Why is Center Hanger Longer for Tandem Axle Trailer Hanger Kit
Question:
Hello, I purchased a few things including the hanger/equalizer/shackle and bolt kit, The center hanger i cut the old one in half and dropped the new replacement directly inside, welded that. Couple questions, what is the reason for the center hanger being longer than the others my other trailer all 6 hangers are the same length. Second, I have attached pictures to explain what my concern is, I am dry fitting it, axles are not attached yet but the leaf springs are loosely connected to shackles and hangers, the spacing of everything seems correct, but my concern is, if one axle gets all the weight, where the other drops down or hangs in the air, it looks like the hanger angles down and the shackle has a possibility of flipping upside down and hanging downwards. Looking at my other trailer with all the same length hangers, when all the weight is on one axle and the other gets lifted above grade, the shackle and eye of the leaf spring hits the trailer frame, stopping it from flipping. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. the leaf springs are 26inch long 6 leaf.
asked by: Erik P
Expert Reply:
The center hangers in the Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit # APT8 that you recently purchased are indeed longer. This is actually pretty common for tandem axle trailers. The reason for the extra length on the middle hanger is related to the shackle straps of the equalizer. You want this hanger to be a bit longer to compensate for how the shackle straps move the spring higher up. I have attached an image to better clarify this.
It is possible for the shackle to flip like you described, but when this happens it will typically correct itself. The leaf springs are not supposed to hit the trailer frame like they did on your other trailer so this shouldn't really be used as an intentional safety measure against the potential for the shackle to flip. If you find that the shackle is flipping too easily, you might just have a spacing issue where the hangers need to be a bit closer to each other.
I have attached a couple great articles on trailer suspension that you might also find helpful as you move further along in this process.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 2-1/2" Front/Rear, 4-1/2" Center
- Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension
- Hangers
- Suspension Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Tandem Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 2-1/2" Front/Rear, 5-7/16" Center
- Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension
- Hangers
- Suspension Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Tandem Axle
- Redline
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 2-1/2" Front/Rear, 4-1/2" Center
- Shop: Kenda Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Shop: Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 1-1/2" Front/Rear, 2-1/2" Center
- Shop: Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 3-1/4" Front/Rear, 3-5/8" Center
- Shop: Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double Eye Springs
- Shop: Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double Eye Springs - 2-1/4" Links
- Shop: Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 3-1/4" Front/Rear, 5-7/16" Center
- Article: Double-Eye Trailer Suspension System Review
- Video: Review of etrailer Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension - Spring Mounting Hardware - APT8
- Q&A: Can Red Identification Light Bar be Used as Marker & Reverse Lights
- Video: Dexter Axle Trailer Suspension - Leaf Spring Suspension - K71-449-00 Review
- Video: Review of Dexter Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension - Suspension Kits - K71-359-00
- Search Results: equilizer
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: spring hanger
- Q&A: Where to Place Axles on a 16 Foot Long Trailer
- Article: Where to Position the Trailer Axle?
- Video: etrailer Trailer Suspension - Leaf Spring Suspension - AP233-H248 Review
- Search Results: equalizer
- Q&A: Should Kenda Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with Wheel Be Used in Wet/Snow Conditions
- Search Results: bushings
- Q&A: Will Using Longer Suspension Hangers Make a Trailer Ride Higher
- Search Results: jack
- Video: etrailer Trailer Suspension - Leaf Spring Suspension - APT3 Review
- Video: Review of Optronics Trailer Lights - Indentification Light Bar with Utility Light - OPT88FR
- Q&A: Could 4.80-12 Trailer Tire Size Replace ST205/75-15
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Q&A: Weight Capacity for the Kenda Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Wheel # AM32424
- Q&A: What Height is Recommended When Setting the Fender Height Above the Trailer Tire?
- Search Results: light bar
on Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension
