Can a Single Axle Boat Trailer Be Switched From a Slipper Spring Suspension to Double Eye

Question

Question:

I have a boat trailer needing springs.. It is an old ez loader, 2100 lbs trailer, 26inch between bolts, with an open hook at back. Can I replace with the 25 1/4 using shackles? Do you have a complete kit with bolts? Thank you!

asked by: Joe H

0

Expert Reply:

To switch to a Double Eye Spring # e48SR you would need to also change out your Rear Hanger # 30-20 since you will be adding Shackles # K71-358-00. This is required since the rear hanger has to be 1-3/4" wide on the outer versus at least 1-3/4" wide on the inner like you get with a Slipper Spring Hanger # CES83FR for a Slipper Spring # e33SR.

expert reply by: Bud M

0

Joe H.

2/13/2024

Would you recommend staying with the hook end slipper spring? And.. which one do you have that will fit my spacing between bolts? Thank you! Joe

Bud M.

2/16/2024

@JoeH Personally if it were my trailer I would switch to a double eye spring system even though it does mean changing out the hanger. This is because I know how difficult replacement slipper springs can be to find especially in a breakdown situation. If you choose to stick with the slipper style spring the Spring # e33SR looks to be the only size open eye we have that fits your mounting bolts being 26" on center.

Answer 1

I did some research and for a 2-inch square axle the rating can be between 2,200 to 3,500 lbs. It sounds like the tag on your trailer axle falls within that range. The 4-Leaf Slipper Spring, part #e33SR you asked about is designed to work with…

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Answer 2

For the spring eye you would use the Spring-Eye Bolt with Locknut for Slipper Springs - 3-1/2" Long #166079, but slipper springs don't have the second spring eye, so a bolt is not used on the back end. You can also use a wet bolt like…

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Answer 3

With slipper springs you will want the eyes of the spring facing the front of the trailer and the open end facing the back. I attached a help article on slipper springs for you to check out as well.

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Answer 4

It sounds like the 4-Leaf Slipper Spring w/ Open Eye End #e33SR could be what you are looking for. Over time leaf springs can stretch so this one being 1/4" shorter than your current leaf spring is most likely correct. This leaf spring is rated…

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Answer 5

Hello Paul, great question. The shackle bolts cannot be tightened too much. There is no torque rating for these bolts because tightening them too much can cause the suspension to bind up. The nuts are to be tightened until the knurled portion of the…

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Answer 6

It sounds like you already have done the correct center of one eye to the center of the other eye measurement. If your measurement is slightly off, sometimes the leaf spring may still work as leaf springs do expand by as much as 3/4-inch over time.…

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Answer 7

As they wear, leaf springs tend to flatten out. The first step is to get the correct length of the existing springs. In order to do that, you'll need to put the trailer up on jack stands and measure them (center eye to center of the slipper) with…

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Answer 8

I can help you determine how to figure out the right replacement slipper springs, though I'm not 100% certain what you mean by "where can I find how much space or clearance is required." I think you are asking if there is a standard…

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Answer 9

In order to find the correct replacement slipper spring you will need the length, width, and the capacity. The leaf count does not indicate capacity and is not important when determining a replacement. This information would also make a difference in…

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Answer 10

The Slipper Spring #e33SR referenced in your question is indeed the closest option we have available for a slipper spring that matches the dimensions on your trailer. Slipper springs come in 1-3/4 inch, 2 inch, 2-1/2 inch, and 3 inch widths, so you…

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Answer 11

We do have a selection of slipper springs that are 1-3/4" wide which I have linked for you to check out. The one that is closest to the size that you mentioned is the 4-Leaf Slipper Spring #e33SR which is rated for 4,300 lb trailer axles. It…

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Answer 12

Thanks for the picture! I have something close to your 26" slipper springs. It is possible to switch to a two eye leaf spring or even go down to a four leaf spring with a higher capacity. If you wanted to switch it up to a two eye leaf spring I…

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Can a Single Axle Boat Trailer Be Switched From a Slipper Spring Suspension to Double Eye

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