Recommended Equalizer and Shackle Straps for a 2017 Outdoors RV 20FQ Creekside

Updated 12/11/2025 | Published 12/03/2025

Products Featured in This Question

MORryde Rubber Equalizers for Tandem Axle Trailers - 33" Wheelbase - 8K

(718)

$197.28

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

(1957)

$125.09

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

(1957)

$119.44

Question:

We have a 2017 Outdoors RV 20FQ Creekside. This unit came without the Morryde. Our equalizer is 5-1/2 across the bolts and our axle to axle is 31. Will the CRE3000 with the 33 axle and the 6-1/2 equalizer work on our trailer? I want the upgraded hardware and greaseable bushings as well. Thank you for the help.

asked by: Glynn P

Expert Reply:

Hey Glynn, thanks for the information. The MORryde Rubber Equalizers for Tandem Axle Trailers item # MR87ZR being an inch wider isn't going to be an issue. This will definitely work for your 2017 Outdoors RV.

Which shackle and wet bolt kid you need is going to be determined by how long your current shackle straps are. The MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers item # MR46ZR is for 2-1/4" shackles or item # MR76ZR is for 3-1/8" shackles. These kits come with the bronze bushings, wet bolts and shackle straps. You'll want to measure one of your shackles from the center to the center of the mounting bolts and pick the kit closest to yours.

Are you interested in replacing your leaf springs while you have your suspension taken apart? I highly recommend it. The wet bolts that hold the leaf springs and equalizers together are only meant to be torqued down once. If you end up needing to replace your springs in the near future you'll need to purchase a new kit.

If you could get me the B measurement in the diagram below, and let me know how many leafs your springs have, I would be happy to recommend the correct replacements.

You can add this information and any other questions you have where it says Reply to Jerred H and I'll be happy to answer them.

expert reply by: Jerred H

MR87ZR
(click to enlarge)

Shackle Straps
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Measuring Leaf Springs
(click to enlarge)

Glynn P.

12/9/2025

Hi Jerred, Thank you for the reply. The "B" measurement of my leaf springs is 12", the "C" measurement (which I realize will be different since my springs are flattened) is 23-1/2". They are (3) leaf. I've read conflicting information online about going from the 5-1/2" equalizer to the 6-1/2" so I would like confirmation that this will work on 31" axle spacing. I would like to throw in the mix that if possible I would like a bit more ground clearance if any of these parts could be changed to accommodate that. We frequently drive off road and on rough paved roads so ruggedness is also important. Yes, replacing the springs is definitely a concern that I would like to add to the parts list. So to re-cap, what I need: 1. Upgraded (cushioned) equalizer suitable for 31" axle spacing. (doesn't have to be MORryde) 2. Upgraded shackles and wet bolts (2-1/4"shackles) 3. Leaf springs compatible with dimension "B" being 12" (3) or more springs. Thanks again for the help. Glynn

Jerred H.

12/10/2025

@GlynnP You're welcome and thanks for the additional information! The MORryde Rubber Equalizers for Tandem Axle Trailers item # MR87ZR being an inch wider will change the geometry of your suspension but we can fix that with some slightly shorter leaf springs. The item # LC279687 is the only equalizer we have available that will match your current 5-1/2" wide equalizer but it's going to be under capacity at only 6,000 lbs. I went down to the warehouse and measured the 3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles item # EM46AJ. It's 23-1/4" long and the B measurement is 1/2" shorter. You'll gain back most if not all of the extra inch the MORryde item # MR87ZR has on your current equalizer. The MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers item # MR46ZR is the correct shackle and wet bolt kit. As far as adding some clearance. How tall is your current equalizer from the top mounting bolt to the center line of the two side bolts? Are your axles mounted above or below your leaf springs?

Glynn

12/10/2025

@JerredH Current equalizer dimension from top mounting hole to center line of two lower holes is 2-1/2". Axles are above springs (I realize swapping would gain clearance but not ready to do that). This also brings up the question of shocks. Recommendation on upgrading those would be great. Thanks!

Jerred H.

12/10/2025

@Glynn You'll gain maybe 1/2" of height using a taller equalizer like the MORryde item # MR87ZR. Flipping the axle below the leaf springs would be my recommendation while you've got everything disassembled with either the item # K71-384-00 for a 2-3/8" diameter axle or item # K71-385-00 if yours is 3". Since you're not ready to do that, you can also install the Correct Track Trailer Alignment and Lift Kit - item # RR23QX for a 1-1/4" lift or item # RR55QX for a 2-1/4". These attach to your spring hangers and move the mounting points for your leaf springs down. If you went this direction you would need the MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit item # MR58ZR, which are specifically designed to be used with the Correct Track Trailer Alignment and Lift Kits. If your axle's are 2-3/8" in diameter the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Shock Absorbers for Tandem Axle Trailers item # RM-2450 are going to be the best option. These are nitrogen charged to help with bouncing and absorbing road shock.