Do Trailer Leaf Springs Have to Face a Certain Direction

Question

Question:

I have a trailer with brakes. Does it matter if the spring leaf clip is forward or aft of the Axel? I suspect the clip is there only for spring assembly, stacking of the leafs, but wonder if it might also have something to contribute when braking and torsion is added to the spring.

asked by: Alan T

0

Expert Reply:

The clip that goes around 3 of the leaves of the 5-Leaf Spring part # e34SR that you referenced can go either in front of the axle or behind it. Either way would be perfectly fine.

I attached an FAQ on trailer suspension for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Stan O.

11/10/2021

Can you purchase the clips for leaf springs and install on both ends? Does the installed direction of the spring clip really matter? What is the purpose of the spring clip?

Reply

Les D.

11/12/2021

Leaf spring clips are not sold. If the are damaged, the entire leaf spring is replaced. Additional clips are not to be installed. Most sources say there is not a front or back, However, one of our suspension suppliers says that the clip side goes to the front, and every trailer I have ever seen has the clip to the front. My wild guess is that this is the beneficial orientation where the leaves are being held as a wheel is entering a pot hole or hitting an obstruction.

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Ace

4/1/2025

@LesD they are to hold your spring pack together when the trailer brakes are applied. Otherwise the axle wrap would want to separate them and cause extra wear and tear on numerous suspension components. Additionally the springs tend to get out of line with each other as they cycle

Reply

Kate F.

4/2/2025

@Ace Hey Ace, thanks for clarifying =)

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Answer 1

A 7,000 lb trailer spring can be used on a 6k rated axle but you should note that this will not give you more capacity. A trailer setup is only rated as high as it's weakest component. So while you may have 7k of spring rating with the #e64SR,…

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Answer 2

I am not sure what you mean by MTI number?

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Answer 3

If you are measuring your current leaf springs and are getting 26 inches from the center of the spring eye to the center of the spring eye and they are older springs it makes sense that they were originally about an inch less than that because…

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Answer 4

RV faucets, such as the Patrick Distribution RV Kitchen Faucet #277-000014 and the many others we have available, will typically use fittings beneath the knobs/handles that are made to be compatible with the hoses that are standard in RVs. A…

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Answer 5

Hey Doug, thanks for reaching out. I know what you mean about the crater potholes. We are out here in Missouri and our roads got absolutely decimated this winter. Fortunately, I have memorized all the major pothole locations along my commute so I can…

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Answer 6

There is no exact way to determine the leaf spring length. The best way to determine the length for a replacement is by measuring the existing leaf springs. The hanger distance and shackle length can help you get a good idea, but you're looking…

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Answer 7

Hey Mark, I looked up the specs of the spring you have now and found that it is a 24-3/4 inch long spring from eye center to eye center and for a 7k axle. So that means that the replacement spring part #EM28AJ that you referenced will work great as a…

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Answer 8

Both the MORryde Rubber Equalizers #MR87ZR and Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension Kit #K71-652-00 are achieving the same result. They are doing so with slightly different designs but end up with the same result. I recommend using the Dexter E-Z Flex…

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Answer 9

The shackle straps included in the Lippert Tandem Axle Equa-Flex AP Kit - Wet Bolts - 3-1/8" Long Shackles #LC64FR you mentioned are 3-1/8" center to center and 4-3/8" overall length as shown in included diagram. Using the longer…

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Answer 10

Excellent question. I had to think about this one for a bit and consult another person familiar with trailer assembly. Normally the band is placed forward of the axle on the trailer but it really does not matter which way the band is oriented.…

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Answer 11

I have a couple of options for you that will lift your tandem axle trailer. The first option is going to be an axle flip kit. This will move your axle below your leaf springs and give you an increase in height equivalent to the diameter of your axle.…

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Answer 12

Hi Leo; I would start by checking to see if there are axle tags on the axles. They will probably have the capacity on them or at least a serial number the axle manufacturer could use to identify the axle. If the trailer manufacturer is still in…

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Do Trailer Leaf Springs Have to Face a Certain Direction

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