Suspension Recommendations for a Triple Axle Gooseneck Trailer

Question:

Just bought a tri axle gooseneck trailer. It currently has three mobile home style axles under it. When I bought it, it came with 4 Dexter 7k hyd disc brake axles. The Dexter axles spring perches are a little wider. I would like to change all of the spring hangers and equalizers. I have double eyelet springs. Is there a kit you would recommend that will work with 3 7k axles?

asked by: Fred V

Expert Reply:

We do have a variety of spring hangers you can use for a 7K triple axle system, and or that I recommend the Triple-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit # APTT5 which will space your axles 34" apart on center (see attached photo) and is compatible with 1-3/4" wide leaf springs like the 7K 6-Leaf Double-Eye Spring # e64SR.

You'll need to have your current hangers cut off and this new kit welded on for the installation.

You can use your current axles but I will say that mobile home axles are only designed for a one-time use so it would be best to replace your axles with standard axles for best performance. If you let me know what your hub face and spring center measurements are I can make a recommendation for you, although I do understand any hesitation to replace all of your axles.

expert reply by: Jon G

Axle Spacing for APTT5 Spring Hanger Kit
(click to enlarge)

Hub Face and Spring Center Axle Measurements
(click to enlarge)

Fred

3/18/2024

So with the parts you are suggesting, I would have to order all the suspension components separate? The hangers #28-5 the shackles MR86ZR which says it is for a triple axle but only comes with 12 shackles straps. I would need 16 straps. I would also need the equalizers? MR86ZR 12 Shackle straps 12 Wet bolts (for attaching the springs to your equalizers) 10 Wet bolts (for suspending your equalizers and springs from the hangers) 22 Bronze bushings (for spring eyes and equalizer bolt holes) 22 Locknuts APTT5 (16) 2-5/8" Long shackle straps (24) 3" Long x 9/16" diameter shackle bolts (24) 9/16" Diameter locknuts

Jon G.

3/18/2024

@Fred You are correct - I forgot to add four of the 7-3/4" Equalizer # A2252CB-GALV, and the MORryde kit was designed around their cushioned upgrade kits # MR59ZR and # MR39ZR which have part of the middle leaf spring connecting directly to the equalizer which eliminates the need for some of the hardware. Just to make everything more clear I'll relist the parts out along with how many of each you'll need to order: - 3-1/4" Tall Hangers # 28-5 (6) - MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit # MR86ZR (1) - 7-3/4" Equalizer # A2252CB-GALV (4) - Wet Equalizer Bolt with Locknut # 126B2 (2) - Bronze Bushing # D014-077-00 (2) - Shackle Strap # 018-024-01 (4)

Fred

3/16/2024

You mentioned APTT5 kit for my needs. Is there any kits that include greaseable spring bolts?

Jon G.

3/18/2024

@Fred All of our complete kits come with standard bolts, but if you were to purchase six of the 3-1/4" Tall Hangers # 28-5 along with the MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit # MR86ZR it would basically get you the same kit with the upgraded bolts, along with thicker shackle straps.

Fred

3/8/2024

My plan is to replace the current mobile home axles with three of the Dexter axles. I know it is going to be a bit of work. In the long run I will have a great trailer for my hauling needs. Thank you for your help

Jon G.

3/10/2024

@Fred Happy to help out!

Fred

3/11/2024

@JonG Just a quick question about proper placement of the axles. The overall length of the deck is 24', the main deck over the tires is 20' with a 4' dovetail. Is placement of the axles calculated by the overall deck or the entire length of the trailer including the gooseneck hitch? This is going to be a tri axle.

Jon G.

3/11/2024

@Fred You'll use the overall length when determining where to place your axles. I'm attaching a link to a helpful article we made that helps give more guidance on axle placement.

Helpful Links

faq-where-to-position-trailer-axle.aspx