Why Would Trailer Axle Shackles Flip Wrong Direction When Trailer is Unloaded

Question

Question:

how come on my tandem axle trailer when it is empty the rear shackle flips over on both sides

asked by: Chris M

0

Expert Reply:

If the shackles are flipping the wrong direction frequently that typically means the leaf springs are too short, the hanger spacing is too big, or the shackles are too short. Most of the time it's somebody changed leaf springs and just went with replacements that are too short and now the shackle angle is too flat when unloaded and they easily flip over bumps. So basically the solution is to get the shackles at more of a vertical angle. You can do this by moving the hangers closer, installing longer springs (I'd need to know the capacity and length you currently have), long equalizers, or longer shackles.

I attached a link to a help article on trailer suspension for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Erick

4/17/2024

Great article you wrote. I couldn’t find the link for trailer suspensions. I just bought a used trailer and the shackles keep flipping down on rear axle. I thought my truck hitch was too high so I lowered it since mine is adjustable. I would imagine it would not due this with weight on the trailer. Your thoughts please l…

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Jameson C.

4/18/2024

@Erick If you haven't tried it with the nose of the trailer lower I would try that first as that is most likely the problem.

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Wade D.

7/8/2020

I inherited a small tandem axle trailer 5’x12’ and the shackles had flipped. I purchased new bushings,shackles, & mounting hardware and replaced them. But the trailer still has a distance between tire tread and edge of fender of 6”. How can I lower the trailer safely?

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Chris R.

7/13/2020

The 6" tire to fender gap you mentioned isn't a bad thing. Is there a particular reason you are wanting to lower the trailer? If the leaf springs are currently above the axle, you could switch them using one of our Over Under Conversion Kits - this would lower the trailer by the height of the axle and leaf spring stack.

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Answer 1

If you have more of the weight in the trailer on the left side then that could explain the uneven wear. Axles have a bow or camber in the middle. When weight is in the trailer it straightens out the axle some and the tires should wear evenly. When…

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Answer 2

I attached a picture that shows the proper position of shackles and equalizers on trailer suspension. Sometimes the shackle will flip up but if you jack up the trailer by the axle that's got the shackle flipped you can usually get it to flip back…

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Answer 3

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 4

Yes, going from a 4 leaf to a 6 leaf spring would add slightly to your ride height. For example, if the current 4 leaf spring has 3/8" thick leaves, and you go to a 6 leaf spring with 3/8" thick leaves, you would be adding 3/4" of…

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Answer 5

The easiest way to determine the correct replacement parts for your trailer's suspension is by simply measuring its existing components. Looking at one of your current equalizers, you will want to measure from the center of the front hole to the…

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Answer 6

A leaf spring should be replaced if it is badly rusted, has cracks or breaks in its leaves or if it is sagging. A 14-year-old travel trailer could certainly be in need of new leaf springs. The keys to selecting correct replacement leaf springs are to…

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Answer 7

Shackle links can flip when the trailer is unloaded since there isn't enough weight to keep them in proper position, and while a new, shorter equalizer may help, the easiest thing to check is the shackle links. Shackles that are too short can…

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Answer 8

To replace the U-Bolt kit on your 5.2K axles I recommend the following kit: - Replacement U-Bolt Axle Mounting Hardware Kit #LC27XV This comes with U-Bolts for 3" diameter axles, the mounting plate, and the hardware needed to get everything…

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Answer 9

Most likely you hit a strange bump and it happened to flip your shackle the wrong way. If you use a floor jack to jack up the rear axle it will go back to the right orientation. If it happens repeatedly that would indicate your leaf springs are too…

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Answer 10

The only difference between a 4 leaf spring and a 5 leaf spring like the #e34SR is that the 4 leaf spring will use slightly thicker leaves and is 1/8 of an inch shorter. To get the best measurement of your existing springs, measure the center eye to…

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Answer 11

Well shackle length is mainly based on the height difference between the front and rear hangers. The rear hanger normally doesn't hang as low as the front so that the shackle can offset the difference and add the ability to move. What is the…

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Answer 12

Trailer wheel bearings are specific to the spindle that is installed on the axle that is on your trailer. You will need to safely support the trailer, remove the wheel and tire, remove the grease cap, remove the cotter pin and washer that secures the…

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Why Would Trailer Axle Shackles Flip Wrong Direction When Trailer is Unloaded

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