How to Get Clearance for Slipper Spring Compressing on Top of Wheel Well

Question:

Thanks Kyle. Follow on question; What if I went to a dual closed eye spring that has a larger arch distance. The ones I bought are 3 1/2 and I saw a dial closed eye with 4 1/4. Would dial closed eye work on this? Problem is I can’t raise my fenders because they will interfere with the boat.

asked by: Alan K

Expert Reply:

To answer your first question a double-eye spring would not compress less than your current 4-Leaf Slipper Spring w/ Open Eye End # e33SR and I do not recommend going with a higher-rated spring than what your trailer is rated for as that will make your ride very stiff and unpleasant.

The only real options you have to get more clearance are to raise the fender if you can or add one that has more height (I have linked our selection of fenders for you to check out) or to cut off your current hangers and have new, taller ones put on which will give you some added clearance. The tallest we carry for 1-3/4" slipper springs are the CE Smith Front Hanger Bracket for Trailer Slipper Springs # CE14016G, which are 2-1/4" tall.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Alan

10/15/2018

Kyle S.

10/15/2018

I believe you are talking about the 6-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,500-lb Trailer Axles # e27SR. You could go to something like this if you wanted to switch to double-eye springs, which would also allow you to use an Over/Under kit. This would put your leaf springs on top of the axle which should also give you more clearance as well - lifting your trailer approximately the same amount as your axle's diameter plus the height of the leaf spring pack. So if you you had a 2-3/8" round axle you would need Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-384-00. You would still need to change out your hangers to something like # E4139 in order to change from slipper springs to double-eye springs. I have added a link to a help article on double eye spring suspension for you that I highly recommend checking out as well.