3,500 lb Rear Axle is Hitting Car Trailer Frame Are New Leaf Springs Needed

Updated 07/20/2024 | Published 06/29/2024

Products Featured in This Question

4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles - 27" Long

(2042)

$62.24

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(779)

$72.79

Question:

have a 7000lbs tandem axle car trailer with that I’ve owned since it was new. It’s now over 20years old and I have noticed the rear axle is stirring on the frame….even while it’s unloaded. No springs or hardware is broken. I always run it at capacity or over and wonder if the springs are just shot? Can I upgrade the spring and not the axle? Or do I have other problems? Thanks in advance!

asked by: Henry D

Trailer Axle Hitting Frame
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hey Henry,

Really appreciate the photos as that made it easy to see what the situation was, and yeah, that's definitely an issue as the axle should not be hitting the frame like that. New leaf springs are a good idea as yours seem a bit long in the tooth (so to speak), but I'd also get an over/under conversion kit.

The kit will move your leaf springs to the top of your axle, creating more space from the frame. I assume since you mentioned a 7,000 lb trailer that you have 3,500 lb axles, so you'll need a pair of the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-384-00.

To replace your double-eye leaf springs just measure your current leaf springs from center-to-center of the spring eyes. Leaf springs also flatten a bit over time, so you should go with ones that measure a bit shorter than what you currently have.

For example, if your leaf springs measured 27-1/4" go with the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles - 27" Long # e97SR.

I have added a link below to our entire selection of double-eye leaf springs, which you can filter through by length.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Henry G.

7/16/2024

Hi Kyle, I would 100% love to move the axle over the springs, but here’s my concern. With the trailer at max capacity, would I need to run bump stops? I have concerns that it would feel like I’m towing a trailer with (excuse the term) marshmallows under it. What are your thoughts?

Kyle S.

7/17/2024

@HenryG Bump stops wouldn't be needed, the springs will still work as normal, it wouldn't be softer/marshmallowy due to the springs being over the axles.