Should Trailer Leaf Springs Have Shackles on Front and Back

Published 02/14/2024

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Rust-Resistant 4-Leaf Slipper Spring for 4,300-lb Trailer Axles - 26-1/4" - Dacromet

(53)

$80.38

Single-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 3-1/4" Front, 1-1/4" Rear

(383)

$51.92

Question:

Have a boat trailer im working on for someone, name brand is unknown but it needs new springs and shackles but not sure if springs are mounted correctly because it has swinging shackles on the front and back of the spring, i thought one end of spring was usually mounted on a non swinging shackle. Its single axle, distance between where shackles mount to frame is 21 3/8 and springs are flattened out but measure 25- 26 mounted on ends of swinging shackles. If the mounting wit swinging shackles at each end of spring is correct what should springs measure. I have a picture but cant send it in here. Thank you

asked by: Richard T

Expert Reply:

Hey Richard, so yeah having shackles on the front and back of the leaf spring would be incorrect by normal standards and I think would potentially be dangerous as it would allow the axle to move forward and back independent of the trailer and would pretty easily cause sway.

Since most likely the hangers are the same height and are at an odd spacing I would go ahead and replace the hangers and shackles with a kit like the part # APS4. I don't know your axle capacity though so to pick out springs I would recommend checking out the link I attached on this page to see all of the springs we carry and go with the correct capacity which you can select from the filters on the left side of the page.

expert reply by: Jameson C