Somewhere between year 4-5 the curb side of the trailer seemed to be getting a bit lower than the street side. Also I received a note from Good Sam Roadside assistance indicating shackle straps were the next biggest item failing (after tires) on RV travelers. I checked my shackle straps and they showed signs of elongated holes indicating wear.
You can see the gap in the mounting holes of the equalizer and the shackle straps. The new parts had no visible gap. While no where near failure, there is substantial wear. I replaced them with the Dexter Heavy duty suspension kit. The kit below is for my 5800lb axles.
https://nickstruckparts.com/products...-4in-equalizer
A couple observations: the plastic bushings were worn out. I was shocked at the amount of metal wear. The new Kit shackle straps are substantially thicker than the OEM stockers. The new bushings are brass and not plastic.
Installation notes: I jacked one side of the trailer up on two jacks (w/jackstands). I removed one wheel and let the 2nd wheel gently touch ground. I then jacked up the wheel-less axle slightly to remove the tension. This let all the parts be loose enough to remove and replace. A couple days before I sprayed all bolts with penetrating oil. I did have one pressfit bolt (held the equalizer) that was stubborn. but a little wrenching loosened it enough so I could pound it out.
The kit came with good directions on how to pregrease/torque, etc.
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