Will Installing Leaf Springs with More Leaves Require New Equalizers and Will They Help Lift Trailer

Updated 03/24/2016 | Published 03/22/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double-Eye Springs

(1030)

$243.93

6-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,500-lb Trailer Axles - 26" Long

(2087)

$69.84

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(788)

$92.78

Question:

I have 25-3/4, 4 leaf on my 5th wheel, with 4.4k axles, and 013-010-04 equalizer. Axles are 35inch centers, hangers are 29-1/2inch centers. Can I install 26, 6 leaf springs for a 4500# axle, or will I have to change the equalizer. My trailer needs some lift, and thought this would help. The current equalizer is 4inch tall by 6-1/8, and seems to be better for raising the rv. Thanks for any advice.

asked by: Gary P

Expert Reply:

If your existing leaf springs originally measured 25-3/4 inches, it is highly likely that you can put 26 inch long leaf springs, like # e27SR, on your trailer without needing to change the equalizers or move your spring hangers.

If the existing springs originally measured 25-1/4 inches, moving up to 26 inch long springs will likely require some adjustments for your trailer.

Using leaf springs that are longer and have more leaves will not help lift your trailer. Two ways to help lift your trailer are by installing an over-under kit that will place your trailer springs on top of the axle instead of under the axle or by installing taller spring hangers. If you already have an over-under kit on your trailer, using springs with more leaves will raise the trailer by the difference in width of the existing and new springs.

If your axle is not already under your leaf springs, you can certainly use a conversion kit to give your trailer some extra height. If your 4,400 pound axle is a round axle with a 3 inch diameter, you can use the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-385-00. I have attached a review video of this kit for you.

expert reply by: Victoria B