Will 3-1/8 Inch Shackles Cause Suspension Geometry Issues With Road Armor Equalizers?

Updated 08/21/2026 | Published 08/12/2026

Products Featured in This Question

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

(2273)

$123.08

Lippert Road Armor Shock-Absorbing Equalizer Kit - Tandem Axle - 3,500-8,000 lbs

(4)

$301.00

Question:

Hi, my mobile tech installed this kit MR76ZR on my 2020 Cougar 24RDS 5th wheel with Road Armor equalizers and Dexter 4400 axles. The kit was purchased from etrailer. The shackle links are 3-1/8inch but the OEM links were 2-1/4. Are the longer shackles going to cause any issues with the syspension geometry? Are there advantages or disadvantage of using the longer shackle links?. Thanks in advance for your help.

asked by: Ken W

Expert Reply:

Hello Ken,

thanks for writing in.

The longer 3-1/8" shackles in the MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit # MR76ZR are usually fine to use with the Road Armor equalizers # LC53CK on your 2020 Cougar 24RDS. Road Armor equalizers are taller than standard equalizers, so the longer shackles help compensate for that difference and maintain the suspension geometry.

The 3-1/8" shackles aren't going to cause an issue simply because your original shackles were 2-1/4". In this setup, the longer shackles work with the taller Road Armor equalizers rather than being a direct match for the length of the original shackles. # MR76ZR is also a nice upgrade since you're getting the heavier-duty shackles, wet bolts, and bronze bushings.

That said, I would like to take a look at your specific setup just to make sure the shackles aren't too long for your suspension. Please respond directly to the email you receive with a few pictures of the suspension showing the Road Armor equalizers, shackles, and leaf springs. I'll be happy to take a look and make sure everything looks right.

Getting things geared up for a final summer adventure? Where are you headed to next?

expert reply by: Kate F

Road Armor Dimensions
(click to enlarge)

S. C.

8/19/2026

I put this kit on my 2021 Cougar 24RDS a couple years ago. It went on without any problem or modifications. I have since towed the 24RDS from WA state down to Central Texas. I haven't had any wear or tow issues with the wet bolt system. I am very happy with them and would recommend the change to anyone with a trailer or fifth wheel.

Kate F.

8/21/2026

@SC Thanks for the response S. C. I am glad these made a great improvement for you.

David

8/20/2026

I can't remember what size my shackle were before I purchased this system but, I know I did end up having to use longer shackles to return the suspension geometry to stock.

Kate F.

8/21/2026

@David I appreciate the call out David on the longer shackles. That is the case with some, but not for all. I was just talking to a neighbor (customer) who had a tech order and install his, the longer shackles did not work out for him and the tech had to switch them back. I would compare you old equalizer to this one, to determine if you will need the longer shackles or not.