What Replacement Axle and Leaf Springs do I Need for Tandem 3,500 Pound Axles?

Updated 07/21/2025 | Published 06/11/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(779)

$72.79

Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - Easy Grease - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 89" Long - 3,500 lbs

(225)

$495.81

4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/4" Long

(2042)

$47.94

MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers - 2-1/4" Long Shackle Straps

(1915)

$125.09

Question:

i have a rv it’s a dry weight of 6000lbs. it has 2 3500 lb dexter axles with the electric brake assembly. it appears as though i may have overloaded it at one time. the rear axle no longer has the bend in it. the front one still does. i also may need to replace my leaf springs. i also would like to raise it as it sits low. any help in solving this issue is appreciated.

asked by: Jason Z

Expert Reply:

Hello Jason,

We can definitely get you all fixed up, but I am going to need a little more information as I do not have a database that supplies me with what is put on what trailer.

I am going to need your hub face to hub face measurement and spring center to spring center measurement on your axle. I attached an image showing what measurements I need and also included a great help article going over how to measure, as the measurements need to be precise.

Let's say your hub face measurement is 89" and your spring center is 74", then you will need the Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - Easy Grease - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 89" Long - 3,500 lbs # e43SR.

I would inspect the other axle to make sure there is no damage to it as well. Although, since you are replacing one axle, you might want to go ahead and do both of them so you have even wear.

In order to gain some more clearance, you can install the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-384-00. This will put your leaf springs over your axles so you can gain the extra clearance you are looking for. You will need one kit per axle.

To determine what leaf springs you need, you will need to measure your leaf springs from eye to eye while unloaded. Sometimes it is best to jack up the frame to get as much weight off of it as possible, and even then, your measurement will probably be longer than what you need as they do stretch out over time.

If your measurement is around 26", you will need the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/8" Long # e54SR. You will definitely want to change out all 4 leaf springs so that you have even wear on your suspension.

If you wanted to go ahead and update your shackles and wet bolts while you are at it, I would go with the MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers - 2-1/4" Long Shackle Straps # MR46ZR. You will just want to confirm that your shackles are 2-1/4" from center hole to center hole.

Once you get those measurements, Jason, shoot them over my way so I can confirm part numbers. How do your equalizers look too? What is the center hole to center hole measurement on your equalizers?

Big trip coming up that you are trying to get things right for? If so, where are you headed?

expert reply by: Kate F

How to Measure the Spring Center
(click to enlarge)

How to Measure the Hub Face to Hub Face
(click to enlarge)

Jason Z.

7/21/2025

Thank you very much for your response. and i apolagize for my lateness to it. been super busy with work. from what i can tell my axle is 68" spring center, 84" face to face. the trailer is on the axles when i meaSURED AND THE EYE TO EYE OF THE LEAF WAS 26.5", the little shackle things center to center are 2.5" is there a bigger capacity axle i could put in without too many modifications? also i believe the leafs do sit on top of the axle already, ill verify shortly. as i said previous, 2 3500 lb axles for a dry weight of 6ooo pounds is cutting it pretty close to capacity already. thanks again, ill be more attentive to responding as i am taking some time off.

Kate F.

7/21/2025

@JasonZ The closest thing we have to 84" is 86 1/2" and the measurement needs to be precise. I was able to find one online, I will send you a private email with the link. I would stick with the 3,500 axles, you don't want to make your ride too stiff and the next size up would be 5,200. As for the leaf springs, they do get flat overtime, we have a spring in 25 1/8", but over an inch might be too much. Can you respond back to the email you receive with a picture of your leaf spring so I can take a look on how much they are flattened? The shackle strap kit I can handle right now, since your measuring 2 1/2, you will need the 2 1/4". You can go with the Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double Eye Springs - 2-1/4" Links # AP233, or if you want to go with an upgraded shackle kit # MR46ZR, this kit will come with wet bolts and bronze bushing so you can keep things lubed up and running smoothly. I look forward to getting that picture of your leaf spring.