How To Smooth Out The Ride On An Unloaded Trailer With 8K Axles
Updated 10/07/2026 | Published 10/05/2026
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Question:
I have a trailer repair business and I have one equipment hauler with two 8,000lb Dexter axles that rides really rough when unloaded but levels out loaded I would like a recommendation on changing the suspension system to reduce the rough ride unloaded while not causing loaded ride issues
asked by: John E
Expert Reply:
Hi John!
While beefing up suspension to support heavy loads is pretty easy, going the other way while still supporting heavy loads is going to be a bit more difficult. The best thing you could do is swap out the standard equalizers to something like the MORryde Rubber Equalizers for Tandem Axle Trailers - 33" Wheelbase - 8K # MR87ZR (or the 35" Wheelbase # MR27ZR, depending on how your equalizer currently measures). I included an image with the measurements you will want to compare to as well.
These still offer great support when loaded down, but the internal cushions do get rid of a lot of the road vibrations and hard bouncing/shock when you are unloaded. It won't get rid of all of it, but it will help. The only way to get rid of all of it would be completely changing your suspension set up, and then you will change how it carries heavy loads, so I don't think you want to go that route.
Are you by chance using weight distribution when hauling this specific trailer? You could unhook that when you are unloaded if you are. And what kind of equipment do you typically carry on this trailer?
(click to enlarge)
En
10/7/2026
I have had this problem too and I agree there's not an easy fix. The moryryde equalizers did help. Not a massive difference but definitely helped. Airbags on the truck help a little too if you get the pressure right. Biggest difference I've seen for the loaded/unloaded problem is just to deflate the tires when empty and reinflate when loaded
Product Page this Question was Asked From
MORryde Rubber Equalizers for Tandem Axle Trailers - 33" Wheelbase - 8K
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Equalizer Upgrade Kit
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- 6-1/2 Inch Long
- Tandem Axle
- MORryde
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Patrick G.
10/7/2026
Hello John, Just my honest opinion from trial and error hauling a 2016 Jayco Northpoint RLBH377 weight 14k. I first started with installing a Firestone air bag kit on my Chevy 2500hd which helped the truck ride better, but the airbags hid what was physically going on with the 5th wheel. I then added an upgraded MORyde system to the suspension which helped the 5th wheel ride. It still was not right. What finished the great comfortable ride I get now was adding a Sumo Springs Suspension Kit to the 5th wheel suspension. Now the truck and 5th wheel together ride is incredible. I do not feel the hopping I used to get. The truck/5th wheel used to hop so much that the ceiling fan chord inside the camper would get wrapped around the ceiling fan blades. All I feel now is a lazy comfortable bounce!!! Maybe you can start with just the Sumo Spring Kit first or the upgraded MORyde system and go from there!!! PS. If you go with the MORyde system spend the extra money on the upgraded kit. Everything is beefed up and it comes with grease zerts for maintenance John, I hope this is helpful!!! Enjoy a great day!!! Patrick G.