Should Short Or Long Shackles Be Used When Upgrading An Equalizer?
Updated 08/05/2026 | Published 08/02/2026
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I purchased the road armor equalizer to upgrade the factory equalizer on my RV. I also purchased moryde heavy duty shackles 2.25” and wet bolts. This was the length of shackles currently on my RV. In reading more on the road armour, it looks like I actually need to switch out the shackles to the longer 3 1/8”. How to I verify if I need to use the same size shackles as what was on the RV or use the longer shackles now that I’ve switched to the road armour equalizer?
asked by: James S
Expert Reply:
Hi James!
I see you placed an order for the 3-1/8" long # MR76ZR kit, but I still wanted to get you an answer to your question.
The easiest way to figure out if you will need different sized shackles will be to compare the new Lippert Road Armor Shock-Absorbing Equalizer Kit - Tandem Axle - 3,500-8,000 lbs # LC53CK equalizer to the equalizer that came on your camper. I included an image showing the measurements you will want to compare.
The height measurement (A) will be less important in your case, but the length (B) will be. If the Road Armor is shorter than what you currently have (it should measure right at 6"), you will definitely want the 3-1/8" long # MR76ZR kit. If it's the same, or ever so slightly longer, I would stick with the 2-1/4" long # MR46ZR kit. The Road Armor tends to be a bit shorter than the average equalizer though, so I think you were right to go with the 3-1/8" long kit.
Out of curiosity, what are you installing all this on? And why the upgrade?
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Lippert Road Armor Shock-Absorbing Equalizer Kit - Tandem Axle - 3,500-8,000 lbs
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Equalizer Upgrade Kit
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- 3500 lbs - 8000 lbs
- Double Eye Springs
- 6 Inch Long
- Tandem Axle
- Lippert
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