If a tandem axle trailer only has one braking axle it will typically be the front axle.
If you are looking to add an axle I recommend that you check with your local laws regarding trailer weights and braking axle requirements. Not all states allow for idler axles if the trailer weight exceeds a specified amount.
I have linked an article that we have created that will discuss axle mounting location. If you are adding the axle you will need to determine if your 2nd axle will require you... view full answer...
If the tandem axle trailer uses spring axles then the one axle with brakes should be the rear axle. If the tandem trailer uses torsion axles then the one axle with brakes should be the front axle. view full answer...
A trailer that was built with three axles will have a gross weight rating (GVWR) based on the combined weight capacities of the three axles. Removing any of them will substantially reduce the trailer's weight carrying capacity.
If you had reason to remove one of the three axles on a trailer it would be best to remove either the front or rear axle, but not the middle one. If you removed the middle axle there would be a large gap between the two remaining axles and this would cause more... view full answer...
Jameson is correct - on a tandem axle trailer you want brakes such as the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit - 10" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K # 23-468-469 on the axle that bears the most weight, and in the large majority of cases (with loaded boat trailers often being the exception) that is going to be the forward-most axle.
The reason for this is pretty simple - when slowing down the force of the trailer weight shifts forward due to inertia, causing that axle... view full answer...
I have attached a photo that shows how you determine where the centerline should be between your axles.
When determining axle placement, an important factor to consider is the tongue weight. You want the tongue weight of the trailer to be approximately 10 % of the gross trailer weight. Moving the axles rearward will increase the tongue weight of the trailer, and placing the axles forward will decrease the tongue weight. view full answer...
The trailer will have a plate or sticker on it that will list the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that will list the weight capacity.
You can also tell the weight capacity of the axle by measuring the diameter of the axle. Here is a list that will show the axle weight capacity based on the axle diameter:
Typical Axle Diameters Based on Axle Capacity
- 1,000-lb - 2,000-lb Axles: 1-1/2... view full answer...
It is actually quite common for the front and center hangers to be different sizes on a tandem axle trailer. The idea behind this is that when you factor in the height of the equalizer and shackles, everything will be at a level height. In most cases the front and rear hangers will be the same, with a shorter center hanger. This is certainly not a universal rule, as different trailer manufacturers will do things differently. It sounds like what you are describing is more or less normal... view full answer...
If your trailer has torsion axles, no worries but it it's a leaf spring suspension you really should have equalizers. Without the equalizer, the trailer will have a rougher ride and the weight won't be balanced across both axles when going over anything other than a flat surface. So potentially if you have 7000 lb trailer going over a bump with 2 , 3500 lb axles. When one axle is temporarily in the "air " the other axle will take on all the weight. That is why you don't see it too often.... view full answer...
When trying to determine the placement of the axles on a trailer, you will need to mock the trailer up with the suspension to make sure everything is placed where it should be. I have attached a photo that shows how you determine where the centerline should be between the axles.
When determining axle placement, an important factor to consider is the tongue weight. You want the tongue weight of the trailer to be approximately 10 percent of the gross trailer weight. Moving the axles rearward... view full answer...
You will want to measure from the closest portion of your axle or U-bolt which would come into contact with the frame on your horse trailer. For underslung axles it is typically curved portion of the U-bolt which is typically only 1/2" higher than the axle. If your horse trailer has an overslung axle the U-bolts will will stick above the leaf spring and its height will vary based on the axle size, length of U-bolts and the height of the leaf spring.
If you are looking at adding a device... view full answer...
A trailer axle should actually be bowed upwards in the middle and not downwards. When the trailer is loaded with your boat, that upward bow will flatten out and your tires will make even contact with the ground.
The downward bow of your axle should not be happening so you should be sure you aren't overloading your axle. I recommend replacing your axle and ensuring you stay under the axle capacity. You can also eliminate the issue of axle bow by using a Timbren Axle-Less Suspension like... view full answer...
The weight distribution system will not cause the weight to be equal on all axles. The weight distribution system distributes the trailer's tongue weight, not overall weight.
So your trailer could still weight 13,500 pounds at the axle, but a bit more weight is distributed to the front axle of the tow vehicle and the trailer axles with a weight distribution system than without it. view full answer...
I have added a link to a help article for you which has the formula you need that allows you to determine exactly where to position your axles on a trailer. Using this formula, based on measurements you'll need to take and the weight of the trailer, will determine where you position the axles.
As for the hanger kit that depends on the size of your axle and your leaf springs. For example, the Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double Eye Springs # APT5 is for 2,000-lb to 7,000-lb tandem-axle... view full answer...
There are a couple ways to determine the weight capacity of your trailer springs. First, there should be a sticker or tag on the axle that will tell you the axle capacity.
Second, you should have a tag on the trailer that says what the weight capacity is for the trailer. Axles are typically installed on a trailer with that capacity.
Third, you can measure the diameter of a round axle to determine the capacity. Here is a list of typical axle diameters and their weight capacity. I recommend... view full answer...
The electric brakes we offer for a 7,000 lb axle are electric drum brakes like part # 23-181 for the right hand, and part # 23-180 for the left hand. The highest rated electric disc brakes we offer are electric-over-hydraulic and for 3,500 lb axles. This is the Titan Disc Brake Assembly, part # T10HREKITBB.
The largest axle we offer is a 3,500 lb axle like the Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes, part # e43SR. This axle measures 89 inches hub face to hub face and includes electric drum brakes,... view full answer...
Most of the OEM axles installed in RVs and most of the replacement axles we offer are indeed round in cross section. We do offer some square stub spindles for use on square axles, such as # TRU97FR, but these are usually limited to lower capacities like utility trailer applications. We do not have the ability to ship high-capacity axles due to their weight. view full answer...
What you describe isn't normal. Trailer axles are manufactured with a bow or crown in them, a slight arc with the high side on the top of the axle. When the trailer is loaded, the axle will straighten out so the tires make even contact with the pavement. If the trailer is overloaded, the axle and spindles will bow the wrong way, causing the inside edge of the tire to have most of the contact with the pavement.
It sounds like your trailer has been overloaded at some point which might have... view full answer...
In regards to trailer axles, most have an arch in them which is by design and they will straighten out once loaded. This is done intentionally for load distribution. If the axles are damaged, you'll likely see other issues like irregular tire wear. If you don't have any signs I would honestly not worry about it. That said, I have attached some info below for replacement if that's needed.
In order to choose the correct replacement axle for a trailer you'll need to measure the hub face (center... view full answer...
In order to choose the correct replacement axle for your trailer you will need to know the dimensions of your current axle's hub face to hub face and spring center to spring center; the other thing you need to know is the weight capacity of the axle you need, which should match or exceed the GVWR of your trailer. If the 2,750 lbs you referenced was the GVWR it is likely you need a 3,500 lb axle.
For example, the Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes # e43SR has a 3,500 lb capacity and measures... view full answer...
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