Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double-Eye Springs
(143 reviews)
Price: $239.95
In Stock
Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double-Eye Springs
Item # K71-449-00
Retail:$357.48
Our Price: $239.95
You Save: $117.53
In Stock
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- All Info
- Reviews (143)
- Q & A (0)
- Photos
Dexter Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension - K71-449-00
- Suspension Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Tandem Axle
- Dexter
Suspension kit includes equalizers and hardware for attaching 4 leaf springs to the hangers on your trailer's frame. Works with 35" axle spacing. Built-in grease zerks for easy lubrication. Heavy-duty shackle straps ensure strength.
Features:
- Suspension kit lets you attach 4 leaf springs (sold separately) to your trailer frame
- Works with 1-3/4" wide double-eye springs
- Hangers sold separately
- Equalizers transfer load and impacts from one axle to another by permitting movement between the axles
- Springs attach to ends of equalizers with included hardware
- Wet bolts secure equalizers and springs to the hangers on your trailer
- Grease zerks allow for fast, easy lubrication to keep moving parts functioning at their best
- Heavy-duty shackle link assemblies with bolts secure springs to equalizers
- 1/2" thick links are thicker than standard straps for greater durability
- Bushings fit into spring eyes to help maintain a well-functioning system and ensure proper sizing for suspension bolts
- Bronze construction resists corrosion
- Kit includes:
- 2 Equalizers
- 8 Shackle strap assemblies - shackle straps with wet bolts
- 4 Wet bolts with zerk fittings
- 2 dry bolts
- 8 Bronze bushings
- 14 Flange nuts
Specs:
- Application: tandem-axle trailers with 1-3/4" double-eye springs
- Axle spacing: 35"
- Equalizer dimensions:
- Distance between outer shackle bolt holes (center on center): 7-3/4"
- Distance between hanger bolt hole and shackle bolt hole (center on center): 3-7/8"
- Height of side bolt hole to hanger bolt hole: 3"
- Shackle strap length: 2-1/4" from center hole to center hole
- 5-Year limited warranty
K71-449-00 Dexter Axle Heavy Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double-Eye Springs
Customer Satisfaction Score:
96% were satisfied with this product
4% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
- etrailer mistake
- Defective
Customer Reviews
Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double-Eye Springs - K71-449-00
Average Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars (143 Customer Reviews)
Suspension kit includes equalizers and hardware for attaching 4 leaf springs to the hangers on your trailer's frame. Works with 35" axle spacing. Built-in grease zerks for easy lubrication. Heavy-duty shackle straps ensure strength.by: Glenn Sciascia02/11/2024
After receiving my shipment yesterday, I was concerned that parts may have been missing due to the shape of the shipping box and the lack of packing material.
During the installation of the shackles, the third shackle nuts/bolts stripped out when tightened by hand. The shackle had to be cut off since the nuts could not be properly tightened. I have emailed etrailer with this issue and hopefully we can resolve the issue quickly.
by: Andy04/08/2024
I really wanted to give this kit a 5 star review, however it fell short in more than one way. The parts are very nice and heavy duty looking and went together purrty good. However, when I went to grease the shackles none took grease it just came out around the fitting, so I changed the end on my grease gun thinking it was just worn out, still same problem. I had to hold the fitting on the zirk as hard as I could and finally got them to take grease, one still hasn't taken grease and not sure what I'm going to do. I left all hardware loose to this point to make sure there was no un nessesary pressure on anything hoping it would take grease easy. It's like the heads of the zirks are a size to small. After greasing everything the best I could I tightened everything up, during this process I had 2 nuts that the threads pulled out of... Just as they got tight they started to loosen up, I was using a standard length 1\2 drive craftsman ratchet, and I'm not hulk. I ended up having a few nuts and washers that worked but still this shouldn't have happened. Makes me wonder about the rest of the metals strength. Looks heavy duty but I'm starting to wonder about longevity.
by: Jesse 04/15/2024
Love these heavy duty shackles and greasable are way better.
by: Rick 03/08/2024
Installed on Ranger boat trailer, better than new, I recommend this product.
by: Brad03/19/2024
The customer service was outstanding! The wrong kit was ordered but Terri in customer service was right on top of it! Will definitly do business with E-Trailer in the future !
by: Byron 11/06/2023
Everything I have ordered from etrailer has been great quality. The Heavy duty Suspension kit that I ordered was a great investment. Much stronger than the original parts!
by: Eugene07/20/2019
Fit up perfectly. Split the old nuts using a right angle grinder with a cutting wheel. Heated the spring enough to soften the plastic bushing and allow the bolt to be pounded out with a hammer. I used an 11/16 drill bit to remove rust and debris from spring end and used a c-clamp to press in the new bronze bushing. Everything else went together like the instructions said. Attached a before and after photo.
