Can Trailer Leaf Springs be Moved from Below the Axle to the Top of the Axle

Question:

The video showing installation of the U bolts and plates for a 2000 lb trailer has the axle above the springs. If you wanted to raise the bed of the trailer, can the axle be switched so it is below springs? It seems that it would raise bed of the the trailer by about 3 inches for a 1- 3/4 axle. The ground clearance remains the same.Is there any engineering or safety preference for having the axle above or below the springs?

asked by: Arthur

Expert Reply:

Some trailers have the leaf spring stack above the axle and some have it underneath. You can move the stack to the top of the axle but you will have to weld on new spring seats to the top of the axle. Use # TRSS175 for a 1-3/4 inch round axle.

It will raise the height of the trailer some but you need to be aware that it also raises the center of gravity. That makes the trailer more susceptible to sway.

expert reply by: Michael H