Need To Replace Axle, Wheels And Leaf Springs On Small Boat Trailer

Updated 12/22/2025 | Published 09/30/2024

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Rust-Resistant 3-Leaf Double Eye Spring for 2K Trailer Axles - 20-3/8" Long - Dacromet

(443)

$39.41

Kenda 4.80/4.00-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C

(579)

$65.35

Trailer Idler Axle Beam with Easy Grease Spindles - 60" Long - 2,000 lbs

(248)

$150.46

Question:

I need to replace the axle, wheels, springs, etc on a small boat trailer, frame width is 47 outside. The present axle is 1.5 square galvanized. Hub face width 56. Tires are 4.80-8, 5 studs on 4.5 dia Springs are 2 leaf 1 3/4 wide with 1/2 bolts 19.6 between bolt centers, 45 between spring centers. The closest axle I can find on the web is the Dexter 49538 but it is not listed on your web site. Can you supply this axle, or similar? The closest spring I can find on your site is 20-3/8 Long - Dacromet Part Number: e53SR. Can this be used with my 19.6 ctc 1/2 bolt brackets?

asked by: Nick N

Expert Reply:

Hello Nick. I do appreciate you reaching out and providing all of that detailed info, but I am sorry to say that we do not carry a replacement for your axle. Our closest leaf spring axle has a 60" hub face like part # e48GR. The spring centers on this axle are pre-welded at 45".

The tires and wheels on the other hand are definitely something we can help with. For a 4.80/4.00-8 tire on a 5 on 4-1/2" wheel I recommend the Kenda 4.80/4.00-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C # AM30070. Galvanized wheels do great on boat trailers since they are highly rust-resistant.

For the springs, I do not recommend using the # e53SR spring you mentioned. The replacement springs need to be identical in size to the originals. Otherwise it can throw the suspension off center. There is a small amount of tolerance, like 1/2" or less, so we are cutting it very close with the # e53SR spring at 20-3/8" long. There is a chance it may work if you can't find anything else, but generally I would say this spring is too large to replace yours.

If you are looking for a direct replacement for your axle, I recommend reaching out directly to Dexter. We only offer a few axle sizes and they have way more options than we do. Feel free to reach out if there is anything else I can do to help.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Jesse M.

12/22/2025

Hey Nick, were you able to find an axle that matched your trailer’s 47-inch frame width after checking with Dexter? Knowing what worked could help others trying to replace similar small boat trailer parts.