What Distance is Needed Between Trailer Axle and Trailer Frame

Published 08/23/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double Eye Springs - 3-1/4" Tall Front/Center/Rear

(689)

$96.08

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(788)

$84.14

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(788)

$92.65

Question:

I have a 7000 lb car hauler. With a 2 3/8 diameter Dexter axle there is 1 5 /8 inches clearance between the top of the axle mounting U bolt and the frame when the trailer is loaded with 6600 lbs on the trailer wheels. One of those axles is bent and Dexter courtesy replaced the two axles with 3 inch diameter axles. That means there will be 5/8 less clearance between the trailer frame and the axle when the trailer is loaded. Is a 1 inch axle clearance on a loaded trailer sufficient with the load I am carrying.

asked by: William D

Expert Reply:

As long as you have at least 2-1/2" between your axles and the frame of your trailer when it is unloaded you should be good to go.

Altogether your leaf springs should only be deflecting about 1-1/2" when carrying a load.

If you wanted to increase your clearance then there are a few ways to do that. One way would be to cut your current hangers off and have longer ones welded on and another way is to use an over under kit like part # K71-384-00 for a 2-3/8" axle or part # K71-385-00 for a 3" axle. This moves your axle so that it sits under your leaf springs which means it will increase your height equal to the height of your axle plus the height of your leaf spring stack.

expert reply by: Jon G