Best Equalizer Suspension Upgrade For Tandem 3,500 lb Axles  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Those are some good options, and the best overall upgrade (without getting too crazy like you said!) for your Jayco with tandem 3,500 lb axles is going to be the MORryde CRE3000 with the X-factor crossmember. The Road Armor is good, but the combination of the upgraded MORryde equalizers with the crossmember will give you more added benefit.

The cushioned equalizers are going to provide you with a more comfortable ride due to their rubber construction and suspension travel, which is going to absorb shock and vibration. They will also help limit the annoying, uncomfortable, back-and-forth movement, or chucking, that is all too common when towing. Then the crossmember is going to give you some slight help with sway while reinforcing your trailer's frame, reducing the stressors put on it, particularly when making turns.

I'll list out the crossmember and equalizers, and to determine the correct equalizers, what you'd need to do is measure your wheelbase, which you do by measuring the distance from the center of the front wheel to the center of the rear wheel:

- 33" Wheelbase: MORryde Shock Absorbing Suspension Equalizers # MR87ZR

- 35" Wheelbase: MORryde Shock Absorbing Suspension Equalizers # MR27ZR

- 42" Wheelbase: MORryde Shock Absorbing Suspension Equalizers # MR54AR

- Crossmember: MORryde X-Factor Crossmember # MR33WR

I also highly recommend adding the MORryde upgraded hardware kit with 1/2" shackle straps and wet bolts as they will be stronger, more durable, and easier to maintain. You'll just want to measure your shackle straps and get the one with the closest length.

- 2-1/4" Long Shackle Straps: MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers # MR46ZR

- 3-1/8" Long Shackle Straps: MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers # MR76ZR

As for the replacement leaf springs, we do have a couple for 3,500 lb axles, both of which are 4-leaf springs. What you'll need to do to find the right one is measure your current leaf spring from center eye to center eye and match that as close as you can to the following lengths: 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/8" Long # e54SR or 27" Long # SP-210275.

expert reply by: Kyle S

0

Matthew K.

2/2/2022

How does the Lippert Road Armor equalizer compare to the Morryde SRE 4000, and will either one work with a Dexter 3500 lb. axle? Would they be a better choice for a heavier trailer, or would either one be OK for a 5000 lb. trailer? Ive also looked at the Morryde CRE 3000, but like the idea of the added cushioning of the Road Armors extra bumpers on the bottom. Does the SRE 4000 also add extra cushioning on the bottom?

Reply

Kyle S.

2/2/2022

So the MORryde SRE 4000 is only for trailers with axles that are 5,200 to 7,000 lbs, so it isn't for your 3,500 lb axles. If your decision was between that and the Road Armor, then you would want to go with the Road Armor: - Road Armor Shock Absorbing Equalizer Kit - Tandem Axle # LC696740 The # LC696740 is for axles rated up to 8,000 lbs so it will work on your 3,500 lb Dexter axles, but you need to make sure your current equalizers have the same (or very similar) measurements. They will need to measure 6 inches horizontally from center to center of the bolt holes, and 3-1/2 inches from the center of the equalizer to the center of the top bolt hole.

Reply