Changing axle but what about springs

[Kim Armstrong]

Morning everyone. Was wondering the people with HF or Northern Tool chassis that changed out the axle with a 3500 lb. axle did you change JUST the axle or did you go with different springs with shackles and hangers ? Was wondering how it would work out with just changing the axle. Thanks

[QueticoBill]

Been thinking about same exact question. The NT springs are iirc a slightly unique width. Don't know how that impacts the decision. I'd like to keep my springs.

[Pmullen503]

I would think you would want to match the springs to the weight of the trailer.

[GTS225]

I can agree with Pmullen's comment. However, if the springs are matched to the trailer weight, and one wants to change axles for the hubs, in order to run a matching tow vehicle bolt pattern, I can see that being done. Seems one could do a little spacer fabrication if the spring width was a bit too narrow for the new axle spring pads.

Roger

[working on it]

* There's a company out there that makes custom spring kits for Harbor Freight trailers https://compactcampingstore.com/products/camping-trailer-spring-kit

[twisted lines]

Is there enough fender Clearance, to go Lighter as the axle is going to move more?
Have or want bigger tire's?
Trailer Weight?
Original springs spec's?

I have two trailers with 3500 lb axle's ; One has 3500 lb springs, 5' X 8' wireless remote dump trailer
My wife loves it now that it's done' A dump trailer get's abused X2
If you go over something rough you will know its there.
My Cramper has 2000 Lb axles and weighs 1250 Light weight, Pulls very nice.
Loaded it one time calculated as close to 2000 lbs as I could do. Felt like it was on air bag's Spongy on bumps just the way my fine china would like

[twisted lines]

* There's a company out there that makes custom spring kits for Harbor Freight trailers https://compactcampingstore.com/products/camping-trailer-spring-kit

Bookmarked

[Kim Armstrong]

Thanks everyone for your input. I think I've got to change springs with shackles because using a 3500 axle with the stock springs makes the trailer taller than I want with the axle under the springs and not enough clearance between the axle and frame if mounted on top of the spring. I've seen the setup compactcamping store has. I've got the stuff to make that. Would be good for moving the axle to get the tongue weight.

[drhill]

That is pretty much how I mounted my springs - on 2" angle iron bolted to the main frame. The fender mounts are also welded to the angle iron so the springs and fenders all move together. The axle is 8" forward of my original mounting point as I have a lot of weight in the tongue box and the bike rack on the tongue. I would never build a trailer again without movable spring mounts.

[Kim Armstrong]

That was my thinking. It would be easy to change the axle location if needed.