Does a Tandem Axle Trailer Need Equalizers

Updated 07/11/2016 | Published 07/08/2016

Question:

I traded for and old home built trailer with tandem axles. The axles are not linked with and equalizer. Is it necessary for the axles to be linked with and equalizer?

asked by: Eric B

Expert Reply:

If your trailer has torsion axles, no worries but it it's a leaf spring suspension you really should have equalizers. Without the equalizer, the trailer will have a rougher ride and the weight won't be balanced across both axles when going over anything other than a flat surface. So potentially if you have 7000 lb trailer going over a bump with 2 , 3500 lb axles. When one axle is temporarily in the "air " the other axle will take on all the weight. That is why you don't see it too often. Equalizers are used to share the weight of the axles going over obstacles.

I've linked you to some FAQ articles about trailer suspensions.

expert reply by: Mike L