Can you Explain Why the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Leaf Spring Kit Does Not Use a Suspension Equalizer?

Question:

In your answer to the QandA question Does a Tandem Axle Trailer Need Equalizers, you mentioned that leaf spring systems need equalizers so that no one axle will have to support the weight of both axles under some situations. I assume that you were referring to double-eye leaf springs. What about slipper leaf spring system like the Roadmaster Comfort Ride, which does not have an equalizer that connects the springs. Does that center piece act as an equalizer, or is the design turns the leaf spring system into an independent system like the torsion axle?

asked by: Howard W

Expert Reply:

The Roadmaster Comfort Ride Leaf Spring Suspension Kit # RM-2460-2570 that you are looking at is designed to allow each axle to act independently of the other, similar to the way torsion axles work. While it uses slipper springs to achieve this on your trailer traditional tandem axle slipper springs systems will still offer an Equalizer like # HAP-203-01.

I do recommend using equalizers with your leaf spring suspension whether you have double eye springs or slipper springs, as they allow your suspension to work together and evenly distribute weight across both your axles.

We do have several options for upgrading your suspension system like the Dexter E-Z Flex Suspension Kit # K71-653-00 or Timbren Silent Ride Suspension # TSR7000T05 that still allow your axles to work together but will improve on a basic equalizer suspension system.

If you would like some help selecting the best system for your trailer please let me know what you have and if you can include dimensions of your springs, equalizer and anything you are concerned about with your current system.