Troubleshooting Rear Hangers Breaking and Front Shackle Strap Making Contact with Trailer Frame

Updated 08/28/2018 | Published 08/27/2018

Question:

I have a tandem axle, double eye spring system on a boat trailer. The manufacturer placed the springs on top of the square axle. The boat rode very high so i switched the springs to under the axle. In the past 2 years since making the switch from springs over to under axle, the weld that holds the rear hanger to the trailer frame has broken twice. Once on each side and always on the rear hanger. Also I have noticed that the shackle strap on the front position of the equalizer is hitting the bottom of the trailer frame while parked on a very slight up hill incline. Is there a way to get more travel distance between the shackle straps on the equalizer and bottom of the trailer frame? If the shackle strap on the front of the equalizer is hitting the trailer frame does that put all the load weight on rear spring/hanger? Is it normal for shackle straps to touch the trailer frame during equalizer movements?? Thank you for any insight.

asked by: Curt L

Helpful Expert Reply:

If a rear hanger has broken off twice at the weld on your tandem axle trailer, it's possible that your axles aren't lined up perfectly which is leading to a twisting action during travel. I recommend checking to be sure that the axles are lined up straight with the trailer frame and that nothing looks off with regards to their orientation with each other.

Your front shackle straps coming into contact with the trailer frame likely isn't related to the rear hanger issue, but it still is a good idea to resolve this as it really shouldn't be happening. The easiest way to get a bit more clearance under the frame will be to replace your existing equalizers with taller ones. In order to pick out a compatible replacement you will want to measure the distance between the two lower eyelet holes on your current equalizers, along with the distance between the top and bottom holes just to ensure that you get a longer unit.

For example, the TruRyde Equalizer # TREQ310 features a taller design and has a distance of 6-1/16 inches between the two lower holes. It fits leaf springs that are 1-3/4 inches wide with 9/16 inch diameter spring eyes.

I have attached a link that will take you to our selection of equalizers that you can look through as well.

expert reply by: Chris R