Troubleshooting Trailer Suspension that Shackle and Equalizer Flip Over

Published 09/24/2015

Question:

Hanger shackles flip over at equalizer. I have a 60/40 weight spilt and the Atp3 shackle kit with 3500 lb idelers and my springs are 25 1/4inch eye to eye. Axels hit frame and shackles hit frame and shackles on equalizer flipped over on one side only but that might have happened when I unbolted the center in opposit side of trailer as I was going to put a spacer between the shackle hanger and frame to see if that would keep the axle tube and shackles from hitting. Pulls down road great but when towed through uneven or articulating the trailer it hits. Please help with any info

asked by: Nick

Expert Reply:

First thing you want to do is verify that you are using the correct dimensions for your hanger spacing on your trailer. The distance between the center hanger and either of the outside hangers should be right at 29-1/2 inches. There should be at least 3-1/2 inches from the center of the axle o the trailer frame.

Also, you need to make sure your trailer is being towed level. If your trailer is nose high or low that can cause the suspension of a tandem axle trailer to be unbalanced.

I attached a help article that details how to pick out the correct rise/drop ball mount for towing trailer level.

expert reply by: Jameson C