How To Deal With Axle U-Bolts Making Contact With The Frame Of A Trailer

Published 10/07/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double Eye Springs - 2-1/4" Links

(708)

$77.95

Front/Center/Rear Hanger for Double-Eye Springs - 4-1/4" Tall - 9/16" Bolt Hole

(205)

$33.54

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(779)

$88.64

Shackle Strap - 3-1/2" Long

(503)

$10.99

Question:

Tandem 5,200lb axle set up 16” wheels/tires Front-to-middle Hanger measures 29.5” Middle-to-rear Hanger measures 29.5” Axle center-to-center measures 34” Shackles measure 2.5” bolt center length Springs are 1.750” wide and are double eye style Springs measure 25” eye-to-eye Equalizer is 7.750” eye-to-eye Issues: 1 The axles sit too close to the trailer frame causing the u-bolts to ride against the frame. And 2 Often the shackles on the front axle flip over causing the load to be carried on the front axle only while the rear axle is suspended. Request: Advise if there is a shackle length and or hanger spacing issues that are recommended to correct.

asked by: William D

Expert Reply:

One thing I recommend doing right off the bat is adding the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-385-00. This will flip the axle to under the springs and will solve the issue of the U-Bolts making contact with the frame of your trailer.

As to the shackles flipping, I think it may actually be a center hanger height issue along with the shackle straps being a little short. If you take a look at the Front/Center/Rear Hanger for Double-Eye Springs - 4-1/4" Tall - 9/16" Bolt Hole # E4139, if will measure 4-1/4 inches from the center of the bolt hole to the top of the bracket. I couldn't tell from your picture how tall your center hanger is, but this does look to be a bit taller.

The TruRyde Shackle Strap - 3-1/2" Long # TRSL350 can then be paired with the # E4139 to keep things at roughly the same height, but with a far less chance of the shackle flipping over.

It should be noted that doing all this will end up lifting your trailer a bit though, so it is something to be aware of.