Recommendations for Raising Trailer to Add Clearance for Larger Wheels
Question:
Hi I have a 2004 Toy hauler and it has two axles with two sets of leaf springs, 4 leafs per spring the GVWR is 10,000 . Toy hauler weighs in at 5,000 lbs and can load it with 2,000 lbs . My Carson spec. sheet says trailer plus load 7,000 lbs total . Went from a 6 ply tire at 28.25inch to a ten ply tire at 29.25 inches and tires are running very close to the top of the wheel well with no load . Springs are double eye . Have not loaded my Razor 800 and do not want to get on the road and have it bottom out or take out a tire. So have a question or two should I go with a 5 leaf spring or a six leaf spring ? Not going to carry any extra load and dont want the trailer to bottom out when loaded . I have read your article on a soft ride and hard ride springs and springs should only have a deflection of 1-1/2inch . Only want to stiffen up the springs enough for the tires to have ample clearance . Springs are double eye at aprox. 25.25inch and with no load have relaxed to 26.50inch and are 14 years old . Want to install either a 5 leaf or six leaf spring and u bolts . Do you see any problems here with installing the 5 or 6 leaf springs other than hard ride when empty ?
asked by: Dale H
Expert Reply:
I do have a few possible options for giving your 2004 Toy Hauler some extra clearance for your larger 29-1/4 inch tires. Replacing the Double-Eye Springs and upgrading to a 5 leaf or 6 leaf spring system will provide very minimal rise on your trailer and may not even be noticeable, especially when the trailer is loaded. Additionally, installing overrated springs will create a rough ride as you mentioned but also put extra stress on different components of your trailer when traveling on rough roads.
The easiest solution will be to use an Over-Under Conversion Kit like the Dexter # K71-384-00 with your existing leaf springs. What this does is basically flip the leaf spring installation so that the leaf springs sit on top of the axle instead of below it, giving you a fairly significant rise. I have included a picture that should give you a better idea of how this works.
There is a slight chance that the leaf springs on your trailer are already set up this way. If this is the case or you are still needing some additional clearance after installing the Over-Under Conversion Kit, another option is to cut off the existing leaf spring hangers from your frame and replace them with longer ones. Depending on the length of your existing hangers, you can upgrade to a 4-1/4 inch like the Redline # E4139 or even a 5-7/16 inch # 115919. This will provide some added rise for your trailer.
Also keep in mind that raising your trailer will have a subsequent effect on other components such as handling while towing because of the higher center of gravity being created.
Products Referenced in This Question
Center Hanger for Double-Eye Springs - 5-7/16" Tall - 3/4" Bolt Hole
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Hangers
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- 3/4 Inch Diameter
- 5-7/16 Inch Tall
- Tandem Axle
- Triple Axle
- Redline
more information >
Front/Center/Rear Hanger for Double-Eye Springs - 4-1/4" Tall - 9/16" Bolt Hole
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Hangers
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- 9/16 Inch Diameter
- 4-1/4 Inch Tall
- Single Axle
- Tandem Axle
- Triple Axle
- Redline
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Alignment and Lift Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Round Axle - 2-3/8 Inch
- Single Axle
- Dexter
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: What is Minimum Clearance Between Trailer Tire Sidewall and Trailer Frame
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: How Much Clearance Between the Frame Is Needed for a Trailer Tire
- Shop: Steel Trailer Wheel - 8" x 5-3/8" Rim - 5 on 4-1/2 - White
- Q&A: Replacement Slipper Spring For a Boat Trailer With 4-Leaf Spring 25.5" Long
- Shop: Kenda 215/60-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Q&A: Installation of Dexter Kit # K71-385-00
- Q&A: Changing Shackle Strap Length to Maximize Weight Capacity on Sagging Trailer
- Q&A: Can Longer Shackle Straps be Added to Tandem Axle Trailer
- Q&A: Can I Use 1/2" Longer Shackle Straps for My Trailer Suspension
- Shop: U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 5,200-lb to 7,000-lb, Round Trailer Axles - 7-1/16" Long U-Bolts
- Shop: CE Smith U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 5.2K to 7K, Round Trailer Axles - 7" Long U-Bolts - Zinc
- Shop: Spring Seat for Typical 5,200-lb to 7,200-lb, Round Trailer Axles with 3" Diameter
- Video: etrailer Radius End 4-Leaf Slipper Spring Installation
- Article: Where to Position the Trailer Axle?
- Video: Redline Trailer Suspension - Leaf Spring Suspension - 115919 Review
- Search Results: leaf springs
- Video: SuperSprings SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs Review
- Search Results: trailer leaf springs
- Video: etrailer Trailer Suspension 115052 Review
- Video: Stability Plus Stabilizer Helper Springs Review
- Article: How to Accurately Measure Trailer Leaf Springs
- Article: How to Raise Your Travel Trailer Height
- Article: How to Replace Trailer Leaf Springs in 5 Steps
- Search Results: shackle strap
- Search Results: leaf spring hangers
- Search Results: leaf spring hanger
- Search Results: shackle
on Trailer Suspension Parts
