Should Trailer Leaf Springs Have Shackles on Front and Back
Question:
Have a boat trailer im working on for someone, name brand is unknown but it needs new springs and shackles but not sure if springs are mounted correctly because it has swinging shackles on the front and back of the spring, i thought one end of spring was usually mounted on a non swinging shackle. Its single axle, distance between where shackles mount to frame is 21 3/8 and springs are flattened out but measure 25- 26 mounted on ends of swinging shackles. If the mounting wit swinging shackles at each end of spring is correct what should springs measure. I have a picture but cant send it in here. Thank you
asked by: Richard T
Expert Reply:
Hey Richard, so yeah having shackles on the front and back of the leaf spring would be incorrect by normal standards and I think would potentially be dangerous as it would allow the axle to move forward and back independent of the trailer and would pretty easily cause sway.
Since most likely the hangers are the same height and are at an odd spacing I would go ahead and replace the hangers and shackles with a kit like the part # APS4. I don't know your axle capacity though so to pick out springs I would recommend checking out the link I attached on this page to see all of the springs we carry and go with the correct capacity which you can select from the filters on the left side of the page.
Products Referenced in This Question
Single-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 3-1/4" Front, 1-1/4" Rear
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Hangers
- Suspension Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Single Axle
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Rust-Resistant 4-Leaf Slipper Spring for 4,300-lb Trailer Axles - 26-1/4" - Dacromet
- Trailer Leaf Springs
- Slipper Springs
- Open Eye
- 4300 lbs
- 1-3/4 Inch Wide
- 4 Leaf
- 26-1/4 Inch Long
- Dacromet
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Video: The Low-Down on the etrailer Rust-Resistant 4-Leaf Double Eye Spring for 5K Trailer Axles
- Shop: Nylon Bushing - 1/2" Inner Diameter, 11/16" Outer Diameter - 1-3/4" Long
- Shop: etrailer Rust-Resistant 4-Leaf Double Eye Spring for 3.5K Trailer Axles - 25-1/8" - Dacromet
- Shop: etrailer Rust-Resistant 3-Leaf Double Eye Spring for 4K Trailer Axles - 25-1/4" Long - Dacromet
- Shop: Zinc Shackle Bolt with Locknut for Double-Eye Springs - 3" Long
- Q&A: Single Axle Trailer, Should the Hanger or Shackle Be on the Front of the Trailer Frame
- Search Results: trailer leaf springs
- Article: How to Accurately Measure Trailer Leaf Springs
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Shop: MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers - 2-1/4" Long Shackle Straps
- Search Results: trailer suspension parts
- Video: 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,000-lb Trailer Axles Spec Review
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Dexter Heavy-Duty Suspension Kit for Tandem-Axle Trailers - 1-3/4" Wide Double Eye Springs
- Q&A: Can I Use Heavier Rated Leaf Springs on Trailer Without Causing Damage
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: 5 Tell-Tale Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Trailer’s Leaf Springs
- Shop: 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 4,000-lb Trailer Axles - 26" Long
- Search Results: equalizer
- Q&A: How to Choose Correct Replacement Leaf Springs and Equalizers for a 2021 Coachmen 259FKDS
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Picking Out Replacement Trailer Leaf Spring for 3,500 lb Axle that is 25-1/4 inch Long
- Video: Hands-On with the SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs w/ Line Relocation Bracket
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
- Search Results: leaf spring
- Q&A: How to Determine Hanger Spacing for Tandem Axle Trailer Suspension with 26 Inch Springs
- Video: Review of the MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit for Tandem Axle Trailers
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Article: Double-Eye Trailer Suspension System Review
- Shop: Brake Controller
on Trailer Suspension Parts
