I am preparing to replace the equalizer/shackles on my 32' 5th wheel and have read this forum with interest. My GVWR is 12,400 and my GAWR is 5200 (from the VIN plate on the front driver side). Tandem axles with 33" spacing of tires. Also, my current equalizer/shackle setup is such that the shackles are only slightly wider at the top than at the bottom. Hole spacing on current equalizer is 6 1/8 wide, and 2 3/8 tall. I have some questions/problems:
1. Are my axles undersized for my GVWR ?
2. Which would be the correct Dexter EX-Flex kit for me? The K71-652-00 is rated for up to 6K GAWR, and would take 3/4 inch away from my clearance at the top of my tires. It also seems borderline as to the GAWR. The K71-653-00 kit supports up to 8K, but spacing is 7 1/2" on the bottom holes. Doing the geometry, this would mean that my shackles would be narrower at the top than at the bottom. I suspect this would be a problem.
BTW -- thanks for this excellent topic.
