Trailer Suspension Enhancement to Help With Bumpy Ride While Empty

Updated 04/24/2025 | Published 04/18/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Lippert Bolt-On Shock Kit w/ Heavy Duty Gas Shocks - 3,500-lb (2-3/8") Axle

(81)

$185.59

Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension Kit - Double-Eye Springs - Tandem Axle - 6,000 lbs

(580)

$365.55

Roadmaster Comfort Ride Shock Absorbers for Tandem Axle Trailers - 3,500-lb Axle

(184)

$725.00

Question:

I am pulling with a 2025 Chevy 2500 HD. The trailer is a 7x16x7 tandem axle cargo trailer that is empty. The empty weight is 2300 pounds. When pulling at highway speeds it does great, but below 50mph, and it will start to rock up and down. It gets worse the closer I get to 35 or 40 mph. I have the trailer ball adjusted so the trailer sits level. I am not using a weight distribution hitch. With this big of a truck pulling a light weight trailer I didnt think it would need one. I am wondering if upgrading the trailer suspension equalizers would help?

asked by: David B

Expert Reply:

Hey David! Trailers without a load are generally more susceptible to bounce so that is not surprising to hear. This can be really uncomfortable, especially if you're towing like that often. An upgraded equalizer will help, however, I think shocks would be a better choice in this case.

Shocks work in both directions (up and down) so they will reduce that bounce and smooth out the ride. Do you know your axle capacity? If you have 3,500 lb axles you can add two of the Lippert Bolt-On Shock Kit # LC281255 (one for each axle) or the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Shock Absorbers for Tandem Axle Trailers # RM-2450. These are designed for standard 3,500 lb axles with a 2-3/8" diameter. If you have a different axle capacity/diameter let me know in the comments below.

If you would like to look into an upgraded equalizer you will need to measure what you have now. The most important measurement is the distance from the left to right bolt holes on center. For example, if your measurement is 5-3/4" the best option would be the Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension Kit # K71-652-00. If you can add this information below as well I will see what we have that matches.

expert reply by: Robin H

Roadmaster Comfort Ride Shock Absorbers
(click to enlarge)

David B.

4/23/2025

I have 3500 pound tandum axles. Mine are straight axles not drop axles. Will that make a difference in what kit I need? I had thought about upgrading equilizers, but adding shocks never ocured to me.

Robin H.

4/24/2025

@DavidB I'm assuming you mean a straight axle like # e65GR. Technically they have a slight bend but they're considered straight. A drop axle would be like # e72GR where the spindle sits higher than the axle beam. The shocks and equalizer will work either way. I also didn't point out that the Lippert shocks # LC281255 are for overslung axles (leaf spring sitting on top of axle) only. The Roadmaster # RM-2450 works with both overslung and underslung configurations.