Can Dexter Over Under Kit be Used on Trailer with Slipper Springs

Question:

I have a late 80s Econoline tilt deck trailer LP0617TE with slipper spring suspension. The trailer came with 205/85r14.5 rims, the rims are no longer made so I had to install 235/85r16 tires/wheels. The new wheel tire combination is to tall and the trailer deck or wheel wells need to be lifted. I have read your articles saying the Dexter K71-385-00 kit will not work. Is my only option to buy longer spring hangers or could a larger splipper spring work? If you could please advise me on what direction to go and point me to the correct product. I have attached picture of my actual suspension. A link to the trailer newer version of mine with 16inch rims is at https://econolinetrailers.com/6-ton-landscape-tilt-lp0617te/ a spec sheet is also available at that link. Thank you very much.

asked by: Tyler D

Expert Reply:

The Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit part # K71-385-00 CAN be used with slipper springs. However, the process of installing this kit on a trailer with a set of slipper springs is more indepth than installing this kit on a trailer with a set of double eye leaf springs.

There are two issues that need to be addressed when using the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit on a trailer with slipper springs, movement of the spring seat and dimensions of the u-bolt plate. Since slipper springs will shift back and forth as the trailer is in motion, the spring seats need to be fully welded to the trailer axle. In regards to the dimensions of the u-bolt plate, slipper spring are generally 2" wide and double eye leaf springs are generally 1-3/4" wide. This means that the u-bolt plate included with the kit will not work for you if your leaf springs are 2" wide. You will instead need to make your own which is fairly simple.

If you ask me, swapping out the u-bolt plate and welding the spring seat is easier and more cost effective than changing leaf springs and leaf spring hangers. According to Dexter Axle, the above process is permitted using the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit.

expert reply by: Jameson C