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
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.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Rust-Resistant 3-Leaf Double Eye Spring for 2K Trailer Axles - 20-3/8" Long - Dacromet
- Trailer Leaf Springs
- Double Eye Springs
- 9/16 Inch Eye
- Nylon Bushings
- 2000 lbs
- 1-3/4 Inch Wide
- 3 Leaf
- 20-3/8 Inch Long
- Marine Grade
- etrailer
more information >
Continue Researching
- Search Results: trailer suspension parts
- Search Results: trailer axles
- Shop: Trailer Idler Axle Beam with Easy Grease Spindles - 60" Long - 2,000 lbs
- Q&A: How to Determine Correct Slipper Spring Replacement for 1,500 lb Axle
- Q&A: Recommended Slipper Spring for Custom Kayak Trailer
- Video: Detailed Breakdown of the Yates Y-Style Bow Stop for Boat Trailers
- Shop: Trailer Idler Axle Beam with Easy Grease Spindles - 60" Long - 2,200 lbs
- Video: A Closer Look at the Trailer Idler Axle Beam with Easy Grease Spindles
- Article: Trailer Lighting Requirements
- Search Results: spring seats
- Article: How to Tell the Weight Rating of a Trailer Axle
- Search Results: trailer hubs and drums
- Shop: Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 3,500-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 - Galvanized
- Shop: Complete Bearing Kit with L44649 Inner/Outer Bearings and 10-9 Grease Seal Fits 1.063" Spindles
- Shop: Zinc Shackle Bolt with Locknut for Double-Eye Springs - 3" Long
- Shop: U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 2,000-lb, Round Trailer Axles - 4-1/4" Long U-Bolts
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with Standard Spindles - 60" Long - 2,000 lbs
- Search Results: bearing l44649 trailer bearings races seals caps
- Search Results: bearing l44649 and l68149 trailer bearings races seals caps
- Search Results: grease seals ~ double lip trailer bearings races seals caps
- Video: Trailer Axle with Idler Hubs Spec Review
- Video: What to Know About the Zinc Shackle Bolt with Locknut for Double-Eye Springs
- Video: In-Depth Review of the 4-Leaf Slipper Spring w/ Radius End for 2,000-lb Trailer Axles
- Video: Complete Breakdown of the U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 2,000-lb, Round Trailer Axles
- Video: Hands-On with the 4-Leaf Slipper Spring w/ Radius End for 2,000-lb Trailer Axles
- Q&A: Where Is the Grease Seal Measured for a Replacement
- Q&A: What Is the Difference Between a BTR and BT8 Spindle
- Q&A: Are There 20" Long Leaf Springs Available With A Dacromet Finish
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between Over 80 inch and Under 80 inch Trailer Tail Lights
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.