Shackle Bolts

Shackle Bolts for Caravan and Trailer

Shackle bolts for caravans and trailers sold by Couplemate are high tensile 9/16 inch, 5/8 inch, M16, M18 or M20.

Suits 45mm or 60mm eye to eye with nylon bushes or shackle springs with steel bushes (Al-ko Outback rebound Series.)

How do I measure my shackle bolt?

Measure from the tip of the thread to the underside of the hex head. 

Worn Hangers (5/8 inch or 16mm)

Yes, there is a fix for this problem.

• Standard hangers use a 4-inch shackle bolt, measured from under the head to the thread’s top.
• Cut the head off a centre hanger leaving 2 x halves left.
• Use a 4.5 inch shackle bolt (701062) and bolt the two halves over the existing hanger.
• Weld the two 1/2 inch plates over the old worn hangers.
• The problem is now fixed.

Sizes on offer

• 1/2 inch Case Hardened – 3.5 inch
• 9/16 inch Non-Greasable – 3.5 inch – Grade 8 High Tensile
• 9/16 inch Greasable – 3.5 inch – Grade 8 High Tensile
• 5/8 inch Greasable Short – 3.5 inch to suit 45mm tandem rocker centre bolt – Grade 8 High Tensile
• 5/8 inch Greasable – 4.25 inch to suit Manutec Rocker Roller Springs – Grade 8 High Tensile
• 5/8 inch Greasable Long – 4.5 inch – Grade 8 High Tensile
• 3/4 inch Greaseable – 3.5 inch – Grade 8 High Tensile

Non-greaseable bolts fit inside a self-lubricating nylon bush and do not need grease. If your springs have nylon bushes, it is not advisable to change your pin to greaseable.

The knurl under the head has a particular purpose. The knurl locks into the shackle plate to help prevent the bolt from spinning during spring compressions. Broken welds are a good sign the bolts need replacement.

The knurl is welded onto the shackle plate on standard tandem and outback trailer springs to stop the bolt from turning. With a rotating bolt in the shackle plate, wear significantly increases.

News: How to fix Dangerous Caravan Vibration Fatigue

How to tighten suspension bolts.

• Tighten 16mm x 100mm greaseable bolt until home.
• Back off 1/4 turn.
• You need a small space between your shackle plates and spring; otherwise, you will develop an annoying squeak.
• This squeak is due to no tolerance between shackle plates and spring.

Associated Shackle Bolt Parts

• Shackle Plates – Caravan – Trailer
• 45mm Shackle Hanger Kit
• 45mm Tandem Shackle Hanger Kit
• 60mm Standard Tandem Hanger Kit

Purchase Electrogal 4-inch shackle bolt kits from our trailer parts range here.

• Standard non-greaseable shackle kit
• Outback Spring 16mm Greasable Shackle Kit

Note: The above shackle plate kits are laser cut, welded then plated by Couplemate.

Replacement Shackle Bolts, Caravan Trailer Kits