Equalizer Shackles Hitting Frame

Send those pictures to Dexter and see what they say.

I think you have 4000lb (26") springs on 3500lb axles that require 25-1/8" springs. The extra ply is a clue.

Lynnmor wrote:
I think you have 4000lb (26") springs on 3500lb axles that require 25-1/8" springs. The extra ply is a clue.

The new springs are rated at 3000lb/ea and the axle is rated at 5200lb (Dexter D52). The measurements from center of hanger to center of hanger is 29.5" and the axles measure about 33" apart on center so based on the Dexter sheet below it would be 26" springs.

Doesn't matter what Dexters site says. Thensprings are too long! It's very obvious.

In the 3rd picture labeled original. Is this unsprung? It looks like your stabilizers/jack is down in the background. In the other two pictures is the trailer jacked up the same way?

My thinking is you may have the same rate springs as far as load goes but, since there is an extra leaf, maybe the longer spring flattens out more before (i.e. it is a lower rating by itself than the original long spring) transferring weight to the other springs. This results in a longer/flatter spring when holding the static weight.

schlep1967 wrote:
In the 3rd picture labeled original. Is this unsprung? It looks like your stabilizers/jack is down in the background. In the other two pictures is the trailer jacked up the same way?

My thinking is you may have the same rate springs as far as load goes but, since there is an extra leaf, maybe the longer spring flattens out more before (i.e. it is a lower rating by itself than the original long spring) transferring weight to the other springs. This results in a longer/flatter spring when holding the static weight.

The third picture is unsprung, jacks were down and that side of the trailer was lifted off the ground. The other two pictures are with load on the springs, when completely unloaded (e.g. lifted off the ground) the equalizers sit correctly.

If the springs are too long am I correct in assuming the options are:
1) Replace all 4 springs, u-bolts, and bushings again with what I assume should be 25 1/8" springs
2) Find a shop to move the hangers a bit

We had two issues that we tried to resolve, the first issue is one of the rear leaf springs were worn out so we decided to replace all of them with slightly higher capacity ones (We fulltime and tow at max capacity often). The second issue is our ass-end kept scrapping on slight angles when towing leveled so we got lift blocks + thicker spring packs to give it the extra clearance.

Here is a picture post-install that has some weight applied to the suspension.

At this point I see two options for you.
1. Contact Dexter. Get them these pictures and see what they say.
2. Find a trailer repair shop, not an RV shop, to give you suggestions. If you decide to move the hanger locations you want to make sure it is a shop that knows what they are doing.