Will Shackle Straps Help Improve Trailer Ride

Updated 12/31/2018 | Published 12/29/2018

Question:

My boat trailer is outfitted with 21 inch long double eye leaf springs rated to carry 3000# each 6000# total load. My actual load is 2280 lbs. so it rides extremely rigid and I get tires bounce and heavy vibration at 55 - 60 mph. I planning to changed springs to a rating of 1400 lbs,. each 2800 total. The current double eye springs are direct mount without a shackle. Would I improve performance if I added a rear shackle to the new springs?

asked by: Ken W

Expert Reply:

Yes, using shackle straps will help improve the ride of your trailer, though not as much as getting the properly rated leaf springs, which you are already doing. Shackle straps will help because they are the link between your springs and what I assume is the hanger on a single axle boat trailer, and will allow a bit of movement in the system, helping minimize the rigidity in your trailer's ride.

For a single axle trailer, shackle straps are generally 3-1/8" long (measured from center of bolt hole to center of bolt hole) and the galvanized Shackle Strap # 115208GALV should be a great option. It has an overall length of 4-3/8", a width of 1-1/4" and a 9/16" bolt hole diameter.

I have added a link to a video review of this strap for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S