Hanger Kit Recommendation for Dexter 3.5K 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring

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Question:

Hello - Im designing a camping trailer. I wanted to use the leaf springs with part DX23CR. Im reading that you should have 2 to 2-1/2 clearance between the top of the axle and the bottom of the frame when it is not-loaded, even without the trailer itself. What size hangers would I need to achieve this? Also, is the clearance dimension to the axle itself or to the U-bolts on top of the axle Im doing underslung? Seems like the u-bolts will hit the frame before the axle. If they straddle the frame, then I have a problem because I have my floor deck directly on top of the frame with is an angle. Im not sure what to do about that. Maybe I have to make the frame wider at that point? Thanks.

asked by: Dennis S

0

Expert Reply:

Hey Dennis, thanks for reaching out!

The 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring # DX23CR has a 3" drop from center eye to middle of the leaf spring (see attached photo).

For a single axle setup I recommend the Hanger Kit # APS4, and for a tandem axle setup I recommend the Hanger Kit # APT5.

Since the U-Bolt kit sits on either side of the leaf spring, the space between them will be 1-3/4" - the same as your leaf spring width. It might straddle your trailer frame, but you really want more clearance than your frame dropping that low between your U-Bolts - you need it set up so that there is no metal to metal contact.

Are you looking for this to be an off-road type of camper, or a standard kind of camper?

expert reply by: Jon G

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Dexter 3.5K 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring Dimensions
(click to enlarge)

Dennis S.

1/27/2025

I'm not going hard-core off-roading, but I want to be able to handle gravel roads and moderate terrain - not just asphalt. If the U-bolts straddle and go past the frame, they'll damage my flooring. So I'd like to avoid that. I find it hard to believe that you only need 2" of clearance with a completely unloaded spring. If it deflects 1 1/2", you're only allowing 1/2" for shock loads like potholes. Is that right?

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Jon G.

1/27/2025

@DennisS For standard trailers the kits I referenced above would be just fine but yes, if you hit a big pothole then that would not be healthy for the trailer. Since you plan on regularly taking your trailer off standard roads I recommend gaining some higher clearance because you will definitely hit the frame with the axle in your case. We can increase the height of your trailer by either going with taller hangers, like 4 of the 4-1/4" Hanger # E4139, or adding the Over-Under Kit # K71-384-00 to each axle so your leaf springs are above the axle instead below it. I recommend going with the over-under kit because it not only saves you some money but it also gives you better ground clearance for the bed of your trailer since the axle is under the leaf springs.

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Dennis S.

1/27/2025

@JonG Thanks. If I go with the E4139 hanger, do you mean that I should use that for the front and rear? Or is there some reason the rear has to be a shorter bracket?

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Jon G.

1/27/2025

@DennisS If this is just a single axle setup then you'll need only 2 of the # E4139 and 2 of a shorter one like the # 29-31 which is 3-5/8". The reason one end gets shorter hangers is because one end of the leaf spring is connected directly to the front (taller) hanger, while the other end is attached to the rear (shorter) hanger via shackle straps.

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Hanger Kit Recommendation for Dexter 3.5K 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring

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