Eugene M.
7/22/2020
Working great
by: David04/12/2024
its sucks when you only get half the pa rts
Brooke M.
4/15/2024
Definitely, it does! It looks like your package should have been delivered two days ago. Please let us know if anything is still unaccounted for.
by: Albert 07/25/2023
Well packaged, good online video instructions. Very sturdy and solid construction. Our travel trailer original equipment components were worn through the plastic bushings and had badly worn shackles after only 17000 logged miles.. Thanks for making this upgrade available. Installation went smoothly. Took about 4 hrs total including set up time.
by: Keene10/08/2023
The kit was great. Very heavy duty and installation was straightforward and quite easy. The reason for the 4 star rating was the grease zeros. I had to remove all of them from the bolt heads and replace them with new ones because they were quite literally junk and would not take grease because the heads were to small. I have been a long time Dexter fan and I sincerely hope this is not a sign of things to come.
by: Eric08/27/2022
Fit my trailer perfect. Make sure you measure correctly when ordering as there are 2 different kits. Every thing was correct and I cant believe how fast it got here with free shipping. The shackles are twice the thickness of my original shackles. Again great service and great product
by: Randy 04/14/2024
Very heavy duty, good quality. I would recommend this product.
by: JRC03/16/2024
10000 miles and no problems, replaced springs at same time, no bottoming under full load, quiet.
by: Dean M Sr04/30/2023
Although the product is a good one, the packaging was bad. The box was damaged and three of the parts were damaged. I was lucky to have easy outs and spare grease fittings to replace the grease fittings that were broken. Had all of the materials inside the box been stuffed with "peanuts" or bubble wraps, they wouldn't have been damaged ...at least I think so.
Jenny N.
5/1/2023
It is a shame that the suspension kit arrived this way. Packaging these parts can be a challenge and I know our shippers do their best. I will have our Customer Service team reach out to you.
by: Phil 02/09/2024
Great service. The part was correct and received like promised
by: Jeff 04/29/2023
Suspension was very easy to install and works great!! The grease fittings will make this last much longer than the original suspension. Love it.
by: Mac01/17/2024
Beautiful work with greaseable joints!
by: Leon01/04/2018
These were an exact fit and worked perfectly. Good quality along with grease zerks on every point are a big plus. I recommend this kit to friends.
by: Aaron02/20/2023
Box came heavily taped. After starting to put it together found two shackles missing and two nuts. Had to spend $xx on parts to finish the job
Katrina B.
2/22/2023
Oh no, thats not good! Lets get you to our customer service department and see what they can do for you.
by: Andy06/11/2023
The package is missing shackle links. Needing to use this trailer asap and can’t .
by: Michael 07/08/2022
Was a good fit but did not install until this spring. No worries do I have after replacing the system.
Michael
7/9/2023
Working well no issues anter may loads
by: David 09/25/2023
Went together easily. A little more difficult than the video but overall very well. All the parts were in the box and of high quality. Very pleased with the kit.
by: Matthew 10/31/2022
I have purchased this kit for different trailers and it always works great. This time I had one grease fitting that broke off during shipping. Simply replaced it and moved on. I have this kit on two car haulers and wouldn’t hesitate to put it on a third.
by: Rich 12/07/2023
smooth ordering and delivery
by: Norm 08/13/2023
These heavy duty parts are beefier and much better than the standard. It will take a lot to wear these out.
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Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this Dexter Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension
- How to Determine Correct Suspension Kit For Tandem Axle TrailerWheelbase isn't a good way to determine what heavy-duty suspension kit you need, despite manufacturers putting that as a listing. Instead, what you need to do in order to determine the right suspension kit is measure your equalizer from center to center of the bolt holes horizontally as well as from the bottom of the equalizer to the top bolt hole. For example, the Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers # K71-449-00 measures 7-3/4" horizontally and 3" tall. I have added...
view full answer... - Should Trailer Suspension Bolts be Torqued DownSince suspension components use lock nuts on the ends of the shackle bolts and the bolts need to be able to allow movement you actually don't want to torque down the bolts at all. You want to snug them up so that there's no lateral play but still allows easy movement of the bolts/shackles so that you don't inhibit the suspension from being able to do what it needs to do.
view full answer...
