Will Leaf Spring for 5,000-lb Trailer Axles Work w/ 5,200 lb Dexter Axle on 7,000 lb GVWR Trailer

Question

Question:

I have a 2012 PJ Trailer, Carhauler C5182. The trailer has a 7,000 lb GVWR. The axles have fatigued and the wheels no longer have the correct camber. I’m hoping to upgrade to the Dexter 5,200 lb axles with electric brakes. As well, upgrade the wheels and leaf springs. On your site I found a 5,000 lb leaf spring part # SP-218275. These springs measure 25-1/4 eye to eye which matches the existing springs and hangers. Is there a better spring to go with this axle that would allow me to keep the mounts in the same locations?

asked by: John Y

0

Expert Reply:

The most important measurement for replacing double-eye leaf springs is the center-eye to center-eye measurement, and if the 25-1/4" measurement of the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 5,000-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/4" Long # e44SR is what you need (which is what it sounds like), then you can go with it.

The fact that it is rated for 5,000 lbs won't come into play in regards to matching the 5,200 lb rating of the Dexter Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - E-Z Lube - 6 on 5-1/2 Bolt Pattern # 6340624-EB. Since your trailer has a 7,000 lb GVWR the springs and axle are far overrated anyhow, which is the concern.

Springs rated for so much higher than your trailer are going to give you quite a stiff ride, and axles rated for more than the trailer won't offer anything in regards to durability. I think you would be better off going with a 3,500 lb rated leaf spring that has a very similar center-eye to center-eye measurement of 25-1/8", and there is a 3,500 lb Dexter axle with the same measurements as the 5,200 lb axle you mentioned. The difference being you won't be paying for added capacity you aren't using. The parts I do recommend considering are the following:

- Dexter Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - E-Z Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 95" - 3,500 lbs # 7359765-EB

- 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/8" Long # e54SR

I have added a link below to some video reviews as well as a help article on trailer suspension you may want to check out.

expert reply by: Kyle S

0

Answer 1

I believe you are referencing our 6k double-eye leaf springs, the 4-leaf, 25-1/8" long #e47SR and 5-leaf, 25-1/4" long #e34SR. The number of leaves won't make a huge difference, but fewer leaves can give you a slightly softer ride. So…

view full answer...

Answer 2

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

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…

view full answer...

Answer 4

Thank you for providing the specs for the suspension components that you already have. Correct hanger spacing really depends on the components being used such as springs, hangers and equalizers. Most of the hanger spacing dimensions that we have are…

view full answer...

Answer 5

There is no exact way to determine the leaf spring length. The best way to determine the length for a replacement is by measuring the existing leaf springs. The hanger distance and shackle length can help you get a good idea, but you're looking…

view full answer...

Answer 6

Hello Graham, thanks for reaching out. Both the parts you mentioned, the Timbren #T54KV and #TASR5200S03 are 5,200 lb axle-less systems. The difference is the #T54KV is designed for off-road applications with offroad tires while the #TASR5200S03 is…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Well shackle length is mainly based on the height difference between the front and rear hangers. The rear hanger normally doesn't hang as low as the front so that the shackle can offset the difference and add the ability to move. What is the…

view full answer...

Answer 8

The determine the correct replacement leaf spring on your 2021 Coachmen 259FKDS you'll need to lift your trailer frame so the spring is hanging freely and then measure from center-eye to center-eye, then for the equalizer you need to measure…

view full answer...

Answer 9

Hey Douglas! The best option for an upgrade is the MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers. This comes with wet bolts, bronze bushings, and heavy duty shackle straps. Do you know the length of your current shackles? If they're…

view full answer...

Answer 10

To slightly lower your trailer that has had an "axle flip" kit installed you would want to use slightly shorter shackle straps, not longer ones. Shorter shackles will let the axle rest closer to the trailer frame, which lowers the trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Hey JT! Sorry to hear about your trouble with the leaf springs. Hopefully there wasn't a lot of damage and everyone stayed safe. From what I have found the 26E-3500 is the same as the Dexter 072-027-00. This is the 6-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for…

view full answer...

Answer 12

We have lift kits for trailer that easily add 2 inches to the height of the trailer. For that you'd want the part #RR23QX and you'd be set. I attached a picture that shows how it installs to give you an idea. This would be the easiest…

view full answer...