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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Ted

11/10/2025

What is the b measurement in the picture?

Jesse M.

11/10/2025

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

Answer 1

The portion of the rear hanger with TOP labeled on it will get welded to the trailer frame. I am including a picture of the hangar that shows the top marking and how it is positioned on the trailer. I attached an FAQ on trailer suspension for you to…

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Answer 2

Spring hangers are intended to be welded on. Although you could drill holes in them and bolt them to your trailer, this would affect their capacity to some unknown degree and so this is not recommended. A local trailer supply shop will be able to do…

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Answer 3

The distance between the spring eyes on center for #e54SR is 25-1/8 inches. When using hanger kit #APS5 the distance on center between the hangers with this spring is 25-3/4 inches, a 1/2 inch longer. This is correct. The hanger spacing should be…

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Answer 4

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 5

Hey Robert, do you know about how old the axle of the trailer is? If it's from around the late 90's till now yes the 3,500 lb axles all have interchangeable hubs and the part #AKHD-545-35-EZ-K would but but if older than that it's not the…

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Answer 6

Based on your images it does appear your trailer was built to have double eye springs rather than a slipper spring. For this you will need to measure your current mounts from bolt hole center to bolt hole center. We have the 3,500LB leaf springs…

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Answer 7

Thank you for providing all of that information! From the photos and dimensions it looks like you have the suspension kit that's equivalent to the Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit #APT5. For your axle and hanger spacing you need lead springs that…

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Answer 8

You will have to replace the spindle. Grooves that can't be taken out with emory cloth will eventually cause new bearings to fail which will leave you stranded with a locked up wheel most likely. To replace a spindle, the old one would need to be…

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Answer 9

A 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern on a trailer wheel will use a 1/2" bolt with a 60-degree cone. I have linked our selection of bolts that meets this criteria for you to filter through. One of the most popular is the CE Smith Trailer Wheel Lug Nut…

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Answer 10

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 11

I can help you troubleshoot your issue on your 2015 Nissan NV3500. First let me answer your question about the use of a converter. You will not need the use of a converter for the utility trailer, because the 7-way on the vehicle is already converted…

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Answer 12

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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Installing Leaf Springs on Single Axle Trailer

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