Why Would Trailer Axle Shackles Flip Wrong Direction When Trailer is Unloaded

Question

Question:

how come on my tandem axle trailer when it is empty the rear shackle flips over on both sides

asked by: Chris M

0

Expert Reply:

If the shackles are flipping the wrong direction frequently that typically means the leaf springs are too short, the hanger spacing is too big, or the shackles are too short. Most of the time it's somebody changed leaf springs and just went with replacements that are too short and now the shackle angle is too flat when unloaded and they easily flip over bumps. So basically the solution is to get the shackles at more of a vertical angle. You can do this by moving the hangers closer, installing longer springs (I'd need to know the capacity and length you currently have), long equalizers, or longer shackles.

I attached a link to a help article on trailer suspension for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Wade D.

7/8/2020

I inherited a small tandem axle trailer 5’x12’ and the shackles had flipped. I purchased new bushings,shackles, & mounting hardware and replaced them. But the trailer still has a distance between tire tread and edge of fender of 6”. How can I lower the trailer safely?

Reply

Chris R.

7/13/2020

The 6" tire to fender gap you mentioned isn't a bad thing. Is there a particular reason you are wanting to lower the trailer? If the leaf springs are currently above the axle, you could switch them using one of our Over Under Conversion Kits - this would lower the trailer by the height of the axle and leaf spring stack.

Reply

Erick

4/17/2024

Great article you wrote. I couldn’t find the link for trailer suspensions. I just bought a used trailer and the shackles keep flipping down on rear axle. I thought my truck hitch was too high so I lowered it since mine is adjustable. I would imagine it would not due this with weight on the trailer. Your thoughts please l…

Reply

Jameson C.

4/18/2024

@Erick If you haven't tried it with the nose of the trailer lower I would try that first as that is most likely the problem.

Reply

Answer 1

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 2

I attached a picture that shows the proper position of shackles and equalizers on trailer suspension. Sometimes the shackle will flip up but if you jack up the trailer by the axle that's got the shackle flipped you can usually get it to flip back…

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Answer 3

Hello Francis, thanks for reaching out. We do offer a few of the Kenda offroad tires, but unfortunately we do not have anything in a 215/75-15. Currently, our only offroad tires option is the Kenda #KE68JR which is a ST235/75R15.

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Answer 4

Most hubs that fit a 2,000 lb axle can only fit up to a 12 inch diameter wheel. What size wheels/tires do you have now? There might be a larger size available but probably only up to a 12 inch wheel setup. We don't have them pre-mounted so you…

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Answer 5

There is no exact way to determine the leaf spring length. The best way to determine the length for a replacement is by measuring the existing leaf springs. The hanger distance and shackle length can help you get a good idea, but you're looking…

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Answer 6

Hey Charlie, thanks for reaching out! For that exact brake assembly you'll need part #23-105. The Kit #23-105-106 you found has both the Left #23-105 and the Right #23-106 brake assemblies. Usually when you replace something on one side of the…

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Answer 7

Shackle links can flip when the trailer is unloaded since there isn't enough weight to keep them in proper position, and while a new, shorter equalizer may help, the easiest thing to check is the shackle links. Shackles that are too short can…

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Answer 8

The shackles on your equalizers should be pointing up when the trailer is under its weight on the ground, and will only point down like you mentioned when the trailer is in the air and the axles are off the ground. It is pretty common for one side of…

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Answer 9

Sounds like one of your shackles is facing the wrong direction after installing everything. When a shackle flips around and faces the wrong direction on trailer suspension most of the time just putting weight on the trailer and driving will correct…

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Answer 10

When changing the size of the equalizer that is on a trailer, this will affect the size of hangers needed or the spacing of the hangers. For example, if you were to go with an equalizer that is one inch taller, you could keep the center hanger the…

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Answer 11

Generally the issue when shackles flip when hauling empty is that they are too short. So I recommend measuring them from center hole to center hole and assuming they are less than 3 inches, replacing them with longer ones, the 3-1/8" Shackle…

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Answer 12

You want leaf spring shackles to be at a slight angle as that prevents the springs from flipping around to the other side of the equalizer over uneven terrain. I attached a picture that shows what the angle is typically like.

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Why Would Trailer Axle Shackles Flip Wrong Direction When Trailer is Unloaded

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