Installing Leaf Springs on Single Axle Trailer

Question

Question:

In the attached picture from your website, the rear shackle right side is sitting at an angle. Does the direction of this angle matter leaning forward, backwards, or vertical?

asked by: Harold C

0

Expert Reply:

For a single axle trailer, you want the shackle strap to be able to move so that you have the spring deflection needed for your suspension. Angled like the photo or even almost vertical is fine you just don't want the shackle strap to bind and have issue as you go over bumps. If it is completely vertical or angled back toward the axle, then your leaf spring is not long enough and your suspension components will not move as intended giving you a rough ride at best and at worst failure of components. I've attached a suspension article to assist, but let me know if you have further questions.

I've attached a single axle hanger kit # APS4 that gives you compatible spring options for capacity and hanger distances.

expert reply by: Jason S

0

click to enlarge

Hermann

8/4/2020

I have a small trailer, but also another set of leaf springs. Can I mount them adjacent to the existing leaf springs (obviously adding another 2 supports for them, but on the same axle) to increase the carrying capacity?

Reply

Chris R.

8/13/2020

I don't recommend installing an additional set of leaf springs on the trailer. This won't actually increase the trailer capacity (since you'll still be limited by the axle rating) but WILL create an extremely rough ride during travel.

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Ruben R.

12/5/2020

@ChrisR Hello, I read your article on spring length and am in the process of building a 10 x 5 utility trailer and have some f-150 leaf springs that are 57" long, they look fine when clamp up, would like to know your opinion, Thanks, Merry Christmas. Ruben

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Jon G.

12/7/2020

I would avoid using vehicle leaf springs if at all possible because they are designed for the driving and load shifts that come with a vehicle as opposed to that of a trailer. Leaf springs are something that get replaced regularly so it's best to keep it as standard as possible so that it's easier to replace further along down the road.

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Rob H.

7/9/2024

I have a 5 x 12 utility trailer. Originally was a travel trailer I stripped and made into a custom trailer. From the factory the leaf springs measure 261/4 “ but the rear bracket points toward the axle or front of trailer. ( not away or rear of trailer as shown above. Since I have to replace the leaf springs because one broke , should I go with a 27” spring ? That would angle the rear bracket slightly to the rear.

Reply

Bryce D.

7/9/2024

@RobH Rob, you'd want to stick with the 26" long leaf spring # e22YR instead. A 1/4" difference won't matter much so you'd be fine to use that one.

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Ted

11/10/2025

What is the b measurement in the picture?

Reply

Jesse M.

11/10/2025

@Ted That is the distance between the center of the axle and the trailer frame.

Reply

Answer 1

When using the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,000-lb Trailer Axles part #e27SR with the Single-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs part #APS4 you will need to space the leaf spring hangers 25-3/4" apart.

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Answer 2

Our general rule of thumb is that the hanger spacing should be 1/4" -1/2" less than the length of the leaf spring. There is a small amount of tolerance,(1/2" or less) but not much. I do not recommend using a 25-1/4" long leaf…

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Answer 3

The hole spacing of the Buyers Products Fabricators Hitch Plate #3371809042 that you referenced is the same as the standard pintle mount bolt pattern which is 1-3/4 inches apart vertically and 3-1/2 inches apart horizontally.

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Answer 4

Hello Rickey, thanks for reaching out. The axle weight capacity, hub bolt pattern, and bearing/seal sizes would be what we would need to get you the right hubs and rotors. There should be a sticker on the axle tube that shows the weight capacity. If…

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Answer 5

Hi Jerry; an air compensated pintle hook like the Buyers Products 50 Ton Air Compensated Pintle Hook with Chamber and Plunger #337PH50AC is going to be the best option. However, none of our pintle hitch plates like the #3371809040 you looked at have…

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Answer 6

Generally speaking, on a single axle trailer you will want the leaf spring hangers to be spaced apart 1/2" less than the eye to eye measurement of your leaf spring. Therefore, you will want to place the hanger 25-1/2" apart on center when…

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Answer 7

As long as the weight capacity is inline with your trailer/axle rating and the measurements match your current springs, the number of leaves in a spring pack does not matter. The difference between a 3 and 4 leaf spring pack within the same weight…

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Answer 8

The #99 trailer spindle is typically found on 9,000 lb and 10,000 lb axles. This is not a spindle that we carry at this time, but I did find some of the measurements. I have attached a diagram showing the dimensions of a #99 spindle for you to check…

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Answer 9

It is possible to mount the springs on top of the axle which is called "flipping the axle". To accomplish this we normally recommend an over-under conversion however there is not one with square u-bolts available for your square axle.…

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Answer 10

How did you measure the existing springs? Because leaf springs will flatten out over time as they wear, the best way to get an accurate measurement of the eye-to-eye length is with the trailer up on jack stands so the axle hangs free. This should…

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Answer 11

You will want to use the 1-1/2" Long Torx Floor Screws #TF01150 to hold your 5/8" marine treated plywood on your snowmobile trailer. These screws are the same 1/4" diameter you removed from your previous flooring. They are 1-1/2"…

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Answer 12

The Buyers Products Fabricators Hitch Plates like part #3371809042 are not given a weight capacity by the manufacturer. This is because the weight capacity will largely be dependent on how securely it is mounted. The highest rated pintle hook we…

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Installing Leaf Springs on Single Axle Trailer

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