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

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 3

The hanger part #30-20 is an unusual hanger in that it is recommended you attach the side of it to the trailer frame unlike most that use the other side and face "down". It is also unusual in that it has a bushing that comes with it and…

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Answer 4

I currently have four different self-adjusting assemblies for your boat trailer with 10" x 2-1/4" electric drum brakes. You can choose from the following: -Terran Axle Electric Trailer Brakes #TX97ZJ (3,500 Axles) -etrailer Electric Trailer…

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Answer 5

Hello Javier, As I would love to make your life easier and tell you it is not necessary, I cannot do so. Brake Burnishing (bedding-in, or break-in) should be done for the following reasons: - Achieve Maximum Performance: Burnishing evenly transfers a…

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Answer 6

I would be happy to help! When measuring for new leaf springs you need to either take them off of the trailer, or jack up the side of the trailer so that the axle is not carrying any weight. Based on the pictures of the leaf springs on your 2017…

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Answer 7

Usually the safety chains are attached to the coupler with bolts and then the clevises connect to the U bolts or Rings on the bed of the truck. In this case, since you're not bolting on to anything, the previous owner has just wrapped them…

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Answer 8

I may have a solution for you but I'm not aware of a bolt on safety chain bracket or clevis that can be used. However you can simply take a safety chain set (or your existing chains) like the 42" Long Safety Chain with 3/8" Clevis Hook…

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Answer 9

The actual weight of aluminum wheels versus steel wheels will depend on the design. For instance the Aluminum Sendel Series T02 Machined Trailer Wheel - 15" x 6" Rim - 6 on 5-1/2 #AM22654 will weigh 20 lbs and the Aluminum Lynx Trailer…

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Answer 10

The only trailer component that determines the speed rating of the trailer is the tires. All you have to do is simply replace your current tires with one that is rated for highway use, like the Kenda Loadstar #AM3S120 that you referenced, and you are…

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Answer 11

In order to determine if we have an axle that would bolt right up to what you have without welding we need to know the distance between your spring seats on center. We also need to know hub face to hub face dimension of your current axle as well.

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Answer 12

From my research on the Harbor Freight 4x8 folding trailer uses 4.80-12 tires on a 12 inch wheel for the 1195 lb capacity trailer and a 5.30-12 for the 1720 lbs capacity trailer. It is a good idea to check your existing tires to see which size they…

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Installing Leaf Springs on Single Axle Trailer

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