- Compatibility of Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit with 2004 Forest River Wildcat 5th Wheel Thanks for the photo. You will not have any issue using the Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double-Eye Springs # K71-449-00 and moving the equalizer bolt down to the lower hole position. This will work very well on your trailer and will give you a better equalizer with the integrated grease zerk and the heavy-duty shackles with integrated grease zerks. The minor difference in equalizer height at that point will not be an issue for the shackle straps.
view full answer...
- Will Upgrading Trailer Suspension Stop Tires from Blowing OutBefore spending a lot of money on a trailer overhaul let's first look at the reasons tires blow. Basically, trailer tires blow from excessive heat or overloading. Excessive heat can come from running the tires faster than they are rated for, under inflating the tires, or because something is off with the suspension. Make sure that you are within the capacity of the tires and that they are inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tires. This is because trailer tires are built with...
view full answer... - Thickness of Shackles of the Dexter Heavy-Duty Tandem-Axle Trailer Suspension Kit # K71-449-00The Dexter Heavy-Duty Tandem-Axle Trailer Suspension Kit # K71-449-00 that you referenced is designed for tandem axles with a 35 inch axle spacing and springs that are 1-3/4 inches in width. If that is what you have this setup would work great. I went out into our warehouse to measure the thickness of the shackles and they are right a 1/2 inch. You would have a hard time breaking these.
view full answer... - How to Lift Trailer When Trailer Already has Springs Over the AxlesIf you cannot use an over/under conversion kit then the only other way to raise the height of the trailer is to have the old suspension hangers cut off and new, taller ones welded on by a qualified professional welder. I have included a link to the hanger main page for you. You will need to go with hangers that are 1.50-2 inches taller than what you currently have on your trailer.
view full answer... - Could Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit # K71-449-00 be Used on Triple Axle TrailerYes, you could use a second set of the Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit # K71-449-00 and you'd be set for a triple axle trailer.
view full answer... - Can 3-1/8 Inch Heavy Duty Shackle Straps be Used in Dexter Heavy-Duty Trailer Suspension KitAll of the tandem axle hanger kits for double-eye springs use 2-5/8 inch or 2-1/4 inch long shackle straps. The length is taken from the center of one eye to the center of the other eye. The overall length of a 2-5/8 model is just under 3-1/2 inches. The overall length of a 2-1/4 model is 3-3/8 inches.
view full answer... - Do Trailer Shackle Bolts Require Splines to Prevent Wear from OccurringIn general shackle bolts turning from use over time does not considerably wear out components. As long as the bolts are greased normally the movement from standard use would not cause them to wear out. The tension of the bolt and nut is loose enough to allow the movement to happen without much friction which also allows the material to not wear out quickly either.
view full answer... - Will the Dexter K71-449-00 Work With Trailers Up to or Over 16,000 pounds?I spoke with Dexter and there is actually no maximum axle capacity for the Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double-Eye Springs # K71-449-00. With that being said, there will be no issues using this with 16k , or higher, GVWR trailers. The important information needed for the # K71-449-00 will be the axle spacing, shackle length, and the equalizer dimensions. -Application: tandem-axle trailers with 1-3/4" double-eye springs -Axle spacing: 35" -Equalizer...
view full answer...
- Bolt Position For The Dexter Suspension Kit For Tandem-Axles # K71-449-00When using the Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit # K71-449-00 I recommend taking your bolt with grease and feed it from the tire side to the inside of your trailer. This will prevent your tires from getting scratched on the more abrasive side and spread the grease evenly throughout the hole on the suspension kit.
view full answer... - Which Direction Should Grease Fitting of Dexter Equalizer FaceI would face the grease fitting of the # K71-449-00 towards the rear of the trailer as that would limit the possibility of dirt or grime from getting into the grease fitting.
view full answer... - Determining Correct Dexter Equalizer Kit for 2004 Excel Limited Edition Trailer The correct Dexter Suspension Kit for your 2004 Excel Limited Edition 35RKE will depend on your axle spacing along with the dimensions of your current equalizers. If your Excel has 35 inches of clearance between the axles and the current equalizers measure close to 7-3/4 inches long (from center hole to center hole) and 2-7/8 inches tall then the Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit # K71-449-00 will work perfectly. Please let me know if your dimensions differ and I will be happy to recommend an...
view full answer... - What is Purpose of Step Bolts in Dexter Heavy Duty Equalizer KitStep bolts have the advantage of having a lower profile which helps for getting tools into harder to reach areas. Or some prefer they way they look. I would recommend sticking with the step bolts that come with the # K71-449-00.
