Recommended Suspension Kit and Leaf Springs With 34 Inches Between U-Bolts

Question

Question:

Hello, I am doing some maintenance on a second hand trailer I bought. I want to replace the leaf springs and the suspension kit. I was looking at your APTT5 kit, but then saw this one, which I would prefer to use if possible, but I am not sure if it is suitable. The ATTP5 page has a table with spring hanger measurements...my trailer matches the measurements in the bottom half of the table....29 1/2 and 34 between the brackets. This kit says it is for 33inch spacing, whereas I have 34. I have several questions. 1. Can I use this kit, even though my spacing is 34 not 33? 2. The product page says: Equalizer dimensions: 2inch tall 7-1/4inch Long from center hole to center hole long version 5-3/4inch Long from center hole to center hole short version How do you know whether to use the short or long? Is it critical, ie will one work better than the other, and under what conditions? 3. I see standard leaf spring measurements are 25 1/4 or 26 inch between eyes...again, which one should I use, and is there an advantage or disadvantage to either one? From what I can tell, all that would do is affect the angle of the shackles that connect the spring to the equalizer. What angle should that shackle be best case scenario? Straight up and down, or 45, or ?? 4. It says shackle length is 2 1/4. Right now mine has 2 1/2. Same question...which is more suitable, or does it make a huge difference? Sorry for all the questions, just trying to educate myself and be safe. Thanks

asked by: Earl

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Expert Reply:

Based on the measurements you have given, the correct kit would be the # K71-657-00 Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension Kit - Double-Eye Springs - Triple Axle - 8,000 lbs. You want to use the short equalizers. The hangers you have are designed for the 7-3/4" short version. It is critical because if you use the wrong size equalizer the springs will not compress and operate correctly. It would move the shackles into a horizontal position which would not allow the suspension to cycle. It should look like a "W" but there are no specific angles.

For springs you will need 25-1/8" long springs, I recommend # e66SR 3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 2,500-lb Trailer Axles or #e78SR 5-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 6,000-lb Trailer Axles depending on your axle capacity.

expert reply by: Robin H

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Answer 1

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 2

Your trailer's wheelbase is a dimension that is compatible with the Dexter Heavy Duty Suspension kit part #K71-359-00 that you referenced so this would be a great option. The equalizers are a little wider than what you have but the shackle length…

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Answer 3

The Dexter Heavy Duty Suspension Kit #K71-360-00 is designed for 33" axle spacing. Since your current spacing is 34" this kit should fit just fine with your current hanger spacing. I have attached a picture showing what this kit should look…

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Answer 4

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 5

To determine the correct length of leaf spring on a 7,000 lb axle, all you have to do is measure from the center of one spring eye to the center of the other spring eye. Keep in mind your current springs will have elongated a bit over time so you can…

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Answer 6

With 8 inches center to center hole that's a good start as these will flex between 7-1/4 to 8-1/4 measurements however you also may make sure you have the 35" center axle to center axle spacing and have 9/16" bolt holes. The #K71-657-00…

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Answer 7

I spoke to my contact at Dexter Axle and they informed me that you may have the incorrect kit. There are currently two different E-Z Flex Triple Axle Suspension Kits for triple axle trailers which will depend on axle spacing. For example, if your…

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Answer 8

The EZ FLex kits like the #K71-657-00 are designed to work with standard trailer hanger kits. If you need hangers you could use the part #28-5 for all of the hangers that your trailer needs and you'd be set as the EZ Flex kit comes with…

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Answer 9

The only 7,000 lb double-eye leaf spring we have is the #e64SR you looked at. This may work for you depending on how you measured. This leaf spring measure 24-7/8" from center of spring eye to center of spring eye. However, I'm not sure if…

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Answer 10

While I am unable to determine the exact size hangers your 2009 Keystone Raptor 3812TS has, it does appear the Triple-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit #APTT5 has all the parts you will need. This kit includes 3-1/4" hangers measured from the frame to the…

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Answer 11

I checked your order notes and the part number you ordered was 385800 which is no longer available but the part #37210715 is essentially the same thing so it would work just as well if not better.

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Answer 12

Yes the hanger kit part #APTT5 would work well with the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-657-00 that you mentioned as well. The 3-1/4 inch height of all of the equalizers would work great without any issue.

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