Can Different Leaf Springs be Used to Raise Height of Enclosed Cargo Trailer

Published 05/20/2019

Question:

I have. 2006, 20’ enclosed custom cargo trailer with dual axles rated at 3500# for 7000# gvwr. The wheels have always been too tight for my comfort and I typically dont exceed gvwr, typical load is about 2000-3000#. Im thinking of putting 2500# springs with the idea being to give it lift, Im not looking to haul heavier loads. Will 5000# springs give me more wheel clearance? Also the unloaded shackle length is 25-1/8” and loaded with a moderate load of about 1500# has a length with variance between axles of 27-1/8 to 27-1/2. Can I put a 25-1/4” spring in this application. Again Im not looking to load this thing down Im just looking for better clearance. I should mention after running cheap tires I ungraded to a 8ply tire, 205/75r15, which is stock but these tires seem somewhat larger than the 6plys generics. This was done to avoid blowouts on our hot Louisiana and Texas roads in summer! Thanks!

asked by: Ben S

Expert Reply:

The standard amount of space that we recommend having between the top of your tires and the fender is 4" with your trailer unloaded. If this is shorter for your 2006 enclosed trailer then it is definitely wise to switch something up.

The only way to really gain clearance by swapping out leaf springs is if your new springs have a larger spring stack than your older springs. So it has less to do with the weight capacity as it does with the dimensions of your leaf springs.

You can switch out your leaf springs for taller ones if you want to but what I recommend doing is using the over-under conversion kit # K71-384-00 to place your leaf springs on top of your trailer axle instead of having your axle on top of your leaf springs. This then raises the height of your trailer equivalent to the diameter of your axle plus the height of your leaf spring stack (so 2-3/8" plus some!).

Attached is a review video for the conversion kit as well as a link to our selection of leaf springs if you'd rather go that route. If you want some help choosing replacement leaf springs just let me know what the current height of your leaf spring stack is and I can make a recommendation for you. Another possible option is to use taller hangers but that requires you to cut off the old hangers and have new ones welded on.

expert reply by: Jon G