Is the Suspensino on My Tandem 3,500 lb Axle Trailer Messed Up

Published 08/31/2018

Question:

Have a trailer given to me because it was not built right. It has two 3500 lb axles 2 3/8” diameter. The double eye leaf spring placement is a mess. I saw where your mount bracket spacing specs with an install kit that has 25 1/4” springs and an 8” equalizer is 29 1/2” c-c for the mount brackets. My springs are 25 1/4” c-c but my equalizer is 7 5/8” c-c. Does that change the spacing between the mount brackets? Also it appears on your specs that there should be a 4” space between the ubolts and the frame. The only spring I have that has the correct mounting bracket spacing, has 3”. Does that mean I need new mounting brackets that are 1” longer? Thanks.

asked by: Wayne

Helpful Expert Reply:

The good news is that your trailer suspension may not be as messed up as you are thinking. The 8" equalizer you are referring to was actually just specific to that customer's question and it isn't a rule for every trailer. The only real way to know that the suspension placement on your trailer is messed up is if you don't achieve the 10% tongue weight (TW) with your trailer unloaded. This typically requires the equalizer to be place in a 60/40 distance on your trailer where 60% is in front of the equalizer while 40% of the trailer frame is behind the equalizer.

The 4" measurement that you were looking at in the attached photo actually extends to the center of your axle, not the top of the U-Bolts. Since your axle has a 2-3/8" diameter and you are measuring 3" to the top of the U-Bolts you actually have enough room.

I am attaching a link to a helpful article on trailer axle placement for you to check out. If the suspension on your trailer really is messed up then you would need to have a professional welder come out, cut the hangers off of your trailer, and then weld new ones on in the correct locations.

expert reply by: Jon G