Will Slipper Springs Work with the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

Published 11/15/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(859)

$82.90

U-Bolt Plate - 3" Diameter, Round Trailer Axle - 2" Wide Spring - 1/2" Bolts

(158)

$15.21

Question:

I am wanting to do an axle swap on my camper and have asked a couple questions about the over under conversion kit. Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit - K71-385-00 I was told it would not work with slipper springs and then I was told it would work with slipper springs. Which is correct

asked by: Tim

Expert Reply:

The Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit part # K71-385-00 CAN be used with slipper springs. However, the process of installing this kit on a trailer with a set of slipper springs is more indepth than installing this kit on a trailer with a set of double eye leaf springs.

There are two issues that need to be addressed when using the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit on a trailer with slipper springs, movement of the spring seat and dimensions of the u-bolt plate. Since slipper springs will shift back and forth as the trailer is in motion, the spring seats need to be fully welded to the trailer axle. In regards to the dimensions of the u-bolt plate, slipper spring are generally 2" wide and double eye leaf springs are generally 1-3/4" wide. This means that the u-bolt plate included with the kit will not work for you if your leaf springs are 2" wide. You will instead need to make your own which is fairly simple.

If you ask me, swapping out the u-bolt plate and welding the spring seat is easier and more cost effective than changing leaf springs and leaf spring hangers. According to Dexter Axle, the above process is permitted using the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit.

expert reply by: Conner L