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

Reply

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.

Reply

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

Reply

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

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See All (7) Replies to Sam P. ∨

Answer 1

I do have a solution, but replacement torsion axles are not something that we carry. What I can offer instead is the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System. This system is similar to your current torsion axles but with 2 separate units. This…

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Answer 2

In order to replace torsion axles with leaf spring axles you'll first need to start with a hanger kit, if it's a tandem axle trailer then I recommend the Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double Eye Springs part #APT5. This can then be…

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Answer 3

Since you have a wheelbase/axle spacing of 38 inches the correct hanger kit for slipper springs would be the part #HAP-105-205-01. And then for a 7k trailer axle the u-bolt kit you'd want would be the part #APUBR-8. I attached the diagram to use…

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Answer 4

By "mobile home type bolt pattern" I believe you are talking about a 5 spoke utility bolt pattern such as what is on the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 6,000-lb and 7,000-lb Axles #8-174-5UC3. To measure your axle from hub face to…

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Answer 5

If your old axles have a 5 bolt brake flange the assemblies like Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Left Hand - 6,000 lbs part #23-105 or Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 6,000 lbs part #23-106 will…

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Answer 6

If you think the cause for the noise on your 2015 Jayco Whitehawk 24RBS tandem-axle travel trailer is from the normal travel of the suspension components (leaf springs, equalizers and shackle straps), you might switch over to wet bolts. The squeaking…

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Answer 7

Normal operating temperatures for drum brakes range from 150-400 degrees F. During certain stopping conditions the brake heat can exceed 600 degrees. The effectiveness and stopping power of the brakes is significantly reduced at these higher…

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Answer 8

I would love to help you upgrade the suspension on your Twilight 2800 travel trailer. The MORryde Rubber Equalizers for Tandem Axle Trailers #MR87ZR that you referenced are a great solution but we do need to double check a few things. First is that…

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Answer 9

Yes, the Solera Slide Topper part #LCV000168106 is the correct fit for your flange width of 90-1/2 inches. This specific model has a box width range of 86 to 91-3/4 inches which is perfect for your width listed.

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Answer 10

The Trailer Leaf Spring, 2250 lbs. 6 Leaf, item #e27SR, is sold as a replacement spring for older trailers and measures 26 inches for eye to eye, center to center. If you are replacing the springs and hangers you will need to use the same center to…

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Answer 11

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…

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Answer 12

To see all of the correct wheel and tire combos you'd need check out the link I attached. The option I would recommend is the part #TA43RR which is a Load Range C tire size ST175/80R13 mounted on a white spoke wheel with a bolt pattern of 5 on…

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

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