How to Pick Out Replacement Leaf Spring Equalizer for Trailer

Updated 06/11/2018 | Published 06/08/2018

Question:

I have a 2008 Crossroads Kingston M35GB Fifth Wheel I tow with a 2006 GMC 2500HD Duramax and a Demco Hijacker automatic sliding hitch. I have also installed Air Lift 5000 air springs on the truck. When I bought the trailer used about 6 years ago, it sat so low to the ground that the sewer outlet was lower than many hookups in the RV parks. Because of this and the fact that the springs looked pretty flat, I replaced the springs and at the same time installed the Correct Track alignment system, which raised the trailer to what appears to be a normal height. With the air springs inflated to 55 psi, both the truck and trailer sit level. I also had chucking, sometimes pretty severe, before replacing the springs and still do, although to a lesser degree. When looking at the trailer, the space between the tires on either side, is probably no more than an inch - which seems awfully close to me. I matched the new springs to the previous springs, but I am curious as to whether they might have already been replaced by the previous owner and if the replacements might have been too long. Could this cause chucking? Also, I am wondering if my equalizers might be worn out - they certainly look pretty bad. Id really like to get the chucking issue resolved as I know its not doing anything good to the trailer or my truck - or my wife for that matter. Where do I start to really figure out what is wrong and what options are available to improve and upgrade my suspension and the ride? I am including a couple photos for reference

asked by: Kent C

Expert Reply:

Your pictures didn't make it through, but if your equalizers look bad it would be a good idea to replace them. Now chucking is typically caused by the jaws of the fifth wheel hitch being used. Some hitch designs are just more prone to movement than others which is where the chucking comes from. If you can have a passenger watch the pin box relative to the fifth wheel trailer when the chucking is happening that'll be a good indicator if the hitch is causing it. If you can see the pin box moving on the head of the hitch then that's where the chucking is coming from.

To pick out the correct equalizer you'll need to measure the horizontal distance from left to right on the bolt holes as well as the vertical distance between them as well and then check out our equalizer page I attached and then go with the one that matches your dimensions.

expert reply by: Jameson C