Tandem Trailer Suspension - Equalizer after Tire Change

[skydiveD30571]

I jacked up the boat/trailer and put it on jack stands to take the 4 wheels to a tire store and mount the new tires I just bought. The 2 jack stands were placed under a crossbeam in between the two axles. Before I jacked it up, the suspension looked like below, with the equalizer centered:



When I came back, put the wheels back on, and lowered the trailer the equalizer settled into an uneven position similar to below (cropped from etrailer video):



Is that something that settles back into position with time? Or maybe after some driving? The eTrailer folks don't mention it so I can't imagine it's a big deal but I thought I'd ask. I tried to reset it by jacking the trailer up and down a couple times but it always settled into this position on both sides.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Tandem Trailer Suspension - Equalizer after Tire Change

Ayuh,.... It oughta settle in, as soon as ya move it,....

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Tandem Trailer Suspension - Equalizer after Tire Change

raise or lower the tongue and you'll see it even out

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: Tandem Trailer Suspension - Equalizer after Tire Change

Thanks I'll keep an eye on it the first couple times I tow.

A couple weeks ago while doing routine trailer maintenance I adjusted the drum brakes so that each wheel spun 1-1.5 revolutions on its own. When I was installing the new tires and wheels, I tried again and 1 spun very freely and other barely moved. I trailered about 10 miles in between. Are they getting out of adjustment that fast?

 

[T_Herrod]

Re: Tandem Trailer Suspension - Equalizer after Tire Change

Are they getting out of adjustment that fast?

Do the brakes have self adjusters on them? Or maybe the shoes were not centered up good when you adjusted them. Your suspension should get back to normal with a little pulling down the road. Did you check the temp of the hubs?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Tandem Trailer Suspension - Equalizer after Tire Change

I have never seen a trailer brake with self adjusters on them.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Tandem Trailer Suspension - Equalizer after Tire Change

I have never seen a trailer brake with self adjusters on them.

No boat trailers that i have ever seen in the last 30+ yrs

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: Tandem Trailer Suspension - Equalizer after Tire Change

Bondo you're right...about 15 feet and I heard a loud "clunk" as they both settled into place. Thanks all.

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: Tandem Trailer Suspension - Equalizer after Tire Change

Just an fyi, Some of the Dexter surge brakes have self adjusters on them.

 

[wrench 3]

Re: Tandem Trailer Suspension - Equalizer after Tire Change

When manually adjusting brakes you should adjust them up tight to center the shoes and then back them of so they spin.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Tandem Trailer Suspension - Equalizer after Tire Change

Just an fyi, Some of the Dexter surge brakes have self adjusters on them.

Have a link?

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: Tandem Trailer Suspension - Equalizer after Tire Change

No I dont.

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: Tandem Trailer Suspension - Equalizer after Tire Change

Here is the electric version.
10" Nev-R-Adjust Electric Brake Assembly for 3.5K Axles - LH Dexter Trailer Brakes 23-468

 

[wrench 3]

Re: Tandem Trailer Suspension - Equalizer after Tire Change

Interesting set up. Works in forwards instead of revers.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Tandem Trailer Suspension - Equalizer after Tire Change

Is there a hydraulic version?

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: Tandem Trailer Suspension - Equalizer after Tire Change

Is there a hydraulic version?

Yes.

 

[skydiveD30571]

Re: Tandem Trailer Suspension - Equalizer after Tire Change

I saw that Etrailer has 10" Demco hydraulic drum self-adjusting brakes.