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
- 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: CE Smith Curved Equalizer for 1-3/4" Wide Double-Eye Springs - 7-3/4" Long - Galvanized
- Article: Double-Eye Trailer Suspension System Review
- Shop: Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double Eye Springs - 2-1/4" Links
- Shop: CE Smith Shackle Bolts with Lock Nuts - 3-1/2" Long - Qty 2
- Shop: Dexter Heavy-Duty Shackle Link for 1-3/4" Wide Double Eye Spring Suspension Kit - Qty 1
- Search Results: equalizer
- Shop: Dexter Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for 3" Slipper Springs - 38" Axle Spacing
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: 5 Tell-Tale Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Trailer’s Leaf Springs
- Search Results: trailer axle lift kit
- Search Results: slipper springs ~ 2 inch trailer suspension parts
- Search Results: spring equalizer
- Search Results: slipper spring equalizer
- Video: Breaking Down the Triple-Axle Trailer Equalizer Kit for 2" Slipper Springs
- Video: The Low-Down on the Tandem-Axle Trailer Equalizer Kit for 2" Slipper Springs
- Video: A Closer Look at the 6-Leaf Slipper Spring w/ Hook End for 8,000-lb Trailer Axles
- Video: Complete Breakdown of the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
- Video: Feature Breakdown: Torflex Lift Kit
- Video: Hands-On with the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
- Video: Equalizer for 2" Wide Slipper Springs: The Breakdown
- Q&A: Converting Standard 7K Grease Hubs to Oil Bath Hubs
- Search Results: plastic bushing
- Q&A: Determining Correct Shackle Strap Size for Top Brand Tandem Axle Trailer
- Search Results: spring seats trailer suspension parts
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: What is Most Common Leaf Spring Length for 3,500 lb Trailer Axle
- Q&A: How to Determine Correct Length Leaf Spring For 7,000 lb Axle
on Trailer Suspension Parts
