Do Hangers Need to be Modified or Replaced When Switching to New Equalizers on Trailer

Question:

Hi I am rebuilding a triple axle suspension. The original front and back hangers are 1-5/8inch below rail to center of hole. The second and third hangers are 4-5/8inch below rail to center of hole. The front and back hangers didnt have any shackle. The second and third hangers had a straight bar equalizer, with center hole to center of hole at 5-5/8. I will be replacing with equalizers that are Y shaped. My question is do I need to shorten the second and third hanger by the difference in height of the holes? Does it matter that much that all the holes are not the same distance below the rail on the hangers? I wouldnt think that I would want to shorten the second and third hanger by too much, as the shackle could then hit the rail. Thanks

asked by: Paul B

Helpful Expert Reply:

You shouldn't need to modify the hangers at all on your trailer when going from a straight equalizer like # TREQR2 to Y-shape units like the ones in the Triple Axle Kit # APTT5 that you were looking at. The shackle strap angle will make up for the difference between the two designs.

The difference in height between the front/rear hangers and the middle hangers on your triple axle trailer is not uncommon. This is actually the more standard method than using hangers of all the same length.

I have attached a great article on trailer suspension that you might also find helpful during your rebuild process.

expert reply by: Chris R