Replacement Suspension Parts for Tandem Axle Travel Trailer

Question:

Looking to replace leaf springs on my TT. It would appear leaf spring e54SR with suspension kit ap 233 is what I need. I wanted to make sure that is correct. This is a dual axle TT. From the 2 3/8 axle diameter it would appear that i have 3500 lb axles. I have been suspicious of the 3500 lb spec because the trailer only weighs 3700 lbs. That seems to be a lot of axle for this trailer given how cost conscious the RV business is. I got some numbers off of the drums and equalizer and been searching these numbers. I came across a few QandAs on etrailer saying that the drum belongs to an oddball 2800 lb dexter axle made for the RV industry. Now that makes sense. My questions are: -What makes this a 2800 lb axle and not a 3500 lb axle? hub, brakes, bearings, spindle size,ect... -Are the leaf springs and suspension kit I am looking at correct? -Is it possible to upgrade any components to make this axle a true 3500 lb axle by replacing brake assy, drums, bearings? -Any specs, P#s or general info on this oddball axle available? Specs I know: dexter P# equalizer 13-104 Drum 8-283 Axle P# Cast on casting 2-118 Measurments w/ loaded suspension: Axle diameter 2 3/8 Leaf eye to eye 20 7/8 Suspension front hangar to center hangar 25 Suspension center hangar to rear hangar 25 Leaf spring height about 3 Equilizer lower bolts 5 3/4 apart Height 2 Pivot width 1 7/8 Leaf spring width 1 3/4 Number stamped on leaf spring clip Standen 7213 I am looking to replace all 4 leaf springs, equalizer, straps,pivot bolts, u bolts, and ubolt plates.

asked by: Eric M

Expert Reply:

The 3,500 lb axle is the most common size 2-3/8 diameter axle, but it isn't the only one. If you have the odd-ball 2,800 lb axle, then you will have the different bearings, seal, and hubs you referenced because of the spindle dimensions. Each axle is rated individually by the manufacturer and the spindles are in the case the reason for the lower rating.

The springs you currently have are not available from our manufacturers in the size. You will need to replace the hangers as well with care included in the suspension kit. My recommendation is to upgrade your entire suspension using the Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 3-1/4" Front/Rear, 3-5/8" Center # AP233-H248. Then you can use the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/8" Long # e54SR you referenced and it will work very well.

The axle mounting hardware is U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 3,500-lb, Round Trailer Axles - 5-1/2" Long U-Bolts # APUBR-1.

expert reply by: Jason S