Troubleshooting Trailer Axle Equalizer that Touches Trailer Frame
Question:
the equalizer is touching the bottom of the trailer what is makeing that happen
asked by: Mel R
Expert Reply:
The first and easiest thing you should check is that the trailer is being towed level. If the trailer is nose high or low that can cause the equalizers to not sit level. You will need to select the correct rise/drop ball mount so that the trailer sits level. I attached an FAQ on how to do this.
If there is significantly more weight on one of the trailer axles you will need to adjust the cargo in the boat or the way the boat is loaded on the trailer to get the proper amount of tongue weight and even out the load over the trailer axles. You will most likely find that the weight of the boat is centered too far forward and that moving cargo or positioning the boat slightly rearward on the trailer will increase the clearance for the front side of your equalizers. Be careful not to reduce the tongue weight of the trailer too much or trailer sway can result.
It could also mean that the bushings for the equalizers are worn and will need to be replaced (though it is often easier and more cost effective to just change the equalizers). It is also possible that the wrong size springs were installed on the boat trailer or that they are worn and need to be replaced.
Another thing to check are the shackles. If one is flipped in the wrong direction, you will need to jack up the trailer and return the shackle to the correct position.
If the trailer is not the correct one for the boat, it could cause the problem. If you determine that none of these are causing the problem or are just unsure, I recommend taking the trailer to a qualified trailer mechanic for further troubleshooting.
I have included a link to an FAQ on trailer suspension below. There is a section on equalizers about a quarter of the way down the page. When replacing equalizers, there are several measurements that should be considered. These are outlined in the FAQ article.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Rubber Hitch Cover for 2" Trailer Hitches - Qty 1
- Hitch Covers
- Misc Covers
- Plain
- Rubber
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Standard
- Square
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Trailer Suspension Equalizer Tilted Up At one End
- Shop: 7-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 8,000-lb Trailer Axles - 24-7/8" Long
- Q&A: Replacement Leaf Spring for Momentum 350G Fifth Wheel
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Video: Review of EMCO Trailer Leaf Springs - 7 Leaf Double Eye Spring 8000 lbs Trailer Axle - EM28AJ
- Video: Hands-On with the SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs w/ Line Relocation Bracket
- Shop: LaSalle Bristol Cable-Actuated RV Waste Valve for Black Water Tank - Spigot to Hub - 36" Cable
- Shop: Roadmaster Comfort Ride Shock Absorbers for Triple Axle Trailers - 8,000-lb Axle
- Shop: Roadmaster Comfort Ride Shock Absorbers for Triple Axle Trailers - 5,200 to 7,000-lb Axle
- Article: Double-Eye Trailer Suspension System Review
- Search Results: rv windows
- Search Results: 26" leaf spring
- Search Results: leaf spring bushings
- Search Results: equalizer upgrade kit trailer suspension parts
- Shop: Roadmaster Comfort Ride Shock Absorbers for Tandem Axle Trailers - 8,000-lb Axle
- Shop: Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension Kit - Double-Eye Springs - Tandem Axle - 8,000 lbs
- Article: How to Raise Your Travel Trailer Height
- Q&A: How to Prevent Trailer Axle from Hitting the Frame
- Video: All You Need to Know About the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
- Q&A: How To Make Hauling A 43ft Fifth Wheel More Comfortable With A 2019 GMC Sierra 2500 Duramax
- Shop: Dexter Bronze Bushings - Qty 4
- Search Results: equalizer
- Search Results: insulation
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Proper Position of Equalizer and Shackles on Trailer Suspension
- Article: How to Bleed Your Trailer Surge Brakes
- Search Results: brake actuator
- Shop: BOLT brand vehicle and hitch locks
- Q&A: Closest to 2-3/4 Inch Heavy-Duty Shackle Strap
- Video: Review of the Equa-Flex Cushioned Equalizers
on Hitch Covers
Luke S.
7/21/2020
We have the same problem but all of these things have been checked. We did find the the middle axle of three axles is taller than the others. Is that common or even acceptable, or would that most likely be the cause of our equalizer hitting the bottom of the frame?