How to Increase Ground Clearance with Slipper Springs.
Question:
I would like to move the axle on a boat trailer to below the slipper springs to increase ground clearance. Can this be done safely. Do you have a kit for a rectangular axle?
asked by: Karl
Expert Reply:
I can help you figure out how to get more ground clearance from your trailer.
All of our over under kits have only been tested on a double-eye spring setup, these are secured on both ends unlike slipper springs which are not. I would worry that it could become unsafe since the weight of the trailer was pulling on the axle and once you switch the location of it all the weight will now be pushing down on the rectangular axle.
While we don't have a specific over under kit for rectangular axles, I can help you put one together. You will need 4 u-bolts and 2 u-bolt plates. You will want to measure the width of the axle and match it up with the u-bolt dimensions. Some common sizes for u-bolts and plates are the 1-1/2 inch # SP01-120 and # 115983, the 1-3/4 inch # CE20022G, or the 2 inch # SP01-160 and # TRTP200175. I have linked the page for your convenience.
Another thing to keep in mind is after switching the location of your axle, you may have to drill an additional hole into your axle for the bolt from the spring to sit in.
Products Referenced in This Question
U-Bolt Plate for 1-1/2" Square Trailer Axles with 1-3/4" Wide Springs
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- U-Bolt Plates
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Utility Trailer
- 2000 lbs
- Square Axle - 1-1/2 Inch
- 1/2 Inch Diameter
- Redline
more information >
U-Bolt Plate for 1-3/4" Diameter Axle, 1-3/4" Wide Spring - 3/8" Bolts - Galvanized
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- U-Bolt Plates
- Boat Trailer
- Snowmobile Trailer
- 2000 lbs
- Round Axle - 1-3/4 Inch
- 3/8 Inch Diameter
- CE Smith
more information >
1-1/2" Square Trailer U-Bolts (Qty 2)
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- U-Bolts
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Utility Trailer
- 3500 lbs
- Square Axle - 1-1/2 Inch
- 1/2 Inch Diameter
- 5 Inch Long
- Redline
more information >
2" Square Trailer U-Bolt (Qty 2)
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- U-Bolts
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Utility Trailer
- 3500 lbs
- Square Axle - 2 Inch
- 9/16 Inch Diameter
- 5-3/4 Inch Long
- Redline
more information >
U-Bolt Plate - 2" Wide, Square Trailer Axle - 1-3/4" Wide Spring - 9/16" Bolts
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- U-Bolt Plates
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Utility Trailer
- 3500 lbs
- Square Axle - 2 Inch
- 9/16 Inch Diameter
- TruRyde
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with EZ-Lube Spindles - 89" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Axles
- Leaf Spring Suspension
- Easy Lube Spindles
- No Hubs
- 3500 lbs
- Spindles Only
- 74 Inch Long
- 89 Inch Long
- No Drop or Lift
- Dexter
more information >
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