Options for Adjusting Trailer Height on a Gooseneck Livestock Trailer

Updated 03/21/2013 | Published 03/19/2013

Question:

I pull a gooseneck livestock trailer that currently has 4inch axles. When the trailer is hooked up to my truck the trailer sits at an angle and there seems to be more load on the rear axle versus the front axle. I am in the process of potentially buying new axles and running gear. Should I keep the 4inch axle to keep the height low for the livestock and use an over-under spring conversion kit to lift the trailer slightly. I am somewhat confused in what i should do. Any information you provide would be great. Thanks

asked by: Scott W

Helpful Expert Reply:

Mounting your axle under your leaf springs will lift your trailer more than 7 inches (4 inches for your axle diameter plus 3 inches for the thickness of your leaf springs and spring seat). Since you have a livestock trailer, that would not be the best option to level out your trailer.

The first step that I would take is to check the coupler on your gooseneck trailer. Most gooseneck trailers have adjustable couplers that allow you to adjust the height of the trailer at the gooseneck hitch. If you can lower the front of your trailer with the coupler and still tow your trailer safely without hitting your truck bed, that would the best option.

If your coupler is already adjusted to the lowest setting, you could look into installing taller leaf spring hangers. Each leaf spring hanger would need to be extended the same length on both sides of the trailer. This will provide some lift at the axles, but nowhere near 7 inches. If you can tell me the length of your leaf springs (front, rear and center hangers) I can tell you if we have hangers that will work for you.

I have also attached a link to all of the leaf spring hangers that we carry for 2 inch wide leaf springs.

expert reply by: John H