Best Cushioned Equalizer and Shackle Kit Recommendation for Tandem Axle Trailer w 33 inch Wheelbase

Updated 05/22/2024 | Published 05/20/2024

Products Featured in This Question

MORryde AllTrek 4000 Equalizers for Tandem Axle Trailers - 35" Wheelbase

(80)

$374.99

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

(2140)

$123.65

Question:

Looking for suspension kit options on what may be an oddball or mis-manufactured application. Application is 2018 tandem axle car hauler with Dexter 3500 EZLube Axles with 33 wheelbase. 1.75 dual eye springs. Equalizer is curved 7.75 by 2.75, possibly model EQ-E1. Shackle Straps are approximately 2 5/8 badly worn. Seems that 7.75 equalizers are intended for 35 wheelbase, leading to my confusion. I have noticed that at GVWR, shackle angle is about 2 oclock position for rear and 10 oclock for front, leading me to question if the factory installed equalizer is correct. Unloaded shackle clocking is right at 12noon for both. Your thoughts on the differences and opinion on replacement kit with heavy duty components.? Prefer damped equalizer if possible.

asked by: David A

Expert Reply:

Hey David, it sounds like you have the correct length equalizers on your trailer based on the shackle angles you mentioned. Sometimes the equalizer lengths do match up with the wheelbase like you mentioned but it's not always the case as leaf spring lengths vary which throws everything off. I would say that sticking with the length you have now is the best option so for a cushioned setup I would recommend the Alltrek 4000 part # MR29DR which is correct size and provides the best cushioning as it's only option that cushions horizontally and vertically.

Then for an upgraded shackle kit the part # MR76ZR would be the way to go as it includes heavy duty shackles, wet bolts, and bushings. The length is a little different than what you have now but it would still work just fine.

expert reply by: Jameson C

David A.

5/22/2024

Thanks for the response Jameson C. I've already installed the Dexter K71-652 kit which will be 2 inches shorter overall on the equalizer. I now have a W shape ( \/\/ )when unloaded with angles comparable to other trailers I inspected. Previously the shape was distorted so that the spring ends of the shackles were significantly closer than the equalizer end like //\\. ( I previously indicated that the links were at 12noon when unloaded, subsequent inspection showed spring ends were at least an inch closer than equalizer end.) I expect when loading the trailer the new configuration will be improved as well. A picture is worth a thousand words here, but I don't see an option to attached images. The rear shackle links had an extraordinary amount of wear compared to the front. In fact, I tore out the spring end of the rear links on the freeway on one side and the other had nearly failed as well. Fortunately discovered the failure quickly and was able to do a field repair. I haven't been able to find any suitable previous pictures when loaded, but I suspect the shackle was at an angle that was actually trying to compress the spring longitudinally although there wasn't any witness marks on the equalizer to indicate the shackle ran out of swing arc. In any case, I'm going to run the new setup. If I run into problems, a longer equalizer is an easy swap.