Can Longer Shackle Straps be Added to Tandem Axle Trailer

Question

Question:

Hi I have a 2 axle trailer and I put 3 inch shackles on the front and back will it still work or is it not safe

asked by: Scott

0

Expert Reply:

When replacing shackle straps they should be the same length as the ones that were previously on your tandem axle trailer (if possible); replacing them with longer straps will result in additional play in your trailer suspension which could lead to additional wear or other issues and longer ones are not going to provide you with added benefit.

For a tandem axle trailer it is common to have 2-5/8" shackle straps such as part # 115052. I recommend using these if they were the same length as your previous shackle straps.

I added a link to our selection of shackle straps for you in case you had a different length, as well as a link to a help article on trailer suspension which I recommend checking out.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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Dean

3/10/2020

What if I have 3 shackle straps, can I go back to the 2.625 without any issues??

Reply

Chris R.

3/11/2020

Most likely this would be fine, but if the trailer currently uses 3" shackle straps it would be best just to stick with those to maintain current suspension performance. Is there a reason you want to move to shorter straps other than availability?

Reply

Dean S.

3/11/2020

I needed to replace all the bolts, bushings and straps because im rebuilding and saw on the website that most tandem axles are 2.625. so I just switched..

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Chris R.

3/12/2020

I see - that makes sense. I don't think the shorter units will cause any issues. Just be sure they're still long enough to have a nice upward angle when unloaded.

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Philip F.

3/10/2024

I have a question regarding spring position. I have an old Magic Trail boat trailer (twin axle) which I intend to renovate this year. It has 2x2 square axles and 20'' DE 3 leaf springs. The axles (with no load) appear are both slightly rotated and tip in toward the equalizer so the springs do not sit level. Is this normal / acceptable? The outermost hangers are about 2-1/4'' and the center hanger is 6" I was considering longer shackles but having read your earlier advice to Scott i'm not now sure.

Reply

Kyle S.

3/11/2024

@PhilipF Yep, this is normal. I would go ahead and keep the same length shackles as you have now.

Reply

Justin

9/9/2024

@KyleS what does it mean when the axels have no load and springs should sit level? I’m trying to figure out the correct shackles as I had one side with small and one side with big. Do I jack the whole trailer off ground then look at the springs and detrimen the correct side ?

Reply

Kyle S.

9/10/2024

@Justin Yes, that would be the correct move to determine right ones. You definitely want them all to be the same size.

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See All (5) Replies to Philip F. ∨

Answer 1

Hey there, the Dexter U-Bolt kits like the part #APUBR-1 are made in the US and Canada.

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Answer 2

To slightly lower your trailer that has had an "axle flip" kit installed you would want to use slightly shorter shackle straps, not longer ones. Shorter shackles will let the axle rest closer to the trailer frame, which lowers the trailer…

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Answer 3

Trailer manufacturers don't usually keep a record of parts like these that they install at the factory, so I cannot be sure as to the exact length of the shackle strap that would have come originally on your trailer. With this in mind, a 3-1/8…

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Answer 4

Well shackle length is mainly based on the height difference between the front and rear hangers. The rear hanger normally doesn't hang as low as the front so that the shackle can offset the difference and add the ability to move. What is the…

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Answer 5

The first thing I would check on your trailer is the capacity of the springs. You need to be sure the spring capacity is rated at 1/2 the axle capacity. That way 2 springs equal the capacity of the trailer axle for proper fit. Check the arch of the…

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Answer 6

Yes the pipe diameters of the #BDPG9810-00 and the #TJDP-7000S-B are the same. Both of them have a 2 inch inner diameter and a 2-1/2 inch outer diameter.

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Answer 7

If the outer diameter of your Bearing Buddy measures 2.125" then you need the Model 19B Replacement Bearing Buddy Bras #BB19B. These are compatible with models that have an outer diameter of 2-1/8" (or 2.125" in decimal form). Attached…

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Answer 8

The shackle straps included in the Lippert Tandem Axle Equa-Flex AP Kit - Wet Bolts - 3-1/8" Long Shackles #LC64FR you mentioned are 3-1/8" center to center and 4-3/8" overall length as shown in included diagram. Using the longer…

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Answer 9

I do have an option for you, but we do not carry the Dexter 072-027-00 you mentioned. However we do have the etrailer Double-Eye Spring for 7,000-lb Trailer Axles - 24-7/8" Long #e64SR which will be 3/8" shorter but that is still close…

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Answer 10

You can use leaf springs that are rated higher than the axle without any issues as long as they measure the correct measurement for your trailer. For example the 6-leaf double eye spring for 7,000 lb axles part #e64SR measures 24-7/8" eye to…

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Answer 11

The leaf spring you referenced part #e54SR would work great as a replacement for your single axle trailer. This is a little shorter than what you have now and is 3,500 lb rated so it would work perfectly. Springs stretch over time as they wear out…

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Answer 12

Excellent question, and the difference between the two kits comes down to the dimensions of the equalizers. What you will want to do is match up the size of your equalizer with the size of the equalizer in these kits. - 6" Long, 4" Tall…

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Can Longer Shackle Straps be Added to Tandem Axle Trailer

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