Is It Normal For Front And Center Hangers To Be Different Sizes On A Tandem Axle Trailer?

Question:

Hi I have a 2018 forest River Wildcat Maxx 262 RGX 5th wheel trailer and I am looking for a replacement Equalizers for it. I have been researching the following two equalizers that have the same measurements as my existing equalizers. Dexter K71-359-00 Tandem Axles w/33” Axle spacing. The Dexter K71-652-00 E-Z Flex complete kit for Tandem Axles w/33” Axle Spacing. I have a concern that the hangers on this trailer are not all the same measurements between all three hangers. This is a tandem axle trailer 33” axle spacing 5200lb axles. It came from the factory with the standard eq-104 equalizers. This trailer has the front and rear hanger with the leaf spring eye bolt hole 5” below the trailer frame and the center hanger bolt hole is 3 ¼” below the trailer frame. This causes the front axle to rotate 4 degrees to the rear of the trailer and the rear axle to rotate 4 degrees to the front of the trailer. This causes a toe out of the front axle and a toe in of the rear axle. Shouldn’t all three hangers be the same so that the crown of the axles are up and not rotated. I have noticed odd tire wear recently and it could be caused by the bushings on the leaf springs and equalizers being worn out causing the axles to move closer to 32 ½” axle spacing and In turn adding to the toe out and toe over what it was when the trailer was new. The trailer has a Lippert Components trailer frame Item # 3313813 and Lipper Components 5200 lb Axles part# 253615. Thank you

asked by: Bill M

Expert Reply:

It is actually quite common for the front and center hangers to be different sizes on a tandem axle trailer. The idea behind this is that when you factor in the height of the equalizer and shackles, everything will be at a level height. In most cases the front and rear hangers will be the same, with a shorter center hanger. This is certainly not a universal rule, as different trailer manufacturers will do things differently. It sounds like what you are describing is more or less normal suspension travel. A difference in hanger size is not going to be the cause of uneven tire wear. Uneven tire wear cause be caused by under/over inflated tires, damaged or worn suspension components, or a damaged axle/spindle.

expert reply by: Jesse M