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Expert Answers about Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension


  • Can you Explain Why the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Leaf Spring Kit Does Not Use a Suspension Equalizer?
  • The Roadmaster Comfort Ride Leaf Spring Suspension Kit # RM-2460-2570 that you are looking at is designed to allow each axle to act independently of the other, similar to the way torsion axles work. While it uses slipper springs to achieve this on your trailer traditional tandem axle slipper springs systems will still offer an Equalizer like # HAP-203-01. I do recommend using equalizers with your leaf spring suspension whether you have double eye springs or slipper springs, as they allow...
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  • Will Using Leaf Springs With A Different Amount Of Leaves Be Okay On My 2018 Vanleigh 5TH Wheel?
  • The number of leaves on a leaf spring is not the only determining factory in the amount of weight it can handle. The thickness of each leaf as well as what the leaf is made out of can affect the weight rating and performance of the spring. The Roadmaster Comfort Ride Leaf Spring Suspension Kit # RM-2460-2570 does use 5 leaves that are 3/8" thick. Each spring is rated for 3,500lbs which is 7,000lbs per axle. This kit upgrades your suspension by allowing the axles to act independently of...
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  • Will Leaf Springs Flatten Over Time to Cause Trailer Lean
  • The leaning that is occurring in your 2016 Stryker could be a number of issues, and you asked a good question about your leaf springs. Since these do flatten out (essentially elongating) over time, that could very well be the issue, but there is no way to definitively say what the issue is. The problem could also be other suspension components being worn out so the only way to truly determine what is causing the trailer to lean is to take it to a quality trailer repair shop and have them...
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  • Correct Equalizer Positioning For A Tandem Axle Boat Trailer
  • That does look slightly out of the ordinary. The equalizer should not be off to one side like that. Generally the equalizer will be more centered, and the shackles will form a "W" shape. I have included a picture with an example of how the equalizer and shackles should be positioned. Assuming this is all stock suspension, it looks like your leaf springs are too long. Perhaps they have flattened out over time, or they are overloaded. If so your springs will need to be replaced. We would...
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  • Option to Raise Trailer That Has Leaf Spring Suspension
  • I'm sorry but there are no Dexter leaf spring spacers, they do not make them. I'll give you an option to raise your trailer with leaf spring suspension though if you'd like to consider it, called an over/under kit. This moves your trailer's leaf springs to the top of your axle and lifts your trailer approximately the same amount as your axle's diameter plus the height of the leaf spring pack, and the correct kit depends on your axle diameter: - 2-3/8" Round Axle: Dexter Trailer Springs...
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  • Should RoadActive Suspension For 2019 Ford F-150 be Used With Sway Bar
  • Adding a sway bar to the RoadActive (they used to be called Roadmaster but changed) leaf spring suspension enhancement kit would be overkill for your 2019 Ford F-150. Honestly, the RoadActive will do such a good job that a sway bar really won't add much, if any, benefit to your truck's handling. You'll get exceptional benefit from the RoadActive kit, with the right part number for your '19 F-150 depending on if you have 2WD or 4WD: - 2WD: RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement...
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  • Replacing Suspension Hardware For Harbor Freight Single Axle Trailer With Slipper Springs
  • The first thing you will need to determine is what the weight capacity of the trailer is. There should be a plate or sticker on the trailer or on the axle with those numbers. We offer a 2-leaf slipper spring, part # SP-179275, for 2,000-lb axles. I have attached a drawing of a leaf spring with the dimensions for the SP-179275 leaf spring you can check out. These springs measure 1-3/4 inches wide and have an eye diameter of 9/16 inch. The U-bolt mounting kit for these springs is part...
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  • Should All Trailer Leaf Springs be Replaced at the Same Time
  • When you are replacing a leaf spring you definitely want to replace all of the leaf springs on your trailer. The reason for that is leaf springs wear down over time and by replacing them at the same time ensures you will have even support on both sides of your trailer without any sag or lean. In regards to the correct replacements, that is going to depend on whether or not you have double-eye springs or slipper springs, your trailer's axle rating and most importantly, a number of measurements. The...
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  • Can Leaf Spring Shackle Straps Be Installed Between Leaf Spring and Front Spring Hanger
  • On a single axle trailer, the shackle straps must be to the rear of the axle, attaching the leaf spring to the spring hanger. This allows the axle to deflect upwards and to the rear if you hit a bump. If the shackle was at the front, the axle wouldn't be able to deflect in the correct direction, which would result in suspension components, likely the spring hangers to be damaged.
