Converting 3,500 lb Torsion Axle to Spring Leaf Axle on Boat Trailer

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Question:

I have a 2010 Magic Tilt boat trailer for a 22 center console with a dry weight of 2200 lbs. The trailer currently has center torsion axles that are rated for 3500lbs each. They are completely shot and they are very expensive. I would like to see if it is possible to convert to a straight axle with leaf springs. Could you help me please? Thanks Sam

asked by: Sam P

0

Expert Reply:

Hey Sam; thanks for the question and yes it is possible to go from a 3,500 lb torsion axle to a spring leaf axle on your boat trailer. You'll need to have new hangers welded on, as well as get leaf springs and, of course, the axle itself. For the hanger kit you can go with the Single-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 3-1/4" Front, 1-1/4" Rear # APS4 which gives you 5 inches of distance between the center of the axle and the trailer frame.

For 3,500 lb leaf springs you can use the 4-Leaf Double Eye Spring for 3.5K Trailer Axles - 25-1/8" - Dacromet # e68SR, which are rust-resistant, making them perfect for a boat trailer. To mount the axle you'd also need U-Bolt Kit # CE23002.

The axle is going to take some measuring as you need to know the distance from hub-face to hub-face to get the right fit. For example the Dexter Trailer Axle with Idler Hubs # 35545I-ST-89 measures 89 inches from hub-face to hub-face. I have added a link below to our entire selection of 3,500 lb axles for you as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S

0

Sam P.

4/4/2024

Thank you for your quick response can hanger be bolted on since the trailer rails are aluminum? Sam

Kyle S.

4/4/2024

@SamP Sure thing, though you'd need different hangers for a bolt-on application. For a 2" tall hanger use the CE Smith # CE14026G or for a 3-3/8" tall hanger part # CE14035G40. Since these don't come with shackle straps and bolts like the hanger kit you would also need six of shackle bolts # # TRFA73Z916DLNZ and four shackle straps # CE14103G. You'd then still need the axle and U-bolt kit # CE23002.

Sam P.

4/4/2024

Great, one more question I was wonder if the measurements I have you can tell me how long my axle should be. From outside to outside of the I beams I have 80 1/2" and from middle of tire to middle of tire I have 93 1/2". Thanks Kyle

Kyle S.

4/4/2024

@SamP Not from that; you'll need to measure the axe from hub face to hub face. I'll link a video for you below (as well as a help article) which shows you how to measure the axle.

Helpful Links

faq-how-to-measure-trailer-axle.aspx

tv-faq-how-to-measure-and-choose-the-right-trailer-axle.aspx

See All (7) Replies to Sam P. ∨

Answer 1

Hey Gavin. The 26" Long etrailer Rust-Resistant 4-Leaf Double Eye Spring item #e48SR have a 2,000 lbs capacity and are designed to work with 4,000 lbs axles but will work with lower rated ones as well. I'm sure these will be plenty capable…

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Answer 2

Hey Greg, welcome back! From a previous conversation you said you need a 25 inch long leaf spring so for one closest to that for a 3,500 lb axle you would want the part #e68SR for a galvanized spring that is 25-1/4 inches long. This is closest size…

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Answer 3

Hey Jason, welcome back! The 3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,000-lb Trailer Axles item #e57SR is the same length so it would definitely work. Bumping up an extra 500 lbs per spring is definitely going to help with the longevity of your suspension.…

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Answer 4

Here is what you need for a rust-resistant U-bolt kit and shackle bolts to go with the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring #e48SR: - CE Smith U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 3,500-lb, Round Trailer Axles - 5-1/2" Long U-Bolts - Zinc #CE23002 - Zinc Shackle Bolt…

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Answer 5

Ole, was that 26" eye to eye measurement you took under load? If it was, then there's a good chance that the 25 1/8" springs #e54SR is the right choice because the springs will elongate over time and under load. If that 26" was not…

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Answer 6

The Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 3,500-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 10" - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized #8-247-50UC3-EZ uses 1/2 inch studs so the lug nuts will be 1/2 inch inner diameter and 13/16 inch outer diameter like #CE11051. If instead you…

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Answer 7

Great question William, basically it just comes down to the condition of everything. You can sometimes get away with just replacing the springs but you'd want to check out all of the moving components and see what is good and what isn't. It…

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Answer 8

Hello Chris, thanks for reaching out. Those leaf springs are very flat, typically they will have a much more noticeable bend, even when under a load. The springs also look pretty rusty compared to the other suspension components, so I agree that…

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Answer 9

I reached out to Bear and they were able to confirm that your 3,500lb axles use a #84 spindle. This will allow you to use the Hub Bearing Kit #BK2-100 on each of your axle hubs. The kit includes new inner and outer bearings and races, a grease seal,…

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Answer 10

Yes, you can switch from using a Tang Washer #5-101 to the Spindle Nut Kit #RG05-100. This kit includes 2 Retainers #6-190, 2 Nuts #6-191 and 2 D-Washers #5-23.

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Answer 11

It sounds like you have the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles #e54SR which are 25-1/8". This measurement is taken with the leaf spring relaxed from center of bolt hole to center of bolt hole. With them holding the weight of the…

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Answer 12

Hi Austin, I can help you determine the right replacement double-eye leaf springs for your 2018 Jayco trailer, though we don't have any way of knowing what specific ones you need. It's pretty easy though, as all you need to do is measure your…

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Converting 3,500 lb Torsion Axle to Spring Leaf Axle on Boat Trailer

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