Will Replacing Trailer Equalizers Increase the Spacing Between Axles on a Tandem Axle Trailer

Updated 07/07/2014 | Published 07/04/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension Kit - Double-Eye Springs - Tandem Axle - 8,000 lbs

(586)

$461.14

Karrier ST235/80R16 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range E

(2247)

$217.33

Question:

I have a 2012 Sabre, model 31RLTS by Palomino. I have 6000# axles with 33inch spacing. I have 13-104 equalizers. Trailer weight is 10,186 dry. I would like to increase the space between my tires which is around an inch so I can us LT tires of LT235-85R-16, 14 ply tires. Presently I have ST235-80R-16, 10 ply tires. I believe the right E-Z Flex part number to replace my 13-104 would be the K71-652-00. Question: Can I install the E-Z Flex part number K71-653-00 which is 7.75inch ???? This should increase the distance between the tires. What if any problems would this cause? I would appreciate any and all insight on this issue. After reading some of your responses, I feel you guys can provide me with good information.

asked by: John G

Expert Reply:

You cannot increase the space between the tires just by changing the equalizer. The axles will still be in the same place. You would have to move the axles which is going to require changing all suspension components including the hangers, springs, equalizers shackle straps, and possibly the u-bolt kit if it doesn't fit the new springs. This is a major change that would require a shop that works on trailers or an RV dealer with a service center.

At the very least some hangers would have to be cut off and welded back on for the proper spacing which would still require a qualified professional. Usually when you replace one suspension component it makes sense to replace others so that you do not end up with uneven wear which can negatively affect how the trailer tracks behind the tow vehicle.

Usually when people want to go to a larger size tire it is because they are experiencing problems with blowouts with the tires they have. Blowouts are normally caused by either overloading the tires or because the tires are not properly inflated. Trailer tires should always be inflated to the maximum psi rating indicated on the tire.

This is because trailer tires are built with a thicker sidewall to handle more vertical load compared to car tires. Because of the thicker sidewall, if the tires are under inflated the sidewall will generate excessive heat and cause the tire to fail.

A common myth is that higher capacity tires will increase the capacity of the trailer. This is not true because the capacity is normally set by the axle and/or a combination of other components. Going to a larger size is permissible and generally the tires will be stronger but it will not increase the capacity of the trailer.

If you do not want to go through the hassle and expense of making major changes to the suspension then I recommend sticking with ST235/80-16 tires such as # AM10248. This is a load range E tire rated for 3,197 pounds at 90 psi for dually wheels (3,500 pounds for a single wheel, not a dually wheel). The ply rating is 10 but tires nowadays actually have fewer plies than their ply rating, which would also go for the 14 ply rated tire. This is simply because the plies are constructed stronger than in the past so fewer plies still have the same rating.

Even at the lower 3,197 pound rating, on a dual axle trailer with 4 tires the capacity of the tires would be 12,788 pounds which exceeds the 10,186 pound trailer weight. I have also included a couple of helpful links on trailer tires and suspension for you.