Replacement Cushioned Equalizers and Shackle Straps for 2012 Palomino Sabre 32BHOK-6

Updated 09/30/2026 | Published 09/26/2026

Products Featured in This Question

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

(4)

$271.09

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

(2319)

$124.95

Question:

I have a 2012 Palomino Sabre 32BHOK-6 equipped with tandem Lippert 6k axles. I bought it used, and it has some rather old and worn Trailair Equa-Flex equalizers. Back before Lippert bought the design I believe. The rubber seems to have lost its cushion, and the bushings are worn. It currently has 3-1/8inch shackles, but I suspect they are too long as there are strike marks from the leaf eyelets against the frame. Id like to upgrade to the Lippert Road Armor equalizers and a wet bolt/shackle kit. My question is, can/should I go with a shorter shackle at this time? I want to prevent the frame strike, but not cause adverse suspension issues. My tires are wearing evenly, and other than dealing with the chucking, it has a normal ride. The leaf springs appear to be in good condition. Photo of leaf springs is when the trailer is loaded, but on slightly unlevel ground. I want to replace the bolts for the outside leaf eyelets too so everything is greaseable. What measurements would be needed to determine if I can go with a shorter shackle? Should the top of the u-bolts and plate be as close to level as possible when on level concrete, or is there something else to consider?

asked by: Adam D

Equa-Flex
(click to enlarge)

Lippert Axle
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hey Adam, welcome back! Looking at your pictures, those 3-1/8" shackle straps definitely look too long to me. The Road Armor Equalizers # LC53CK have slightly different geometry than your existing Equa-Flex equalizers, but the difference isn't enough that I would stick with those long shackles.

I recommend using the Road Armor # LC53CK along with the MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit # MR46ZR. This will give you 2-1/4" heavy-duty shackles, wet bolts, and bronze bushings for a nice upgrade on top of the equalizer replacement.

Your leaf springs also look fairly flat in the loaded picture. That can contribute to the spring eyes getting too close to the frame, so I would check those while you're doing the suspension work. If you measure those while you're working on the trailer we can find the right replacement. I attached a help article further down on this page which explains how to measure.

Any big trips coming up once you swap out the suspension parts?

expert reply by: Robin H

Adam D.

9/30/2026

I'm currently in the middle of a 5k trip, and am trying to put together a parts list and order so I can do the repairs upon my return. I was wondering if my springs were due, and after your asking, would like to look more into this. The last set of scales I hit said I have 10k across both axles, which are designed for 12k max combined. I assumed that they ought to look like they do at that load. My double eyelet springs measure 1-3/4" wide and 14-3/4" from eyelet to center bolt following the curve. Do you recommend replacing the u-bolts too? Is it a good time to add shock absorber ready plates while I'm at it?