Do I Need to Move the Spring Hangers When Upgrading My Axle?

Updated 12/29/2025 | Published 11/28/2025

Question:

I have a 18’ car trailer. It has 2-3500lb axles under it right now and I want to switch it over to 2-5200lb axles. Can I switch this by changing springs and axles and use the existing hangers in their place or do I have to relocate the springs hangers that exist now to a different width for the 5200lb system?

asked by: Bryan H

Expert Reply:

Yes, you can Brian. You won't need to move your spring hangers to upgrade your axles. If you could tell me what the hub to hub distance is and what the spring seat measurements are on your current axle I can recommend a replacement. I'll also need to know what lug pattern your wheels are and what kind of brakes you have.

If you could give me the dimensions of your leaf springs I can recommend replacements for those as well. I would need to know the length from the center to the opposite center of the mounting holes and how many leafs you're wanting.

Do you plan on upgrading your equalizers. If you could get me dimensions on the ones you have or part numbers I can recommend replacements for them as well.

You can add this information and any other questions you have where it says Reply to Jerred H and I'll be happy to answer them.

expert reply by: Jerred H

Spring Center
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Hub Face
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Jerred H.

12/29/2025

Hey Brian, were you able to get those axle and spring measurements for your car trailer? Once you have them, I can help narrow down the right axle and leaf spring options. Let me know what you find so we can get you set up with the right fit.