The Axles On My Trailer, One Is Up, The Other Is Down, What Should I Do

Updated 06/15/2022 | Published 06/14/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Shackle Strap - 3-1/8" Long

(569)

$6.20

Replacement Shackle Strap - 2-5/8" Long

(569)

$6.51

Shackle Strap - 2-3/4" Long

(525)

$8.96

Question:

have a double axel flat bed 16 the back axel has flipped the shackle up, front is down which keep the back wheel off the ground. the shackles are about 2.5 in center to center long. should they both be up or down as the back wont stay down, what to do?

asked by: Donald M

Expert Reply:

Ideally, you want both of your axles to be overslung or underslung. After reading your question, it appears you have one of each. An overslung axle has the leaf springs on top of the axle, which the shackles underneath. The underslung axle has the leaf springs underneath the axle and the shackles on top of the axle. If you want to raise the height of your trailer, you want overslung axles.

Your axles leaf springs may not match because your trailer's shackles can rotate while your trailer is not under load. This can happen if your shackles are too short. Your shackles measure 2-1/2". These need to be replaced with longer shackles. You should look at the following shackle straps:

Shackle Strap - 2-3/4" Long, part # TRSL275
Shackle Strap - 2-5/8" Long, part # 115052
Shackle Strap - 3-1/8" Long, part # TRSL313

I have included product description links and video review links below.