Can 10K Leaf Springs be Upgraded to 3 Inch Wide 12K Springs for Gooseneck Trailer

Question:

Weak springs on a 20+5 gooseneck trailer used on a farm Is their a way to upgrade 5 leaf 2 1/2 inch wide springs for 10k axles to something stronger? 12k axle springs have 6 leaves, 3 inch wide, same 5 inch tube. Could work I guess but have to change hangers to accommodate 3 inch width? Is their a 2 1/2 inch width with 6 leaves Used on our farm so we are regularly overloading trailer.

asked by: Mark B

Expert Reply:

You can definitely upgrade the leaf springs from a 5-leaf 2-1/2" wide system to a 6-leaf 3" wide system but you'll basically need to swap out your whole suspension system. It's also good to note that even if your leaf springs are rated for a higher capacity it won't increase the weight rating of your axles. We don't recommend overloading the trailer but that's obviously up to the end user so I'll let you know what parts you need so you can install the larger springs.

On your axle you need larger spring seats to accommodate the wider leaf springs Spring Seat for Typical 10,000-lb to 15,000-lb, Round Trailer Axles w/ 5" Diameter # 3-66.

You might need longer U-Bolts as well to fit the larger 6-Leaf 12K # SP-269275 leaf springs.

The larger hanger kit makes everything else wider to fit with the larger leaf springs Dexter Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for 3" Slipper Springs - 38" Axle Spacing # HAP-103-203-01.

I also recommend having a qualified welder perform the installation of all of these products as they can get a bit specific on how they install.