to the bottom of the trailer center beams. I can fabricate whatever I need but im not sure how high it should be. the boat and trailer weigh 3200lbs and the tandem im going to is 5k. Should I allow for more clearance? im using e66SR springs,ap223 hanger kit

asked by: Dustin A

Expert Reply:

Normally when using hanger kit # AP233-H248 with spring # e66SR the distance from the bottom of the frame to the center of the axles is going to be approximately 4-1/2 inches. Subtract half the width of the frame then to the top of the axles that would be 3-5/16 inches. Two inches might work out fine depending on how far the suspension travels but more height would likely be needed considering the heavier load.

Hanger kit # APT4 would provide more height since it has taller hangers than kit # AP233-H248. Every trailer set up is different though and you won't really know until everything is installed and there is weight on the trailer.

expert reply by: Michael H