Are Shackles Necessary For A Single Axle Utility Trailer?

Question

Question:

Are shackles necessary for a utility trailer? I resently restored an older single axle trailer with new leaf springs and axle. I did install shackles but they completely flatten to the frame with my own weight as I jump on the trailer.

asked by: Greg

0

Expert Reply:

Hello Greg. Generally, yes, shackles are required for any single axle utility trailer. The diagram below will show you the components of a typical single axle setup. You will have shackles on the rear hangers only. This is because as your axle hits bumps in the road it not only gets pushed up, but also back. With the shackle in the back you will have the best ride quality and suspension travel. Without shackles the suspension would likely be quite rough.

The shackles should not be flattening out like that though. This makes me wonder if perhaps the new springs are too long, or the shackles are not the correct size. When you replaced these components, did you make sure the new parts were identical in size to the stock parts? If the parts are not sized correctly, it can throw off the suspension and cause the kind of issue you are describing. The trailer being out of level, or the springs being overloaded could also cause this kind of issue, although it doesn't sound like overloading is the issue.

expert reply by: Jesse M

0

Single Axle Trailer Suspension Components
(click to enlarge)

Sean

7/3/2024

Hey Jesse, My utility trailer (former double with snowmobile trailer) doesn’t have shackles. It was like that when I bought it used. Based on your comments above, I assume you’d recommend I add them? Thanks, S

Jesse M.

7/3/2024

@Sean How is the ride quality? There are trailers out there that don't use shackles, but the standard for single axle suspension is to use shackles on the rear hanger. The shackles allow the suspension to articulate the way it was intended. If you are unhappy with the current ride quality, then yes, I do recommend that you add them.

John V.

4/30/2025

@Sean wit out the shackles the spring is no different than a solid steel bar the sprinflattens out as it absorbs the bumps in the road and as it does it makes the spring longer if mounted solid it can't flatten out and lengthen so it just acts as a solid mount.

Jesse M.

5/1/2025

@JohnV Yep you are absolutely right. Thanks for sharing!

Answer 1

For all of our springs we list the unloaded length measured center eye to center eye straight across. Leaf springs can extend up to 1" when flexed. If you are looking to replace old leaf springs, you will want to jack up the trailer so that the…

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Answer 2

The Roadmaster Comfort Ride Shock Kit part #RM-2450-50 would indeed work just fine on a single axle trailer. The upper shock mounts gets attached directly to the trailer frame and then the lower shock mounts gets attached to the tie plate. There is…

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Answer 3

The closest leaf spring set we have available to the 22-1/4 inch length you mentioned is the 3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring #SP-113275. This double-eye leaf spring features a length of 23-1/2 inches from the center of the spring eye to the center of the…

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Answer 4

Spring Hanger location dimensions are normally figured by the manufacturer and provided with the spring hanger kit, that includes all of the parts for installing the springs on the trailer frame. I have provided a chart that shows the spring hanger…

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Answer 5

The largest wheel and tire combo we offer that has a 4 on 4 inch bolt pattern and a pilot diameter of 2.5 inch is the Kenda 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tire with 10" White Wheel #AM3H410 which has an overall diameter of 20.6 inches.

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Answer 6

I have a 2010 Chevy Equinox and I can tell you that a 10 foot kayak will not fit in the back of my vehicle so unfortunately I don't think you are going to be able to fit one in your 2013 Equinox. Maybe if you don't have a passenger and you…

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Answer 7

For a single axle trailer, you want the shackle strap to be able to move so that you have the spring deflection needed for your suspension. Angled like the photo or even almost vertical is fine you just don't want the shackle strap to bind and…

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Answer 8

It looks like the 10 ft Triton Lite trailers were built with 2,000 lb Dexter axles. There are two bearing kits we carry that may work for you and the best way to determine which kit is the correct kit for your trailer is to compare the part numbers…

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Answer 9

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 10

The most common 5-bolt trailer wheel lug pattern is 5-on-4-1/2, but since there are actually four different 5-lug patterns in use you will want to refer to the linked article for help determining which you have. You will also want to verify the size…

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Answer 11

There is no exact way to determine the leaf spring length. The best way to determine the length for a replacement is by measuring the existing leaf springs. The hanger distance and shackle length can help you get a good idea, but you're looking…

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Answer 12

No, the bolts while being tightened down should not cause the hangers to bend inward towards the leaf. This will weaken the hanger and potentially cause it fail. You will need to get new hangers to match your leaf springs or new leaf springs to match…

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Are Shackles Necessary For A Single Axle Utility Trailer?

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