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  • Suspension Components For Home Made Trailer
  • In order to find the right leaf spring for your trailer you will need to know the weight capacity of the trailer axle. I have attached a link to our product page for the double-eye leaf springs we offer. The double-eye springs we offer range in length from 20-1/4 to 27 inches long, which is quite a bit shorter than the 36.5 inches you mentioned. If you are unable to find springs that are the length you need, you may need to replace the hangers you currently have. My recommendation is...
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  • Is It Common to Have Axles Hung From Leaf Springs
  • It's not uncommon at all. The placement of the springs above or below the axle depends on many factors, including the desired ride height/ground clearance of the trailer and the amount of clearance between the top of the tires and the underside of the fenders.
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  • How to Re-position Trailer Suspension Shackle Links Once They've Flipped
  • You can get the shackle links to flip back the correct way by jacking up the affected axle using a floor jack which should pop things back into place. Having this repeatedly occur would indicate that either your leaf springs are too long or your equalizer is a bit too long. What equalizer are you currently using? Most of the time there's a number cast into it. I've linked to an article with more information on trailer suspensions.
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  • Will The Roadmaster Comfort Ride Create a lot Of Noise Since It Uses Slipper Springs?
  • The Roadmaster Comfort Ride Leaf Spring Suspension Kit # RM82MR uses rollers on the slipper springs to reduce the noisy ride you have heard about. I know some people think they should grease the spring but his typically leads to dirt and other contaminates sticking to the parts which can cause more noise. If you do hear a lot of noise you can try some Dry Lube # RM-747 on the suspension to help reduce the friction on the metal to metal components.
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  • Will E-Flex Suspension System And Heavier Leaf Springs Stop Trailer From Bottoming Out
  • The E-Z Flex suspension system like part # K71-652-00 will help absorb road shock and may be just what you need on your 24 ft Cargomate trailer. These equalizers measure 5-1/4 to 6-1/4 inches long (measured from the center of one eye to the center of the other eye). These include the bolts, shackle links and rubber equalizers. Upgrading to a heavier spring will normally make the ride a bit stiffer. The leaf springs we offer for a 5300 lb axle is part # SP-222275. This spring measures...
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  • How to Determine Where to Put Axles on Trailer
  • I have added a link to a help article for you which has the formula you need that allows you to determine exactly where to position your axles on a trailer. Using this formula, based on measurements you'll need to take and the weight of the trailer, will determine where you position the axles. As for the hanger kit that depends on the size of your axle and your leaf springs. For example, the Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double Eye Springs # APT5 is for 2,000-lb to 7,000-lb tandem-axle...
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  • Do Trailer Leaf Springs Flatten Out Slightly Over Time, Recommended Spring for 3,500 lb Axle
  • The 3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring # D217242 that you referenced would work perfectly for you. You are correct, springs tend to flatten out over time so that is why your old spring is slightly longer than the # D217242. We always recommend you replace leaf springs in pairs to ensure a balanced load on the trailer when towing. I attached an FAQ article on trailer suspension for you to check out also.
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  • How to Determine Correct Replacement Axle For Boat Trailer
  • There are individual parts you can use for your boat trailer but no type of suspension rebuild kit, no. Starting with the axle, to choose the correct replacement axle for your trailer you will need to know the dimensions of your current axle's hub face to hub face and spring center to spring center; I have added a link below to a video which walks you through how to measure. The other thing you need to know is the weight capacity of the axle you need, which should match or exceed the GVWR...
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  • Will RoadActive Suspension Enhancement Kit Void Warranty on 2019 Ford F-150
  • The short answer is no, adding the RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit # RAS3611-Y to your 2019 Ford F-150 will not void your warranty because you are protected by what is called the Federal Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act. This act says if something breaks on your vehicle and you take it in for warranty repair, the dealer must honor your warranty unless whatever you have added to your vehicle or its installation actually caused the problem in question. The RAS is the...
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  • Why Is It Not Recommended To Step Up to 8,000LB Leaf Springs Instead of 7,000LB Leaf Springs?
  • We do not recommend moving from 7,000lb # e64SR to 8,000lb # DX74XR leaf springs as this creates a stiffer ride with more bounce. This causes more shock to transfer inside your RV which can cause damage to the trim and electronics. Instead I recommend adding the SumoSprings # SS26MV for overslung axles or # SS33HR for underslung axles. These help to absorb shock from transferring in your trailer as well as give you more support to reduce sag in the leaf springs. Also adding heavier leaf...
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  • What is Needed to Add Second Axle
  • To add a second axle to your trailer, apart from the axle you'll need another set of hangers that need to be welded on, another leaf spring,four more U-bolts, an equalizer, four more shackle straps, and eight more shackle bolts. You'll have to measure your hangers for matching ones and reposition your current axle as well so I can't give you any specifics on what is needed. I will link below a number of help articles and our entire selection of suspension parts.
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