Dimensions of Hangers and Equalizers on Tandem Axle Suspension on 16-Ft Trailer
Question:
Im rebuilding my trailer and I think who ever built it had no idea what they were doing when it came to mounting all the suspension. Was wondering if you could help me choose the right equalizer and shackle? Using your tandem axle picture for measurements: A- 30 1/4 front hanger to center B- 29 7/8 Center to rear hanger C- 36 D- 6 1/2 Front and rear hangers are 1 3/8 tall Center hanger is 3 1/4 tall axle is 2 3/8 round 3500lbs leaf springs are 25 1/2 long, 1 3/4 wide double eye with 4 leaves Now the equalizer that is in there is 2 7/8 tall, 7 3/4 long with 9/16 dia. on center hole and the shackles are 2 3/4 long What I found to be strange is the A and B measurements, the height combination of the hangers, the shackle lengths and they had the shackles facing down towards the ground instead of up towards the frame. Does this sound ok? Thanks
asked by: Marc W
Expert Reply:
Front and rear springs hangers should be equally spaced around the center hanger and spring equalizer. It may be that your trailer was modified (if not originally built) with a different height center hanger and that might be how the spacing became how it is. Also, it may be that at some point the shackle straps were changed to a different length - we offer three different lengths: 2-1/4-inch, 2-5/8-inch and 3-1/8-inch. On a tandem axle trailer the 2-5/8-inch length is most common.
It is not unusual for shackle straps to flip around when the trailer is not under load. The face-up position for the strap will usually return once you load the trailer with some weight and pull it to actuate the suspension. This in itself is not a problem. But shackle straps are also the most likely part of the system to wear out from use. They carry the weight of the trailer and also have to deal with constant movement. A worn strap may develop oval holes from the wear and this can change the alignment of the rest of the system. I suggest you check your shackle straps for wear and replace as needed.
You may also care to review the linked article for more on trailer suspensions.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Nylon Bushing - 9/16" Inner Diameter, 11/16" Outer Diameter - 1-3/4" Long
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Bushings
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- 9/16 Inch ID x 11/16 Inch OD
- 1-3/4 Inch Long
- TruRyde
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Double-Eye Trailer Suspension System Review
- Shop: Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double Eye Springs
- Shop: Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double-Eye Springs
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double Eye Springs - 2-1/4" Links
- Shop: CE Smith Curved Equalizer for 1-3/4" Wide Double-Eye Springs - 7-3/4" Long - Galvanized
- Shop: 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,000-lb Trailer Axles - 26" Long
- Shop: Curved Equalizer for 1-3/4" Wide Double-Eye Springs - 5-3/4" Long - 9/16" Center Hole
- Shop: Torflex Lift Kit - Tandem Axle - 3-1/8" Lift
- Article: How to Raise Your Travel Trailer Height
- Q&A: Replacement Equalizers and Shackle Straps for 2007 Keystone Raptor 3712
- Q&A: Recommended Axles For Travel Trailer With 68-1/4 Inch Spring Center To Spring Center Measurement
- Video: Complete Breakdown of the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension w/ Idler Hubs
- Video: Checking Out the Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with Standard Spindles
- Q&A: How to Determine Hanger Spacing for Tandem Axle Trailer Suspension with 26 Inch Springs
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: air bag
- Search Results: spring seat
- Q&A: How to Decide Which Tandem Axle Trailer Hanger Kit to Use
- Search Results: square axle suspension kit
- Q&A: Determining Correct Replacement Equalizers and Shackle Straps for Older Trailer
- Search Results: equalizer
- Q&A: Hanger, U-Bolt, and Slipper Spring Kit for 8k Trailer Axles
- Q&A: Trailer Hitch Receiver For 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk That Protrudes Through Bumper
- Search Results: tandem axle equalizer
- Search Results: sp~198275
- Search Results: pr6
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Brake System
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
on Trailer Suspension Parts
