Trailer Suspension Problem

[Skyco]

The center equalizer hanger looks too short to allow both shackles to be on top where they should be.

 

[Renze]

Where do you usually keep the springs? They should be hung on the topside of the equalizer.

Thats what i'm thinking too: To take care of all problems, the best option is to cut off this equaliser bracket and lengthen it something like 8 inches (double the length of the hanger) so the springs are allways lke Diamondpilots picture suggested, without the rear curl in the leaf, or the axle itself, touching the frame.

 

[Reg]

I think they should both be "OVER".
Someone might have been seeking extra height, perhaps when overloading it, and decided that "UNDER" would give the trailer more capacity.
Both "OVER" would seem to be the stable position that they are seeking.

Somewhere in the dusty recesses of my memory is a measurement of 26 1/2 inches as a standard, but that is not a very reliable area of memory.

 

[BruceWard]

This is how it ended up

Hope it stays this way.

 

[Mahana79]

This is how it ended up

Hope it stays this way.

that is the correct postions for the shackles but I think the bracket for your equalizer should be a bit longer so the springs dont hit the frame when the suspension cycles.

 

[wushaw]

I agree the spring perches need to be removed and move fwd/aft to lengthen the springs so the springs don't ride on the center pivot/rocker.

 

[Egon]

Yes, there is a problem! It may be advisable to consult a reputable trailer builder to get some proper advice.

 

[slowzuki]

There is something not quite right there but the eye of the spring doesn't look like it will hit the frame. Looks like it might it the rocker though.

I think the term is called shackle inversion and sometimes you need to weld little catch blocks to keep it from inverting. Happens more often with short shackles, soft springs, and arched springs. Normally when the wheel droops into a hole and the shackle over-centres.

 

[zzvyb6]

Looks like when the trailer was made, end brackets were used instead of the longer equalizer barcket for the center position. Oops. Burn, weld. Parts at TSC. Done. As I now take my Alzheimers meds, I recall options for walking beams with taller sections. That might be an easier and more cost effective solution. I think I weld pretty good but don't trust my work enough to modify a trailer going down the road with a heavy load...

 

[zzvyb6]

As a follow up, I checked my own trailers for this issue and see that my frame brackets are identical in height to those shown, but my walking beams are equilateral triangles and much larger than those shown. You do Not want a taller bracket because the side forces from the axle and springs will fatigue and eventually break taller brackets. TCS has several sizes of walking beams on their racks here in Michigan. That's your solution.