Can Trailer with Slipper Springs be Replaced with Double Eye Springs

Question

Question:

Would it work to change leaf springs on a boat trailer from a 26 inch hook end spring to a 25 inch double eye spring with shackles. Old trailer rusted out so bought a used aluminum trailer with rusty springs so can I either change leaf springs or change axles and leaf springs from old steel 5 trailer to used aluminium?

asked by: Gerald P

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

You can replace slipper spring suspension on a trailer with double eye springs but you will need to remove the old hangers and have new ones installed as well as get the correct suspension mounting hardware. For a 26 inch spring we have the # e27SR which is for a 4,500 lb axle.

For a hanger kit the part # APS4 would work great since it's for a single axle which comes with hangers, bolts, and shackles.

expert reply by: Jameson C

1

Answer 1

The clips on the #e77SR leaf springs are designed to be forward of the axle due to braking axle wrap (twisting). The straps/clips aren't super strong to prevent this but they're still there. If the strap comes off or the leaves come apart it…

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Answer 2

If you are looking to replace your flat-end style slipper springs with a radius-type, you can use the same hangers you have only if they will accept the same size bolt as the radius-type springs. Otherwise you will need to get a new set of hangers…

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Answer 3

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked…

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Answer 4

We have hubs that are designed to fit spindle diameters that you mentioned of 1 inch and 1-1/6 inch. If you have a straight spindle with a 1 inch diameter you'd have a BT8 spindle and the hub part #8-258BTUC1 that you referenced would fit. If you…

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Answer 5

To upgrade to a larger tire you will have to upgrade to a larger wheel as well, and with that in mind you will want to make sure that the bolt pattern of your new wheel and tires match the existing bolt pattern on your current trailer. I have…

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Answer 6

The difference is found in the application. The Slipper Spring styles, like part #SP-179275, are intended for use with more heavy duty applications, while the Double Eye styles, like part #e77SR are used to provide a more comfortable ride. The part…

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Answer 7

If your Double-Eye Leaf Springs are 27 inches long, you will just want to mount the hangers in the Redline Single-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit #APS4 mentioned in your question about 26-1/2 inches apart. As a general rule, you want the distance between…

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Answer 8

The leaf springs should be rated to match the axle on the trailer. Spring #e27SR is rated for 2,250 pounds per spring so it fits 4,500 pound axles. These springs would be overkill for a boat weighing up to 1,900 pounds and it would be a very stiff…

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Answer 9

The current 175/80-13 size tires on your boat trailer have an overall diameter/height of 24.1 inches and a width of 6.9 inches. The smaller 215/60-8 tires that you mentioned will certainly be smaller in height with a diameter of 18.3 inches, but will…

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Answer 10

This will depend on the hitch used and the height of the trailer coupler. You want the trailer to be as level as possible. We have a page on calculating hitch height and coupler height to help you find what ball mount would work best. Most light duty…

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Answer 11

The D in 175/80D-13 indicates that it is a bias ply tire where as the R in 175/80r-13 indicates that it is a radial tire. The difference is how the steel belts inside are oriented. Bias ply tires are generally better in off road types of situations.…

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Answer 12

Yes, you can go with hub #AKIHUB-545-2-G-1K since it uses the same bearings and seal size as your regular hub #AKIHUB-440-2-G-1K. Keep in mind that you will also have to switch to wheels with the 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern. I would assume you are…

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