Parts Needed to Upgrade from a 2-3/8 Inch Axle to a 3 Inch Axle

Question:

Hi, I have a grand design imagine 2800bh trailer and i am looking for a new/replacement axle with spindles. It appears to be 86.5 hub face to hub face, and 68.5 spring to spring on center If i went to the 3 axle, what else would i need to swap out? Just the U-bolts? Could you help me with the part i would need. The current axle is the 2 3/8. If possible id like to go to a 3 while still keeping the existing 5 on 4.5 wheels. Seperately im looking for replacement springs. The current 3500lb springs 1750lb each are completely flat on the heavier side, and im looking for some springs the next size up 4000lb or 4400lb? Something like that. I think the existing part number is 072-042-00. Thanks

asked by: Shaun

Expert Reply:

We do have a 3" axle with a 86-1/2" hub face to hub face measurement. It is the Dexter Axle Beam with E-Z Lube Spindles item # 8327816. The spring seats sit at 71-1/2" so you will need to move them. You'll want to replace them with two of the 3" Spring Seats Item # TRSS300 for each axle. We do not have a 2-3/8" axle in your dimensions.

You will also need to replace your u-bolts and plates. You will want the U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 3" Round Trailer Axles item # APUBR-9. You will need one set per axle.

As far as keeping your current 5 on 4-1/2 hubs it'll come down to the size of your current bearings but I don't see them matching up. The item # 8327816 axle uses inner bearing item # 25580 and outer bearing item # LM67048 so you will want to check one of the hubs currently on your trailer. We do not have any 5 on 4-1/2 hubs that fit this axle.

From what I could find online the Dexter 072-042-00 leaf spring is a standard 1-3/4" wide double eye spring that is 25-1/4" long. To upgrade it to a 4,000 lbs spring you will want the 3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,000-lb Trailer Axles item # e93SR.