Adding Lift to 3,500 lb Trailer Axle

Question

Question:

Sounds like a stupid idea. Embarressed to even ask. Can I flip this axel to get a lift? Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with 4 E-Z Lube Spindles - 95 Long - 3,500 lbs Item # 7685269

asked by: Bob M

0

Expert Reply:

It's not a stupid question, it's a perfectly logical one but you should not flip the Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with 4" Drop E-Z Lube Spindles # 7685269 to get rise as this was not the intended design as it is an underslung axle with spring seats that are intended to be on the underside of the axle.

There is a way to add lift to a 3,500 lb axle such as the straight Dexter Trailer Axle Beam # 7359765. What you would use is called an over/under kit, which is commonly referred to as flipping the axle but is really just moving your trailer's leaf springs to the top of your axle, as you can see in the accompanying photo.

For a 2-3/8" round axle such as the Dexter Trailer Axle Beam # 7359765 you would need Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-384-00.

These kits lift your trailer approximately the same amount as your axle's diameter plus the height of the leaf spring pack (please keep in mind this conversion kit is for use with double-eye springs only).

expert reply by: Kyle S

0

click to enlarge

Steven R.

5/26/2020

how wide of axle should i use with a trailer that is 84 inch wide

Chris R.

5/29/2020

The exact length depends a bit on the tire size you're planning on using. Also, does the 84" width you mentioned include the fenders?

Ryan

10/11/2020

@ChrisR I have an Echo Trailer EE-9-13 frame I got from a junk yard with no axle. What size axle does this call for? It is a 2011. Tire is ST175/80D. Looks like it use to have a 2000lb axle according to sticker but wouldn't mind putting a 3500lb axle on. Thanks,

Jon G.

10/12/2020

@Ryan How wide is the trailer frame center to center?

See All (7) Replies to Steven R. ∨

Answer 1

Hi Bruce, To lift your trailer we'll first need to check of the suspension and see if you have torsion axles or a leaf spring suspension. If you have torsion axles then I'll need to see the axle tag in order to determine what you have so I…

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Answer 2

It is definitely not recommended to drill a hole in your pin box to add another set of rows. The height of your pin box and hitch will be adjustable to an extent and then you will need to adjust the axles for further leveling. My recommendation is to…

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Answer 3

You can use leaf springs that are rated higher than the axle without any issues as long as they measure the correct measurement for your trailer. For example the 6-leaf double eye spring for 7,000 lb axles part #e64SR measures 24-7/8" eye to…

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Answer 4

The typical axle diameter for an axle that is rated for 3,500-lbs is 2-3/8 inches. Some can have a 3-1/2 inch diameter, but it is very rare. I would recommend to use the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit, part #K71-384-00, you have…

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Answer 5

I have an axle that is pretty close to what you're wanting, but is not going to work as the spring center measurement is a bit off and it needs to be just right to work. I do have a solution though. You can get the Timbren Axle-less Trailer…

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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

In order to make sure you get the correct replacement parts you will want to take a measurement or two. It would be best to measure the spring while the trailer is lifted and weight is taken off the spring. You need the eye-to-eye measurement to make…

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Answer 8

The rule of thumb for estimating a tongue weight is 10-15 percent of trailer weight. A 4,600 pound trailer would have a tongue weight between 460 and 690 pounds. Somewhere between a 1,000 to 2,000 pound capacity jack would be fine. Having a jack that…

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Answer 9

Trailer leaf springs are traditionally mounted under the axle. To mount them on top of the axle, you need to use an over-under kit to allow you to put spring seats on top of your axle. If you already have the spring seats mounted on top and bottom,…

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Answer 10

Hello Ed, I am sorry but we do not have add a leaf for trailers. I recommend that you get new leaf springs. If you could please let me know what your axle capacity is, and the eye to eye measurement on your leaf spring while unloaded, I am happy to…

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Answer 11

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 12

It definitely will Paul. The spring seats on the Trailer Axle with Idler Hubs item #e52GR are welded on at an 80" spacing. All you'll need to do is bolt this up where your current axle sits. You will want to replace the U-bolts though.…

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Adding Lift to 3,500 lb Trailer Axle

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