view full answer... - Replacement Equalizers for 1995 Ranger Bass Boat Tandem Axle Trailer Based on the dimensions you have provided the best fit would definitely be the Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double-Eye Springs # K71-449-00. These equalizers are an exact match for your current equalizers. You should not have an issue with the shackle straps being 3/8" shorter and it will slightly raise your suspension. I have attached an installation video for your reference.
view full answer... - Do the Bolts of the Dexter Heavy-Duty Tandem-Axle Trailer Suspension Kit Have SplinesThe wet bolts that come with the Dexter Heavy-Duty Tandem-Axle Trailer Suspension Kit # K71-449-00 are not splined. They are totally smooth. I attached a picture of what they look like. Splines are typically used for studs to help prevent it from rotating. There would be no need for that for a trailer shackle bolt.
view full answer...
- Is the Center Suspension Hanger Being Taller with the Dexter Equalizers K71-449-00 NormalThe center hanger on tandem axle trailer is pretty commonly taller than the other hangers as the shackle straps and equalizers push the final height of the end of the spring up higher. Basically the longer hanger compensates for the shackle straps so as long as the leaf spring eyes are level you would be totally fine. Since the equalizers part # K71-449-00 aren't as tall as others going with a taller center hanger would be normal under most circumstances. Are your trailer spring eyes level...
view full answer... - Can Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers # K71-449-00 Replace Longer ShacklesYou would be fine to use the Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers # K71-449-00 that you referenced which has shackle straps that are 1-1/4 inch shorter than what you have now. The ride height of the trailer would lower slightly but the suspension would still work great overall without any issue.
view full answer... - Compatibility Of Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit Item # K71-449-00 With Current SetupThe 1/4 inch shackle strap difference With the Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit, Item # K71-449-00, will make a slight difference but should not be a problem. I certainly would not go with anything that is greater than 1/4 inch difference. The measured length on the website is 7-3/4 inches so that is the correct dimension of the equalizers. If any challenges, contact us and we will be glad to help.
view full answer... - How Tight Should Shackle Straps and Bolts Be Tightened On TrailerThere is no specific torque rating for shackle bolts. Basically for the middle bolt there should be enough free play in the shackles to allow them to move. Tightening the shackle bolts too much will squeeze the shackle straps against the leaf springs and the whole suspension system will bind and cause problems. The best thing to do when tightening down shackle bolts is to use lock nuts and tighten them until they are snug and then backed off 1/4 turn. Lock nuts should be used because they...
view full answer... - Difference Between Dexter Axle Heavy Duty Suspension Kits # K71-449-00 and # K71-359-00The difference is the length of the equalizers that come with the kit. The part # K71-449-00 comes with equalizers that are 7-3/4 inches from eye to eye whereas the part # K71-359-00 has equalizers that are 2 inches shorter at 5-3/4 inches.
view full answer... - Correct Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for a 2010 Keystone Cougar 5th WheelThe correct Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for a 2010 Keystone Cougar 5th Wheel is part # K71-449-00. That said, if you are looking for a true upgrade I recommend going with the Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension Kit part # K71-653-00 since the cushioned equalizers will do a far better job of helping to reduce road shock. These options are both designed for the 35" axle spread.
view full answer... - Will the Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension Kit Work for Boat Trailer in Saltwater The Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension Kit # K71-656-00 is not primarily designed to be used in saltwater but it will hold up about as well as your regular equalizers. The bronze finish will help to resist corrosion. In order to prolong the life of the E-Z Flex, I recommend rinsing everything down with fresh water after you take the trailer out. This will help all of the components of your trailer and help prevent corrosion. I would recommend this kit over something like the Dexter Heavy-Duty...
view full answer... - Replacement Suspension Kit For Tandem Axle Trailer With 35 Axle SpacingWith the information you provided on your current equalizers having 7-3/4" center on center you would need Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit Item # K71-449-00 for tandem axles with 35" spacing. Item # K71-359-00 would not be compatible because they are designed for tandem axles with 33" spacing.
view full answer...
Do you have a question about this Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension?
Info for this part was:
Expert Research:
Michael H
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Written by:
Laura H
Video by:
Dustin K
Installed by:
Cole B
Installed by:
David F
Video Edited:
Chris R
Updated by:
Wilson B
Updated by:
Brian T
Updated by:
Hannah L
Updated by:
Michael B
Updated by:
Carrie F
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Katrina D.
2/15/2024
Yikes, that does not look good at all. Let's get you over to customer service and get this fixed.