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

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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?

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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.

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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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Answer 1

Building a single axle trailer you will need the following items to install leaf springs. I have listed the part numbers for the PR626 Springs next to the items needed. 2 Springs - #e27SR 2 Front Hangers - #115917, 1-1/2 inch tall or #28-5, 3-1/4…

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Answer 2

You want leaf spring shackles to be at a slight angle as that prevents the springs from flipping around to the other side of the equalizer over uneven terrain. I attached a picture that shows what the angle is typically like.

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Answer 3

Hey Frank, the Westlake ST205/75R15 Radial Tire w 15" Condor Aluminum Wheel #WST74FR is not pre-balanced and it doesn't require it. Trailer wheels do not end up getting balanced and when people try to it doesn't really offer…

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Answer 4

The closest leaf spring set we have available to the 22-1/4 inch length you mentioned is the 3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring #SP-113275. This double-eye leaf spring features a length of 23-1/2 inches from the center of the spring eye to the center of the…

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Answer 5

It is not uncommon for the trailer hangers on a tandem axle trailer to be all the same size or for there to be different sizes that can be 1-1/2 to 2 inches different in height when you compare the center hanger to the front and rear. For example,…

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Answer 6

Ff the springs you are installing are 25-1/4 inches, you would need to place the hangers between 24-3/4 and 25 inches apart. The shackle should be angled as the drawing shows in the attached helpful article, which should be toward the rear of the…

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Answer 7

I attached a picture that shows the proper position of shackles and equalizers on trailer suspension. Sometimes the shackle will flip up but if you jack up the trailer by the axle that's got the shackle flipped you can usually get it to flip…

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Answer 8

I can help you with determining the correct replacement wheel and tires for your trailer with a 6.90-9 tire. Normally you would just need to measure the diameter of the wheel to get the size, but we know a 6.90-9 tire fits a 9" x…

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Answer 9

We have some kits like the Single-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 1-1/2" Front, 7/8" Rear #APS1 and the Single-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 3-1/4" Front, 1-1/4" Rear #APS4. You…

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Answer 10

The 60/40 axle placement formula is a great starting point and does take into account the tongue of the trailer from where the trailer sits on the hitch ball. Please keep in mind that this is a very basic formula or estimate for axle placement. For…

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Answer 11

We recommended to repack the wheel bearings on your trailer every 12 months or 12,000 miles. There is not a specific guideline as far as actually replacing the bearings. When repacking them with grease, you will also just want to check for any…

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Answer 12

The Dexter 072-078-00 is a 2,200 lb capacity leaf spring. You can use a higher capacity leaf spring, however it won't increase the capacity of your trailer as the axle is still rated for that max capacity of 4,400 lbs. My recommendation for…

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Installing Leaf Springs on Single Axle Trailer

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