How to Pick Out Replacement Leaf Spring Equalizer for Trailer

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Question:

I have a 2008 Crossroads Kingston M35GB Fifth Wheel I tow with a 2006 GMC 2500HD Duramax and a Demco Hijacker automatic sliding hitch. I have also installed Air Lift 5000 air springs on the truck. When I bought the trailer used about 6 years ago, it sat so low to the ground that the sewer outlet was lower than many hookups in the RV parks. Because of this and the fact that the springs looked pretty flat, I replaced the springs and at the same time installed the Correct Track alignment system, which raised the trailer to what appears to be a normal height. With the air springs inflated to 55 psi, both the truck and trailer sit level. I also had chucking, sometimes pretty severe, before replacing the springs and still do, although to a lesser degree. When looking at the trailer, the space between the tires on either side, is probably no more than an inch - which seems awfully close to me. I matched the new springs to the previous springs, but I am curious as to whether they might have already been replaced by the previous owner and if the replacements might have been too long. Could this cause chucking? Also, I am wondering if my equalizers might be worn out - they certainly look pretty bad. Id really like to get the chucking issue resolved as I know its not doing anything good to the trailer or my truck - or my wife for that matter. Where do I start to really figure out what is wrong and what options are available to improve and upgrade my suspension and the ride? I am including a couple photos for reference

asked by: Kent C

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Expert Reply:

Your pictures didn't make it through, but if your equalizers look bad it would be a good idea to replace them. Now chucking is typically caused by the jaws of the fifth wheel hitch being used. Some hitch designs are just more prone to movement than others which is where the chucking comes from. If you can have a passenger watch the pin box relative to the fifth wheel trailer when the chucking is happening that'll be a good indicator if the hitch is causing it. If you can see the pin box moving on the head of the hitch then that's where the chucking is coming from.

To pick out the correct equalizer you'll need to measure the horizontal distance from left to right on the bolt holes as well as the vertical distance between them as well and then check out our equalizer page I attached and then go with the one that matches your dimensions.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Answer 1

Absolutely, the Dexter leaf spring part 072-098-00 is a double eye spring, designed for 7,000 lb axles, with a 25-1/4" eye to eye measurement. The closest leaf spring we have to that is the Double-Eye Spring part #SP-198275 which is a double…

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Answer 2

Equalizers for trailer suspension have different shapes, lengths, and heights to accommodate different axle spacing, spring lengths, and deck heights. Going to an equalizer that is not the same length and height as the original will require…

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Answer 3

The center hangers in the Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit #APT8 that you recently purchased are indeed longer. This is actually pretty common for tandem axle trailers. The reason for the extra length on the middle hanger is related to the shackle…

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Answer 4

The best way to confirm the weight capacity of your Dexter Torsion Axles is to find the lot number on the axle tag which is located on the center of the axle on the rear side. This tag should say Dexter Axle and then a 9 digit number. The number you…

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Answer 5

The equalizers on your triple axle setup will not be identical and there is nothing to worry about with your hanger spacing. However, since they appear to be worn it may be a good idea to go ahead and upgrade them. It looks like the Dexter E-Z Flex…

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Answer 6

The proper positioning of leaf spring hangers will be up to the installer. Therefore, in order to get the correct leaf spring hanger positions for the Triple-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for 2" Slipper Springs part #AP302-H302 you'll need to mock…

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Answer 7

I reached out to my contact at Dexter Axle who said that your axle is rated for 3,500 lbs and it uses inner bearing #L68149, outer bearing #L44649, and the grease seal #58846. All of these can be found in the kit #BK2-100 if you are needing to…

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Answer 8

We sure can! The spacing you're looking for between the hangers for the Triple-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for 2" Slipper Springs #AP302-H302 is 28-1/2" for the first to second hangers, 33" from the second to third hangers, and then…

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Answer 9

You can use leaf springs that are rated higher than the axle without any issues as long as they measure the correct measurement for your trailer. For example the 6-leaf double eye spring for 7,000 lb axles part #e64SR measures 24-7/8" eye to…

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Answer 10

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 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

I contacted MORryde and this does happen from time to time as the weight of the trailer can spread out the axles due to downward pressure on the springs/suspension. Odds are the 35" wheel base #MR27ZR will be the correct one for you, but they…

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How to Pick Out Replacement Leaf Spring Equalizer for Trailer

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