Installation of Shorter Leaf Spring Hangers on Tritoon Trailer to Lower Trailer Height

Question:

I have a PT-22 Mid-America tri-toon pontoon trailer. My tandem axle trailer is currently set up with the axle on top of the leaf springs. Do they make a kit that uses a lowering block between the leaf spring and the axle? So from a side viewing profile from the bottom to the top it would look like this...leaf spring, lowering block, then axle. I plan on putting smaller tires on the trailer. I need to lower the trailer 3 inches. I see you have a kit that moves the axle from the bottom of the springs to the top, but I already have that setup. It might also be possible to remove the existing leaf spring shackles to bigger or smaller depending on what it takes to lower the trailer, bigger or smaller? Thanks for your help in advance.

asked by: Michael H

Expert Reply:

The standard configuration for tandem trailer axles and leaf springs is for the axle to be bolted on top of the leaf springs as shown in the linked image.

There are kits available to reverse the positions of the axles and springs to lift a trailer for increased ground clearance. We offer two such kits, parts # K71-384-00 and the item you referenced # K71-385-00, which lift the trailer's height to help reduce issues with the trailer scraping when entering a steep driveway, for instance.

In order to lower the trailer's height you will need to install 6 new shorter hangers. This may cause you to need to raise your fenders to prevent the tire tread surface from contacting them but if you also switch to smaller diameter tires you might be able to avoid this. Just keep in mind that, for example, a tire with 3-inches less overall diameter will give you 1-1/2-inches of height drop. Our page for leaf spring hangers is linked for you.

We do not have any lowering kits for trailers but we do offer Timbren axle-less suspensions, shown on the linked page, that completely replace the leaf springs, equalizers, shackle straps and hangers. These include kits like 5200-lb-rated # ASR5200S04 that have 4-inch drop spindles to lower trailer deck height while retaining ground clearance. These can be used in tandem applications.

expert reply by: Adam R