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Expert Answers about Trailer Axles


  • Where to Locate Axles on a Triple Axle Trailer
  • Determining the location of the axles on your triple axle trailer can be difficult, but basically you want to locate the axles so that the tongue weight of the trailer is 10 percent of the total trailer. Typically on triple axle trailers the center axle will be located 60 percent of the way from the front of the trailer and 40 percent from the back. This isn't always the case as boat trailer and some flat bed trailers have the axles more to the back of the trailer. For example, if the...
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  • Which Axle of Tandem Axle Trailer Typically is the Brake Axle
  • Really it depends on which axle is carrying more of the weight. Typically the front axle is the braking axle for most utility trailer and campers but for boat trailers where the weight is more on the back it's typically the rear axle. We have also found that most torsion brake axles are the rear axles as well.
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  • Converting a Single Axle Trailer To a Tandem Axle Trailer With Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension
  • I would not recommend adding the Timbren Heavy-Duty Axle-Less Trailer Suspension # TASR35HDS11 behind or in front of your existing axle to transform your single axle trailer into a tandem. First the single axle that you currently have will likely have a different deflection distance than the Timbren which could lead to parts being damaged easier. Second the weight would most likely not be balanced properly across the trailer and axles. As it sits your single axle is at the load point...
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  • Recommended Axle-Less System To Convert Single Axle Trailer Into Tandem Dual Axle
  • Yes. Turning a single axle trailer into a dual axle trailer is possible. It will require relocating your axle and adding another one as well as welding hangers and adding springs. However, there is an easier option to all of this and that is using the axle-less system from Timbren and bolting them to your frame. The two spindles should split the distance of your current single axle. The axle-less system also gives you greater ground clearance because there is no axle in the middle...
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  • Determining Correct Shock Absorber Kit For Tandem Axle Trailer Weighing 7500-8000lbs Loaded
  • I would be happy to recommend a shock system for your tandem axle trailer. The correct system for your application is going to be based on the rating of your current axles, since each kit is designed to fit a certain diameter axle, and going with a system that is severely overrated will actually hurt the ride of trailer by being too stiff and not allowing the trailers suspension to do its job. Since you mentioned that your trailer has tandem axles you will need a kit that is designed...
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  • Can Timbren Axle-Less System be Added to Single Axle Trailer to Make it a Tandem Axle Trailer
  • A tandem axle trailer splits the load of the trailer weight to both axles evenly. But in order to do this you'll need to move the current axle forward to install the # A20RS545 in the proper location. Basically where you current axle center is would be the location for the exact distance between the two axles.
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  • Recommendation of Which Axle to Add Brakes To on Triple Axle Trailer
  • If you have trailer brakes on only one axle, it is best to have it on the front axle. This is not uncommon for tandem axle trailers, but is not common for triple axle trailers. I highly recommend putting brakes on at least two of the three axles to give you better braking with a trailer heavy enough for three axles. If you choose to use just two braking axles, I recommend adding brakes to the front two.
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  • Determining Which Replacement Axle Is Correct For 1991 Escort Trailer
  • I would be happy to help you find the correct replacement axle for your 1991 Escort trailer, but unfortunately we do not have a break down of the specific components your trailer uses so you will need to verify a few bits of information. First you will need to find the axle rating of your current axle. The easiest way to do this is to look for the axle tag on the center of the axle and on there the axle rating (GAWR) will be listed. If this tag is missing from the axle then you can take...
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  • Which Axle of Tandem Axle Trailer Normally Gets Brakes if Only One is Used
  • Typically if you are going to put brakes on only one axle of a tandem axle trailer you want to go with the axle that will have more of the weight of the trailer on it. In nearly all cases this will be the front axle but on boat trailer it's pretty common for it to be the rear axle. I attached a help article on adding brakes to an axle for you to check out as well. It will walk you through the entire process.
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  • Recommended Suspension For Adding a 2nd Axle To 12 Foot Coleman Tent Trailer
  • You will need to use a tandem axle setup since installing a Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension # A12RS440 will not allow the suspensions to work together. We have the Timbren Silent Ride Suspension which will allow you to use your current axle and add a 2nd axle. There are several kits available for different axle sizes which I have listed below for you to determine the best option for your Coleman trailer. All the kits are rated with a 4,000lb suspension so you will be able to eliminate...
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  • Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System Recommendation for a 1977 13 ft Scamp Trailer
  • Converting a torsion axle trailer to a trailer with a Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System has been done before and most people who have done this really prefer the smoother ride and increased ground clearance. Timbren Axle-Less trailer suspension system is a great alternative to torsion axles. While both systems allow either side of the trailer's suspension to operate independently, only Axle-Less suspensions are actually separate units. Torsion axles still require a bar that...
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  • Can Timbren Axle Less Systems be Used on Tandem Axle Trailers
  • You can use Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension Systems like the part # A35RS545 in a tandem axle setup but I would not recommend running this axle with a standard trailer axle at same time. You'd want to run two of the Timbren axles to ensure proper weight distribution. Also the center point between the two axles would need to be where your current axle is right now.
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  • Recommended Axles for Two Trailer Builds with 14K Capacity & 7K Capacity
  • For your trailers, I recommend not using a steering axle because there are different requirements for them and your trailers don't need them. If you want to pursue the steering axle you will need to check with your local DMV for requirements. My recommendation is to use a single or tandem axle application for each trailer. If you want to use a single axle for your 7K trailer, I recommend the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System - Spindle w/ Brake Flange - Regular Tires - 7K...
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  • Difference Between Available Dexter Torflex Lift Kits
  • The Dexter Torflex Lift Kits are designed for use with Torflex axles. The differences in the kits we have available have to do with the specific model Torflex axle they are compatible with, along with the number of axles that are on the trailer. The Dexter Torflex axles feature a torsion arm type suspension and attaches directly to the trailer frame. You will first want to make sure this is the type of axle you have on your trailer. The Torflex Lift Kit # K71-707-02 (Tandem Axle) is compatible...
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  • Which Axle of Tandem Axle Trailer Should have Brakes Installed if Only One
  • If you plan to only run one brake axle on a tandem axle trailer you want to put the brake axle on the one that will carry the most weight. In most cases this is the front axle. This works out best because inertia puts more weight on the front axle when braking typically. But if the trailer is a boat trailer with an outboard motor for example, you then would want the brake axle to be the rear axle.
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  • How To Determine Where To Mount Single 3500lb Axle On 16' ATV Trailer
  • I would be happy to help you determine where to place the 3500lb axle on the 16' ATV trailer you are building, but it will really come down to the weight of your specific trailer. You want the axle placed in a way that the tongue weight of the trailer ends up being 10-15% of the trailer weight. I would start with the axle placed so that 60% of the trailer is in front of the axle then taking the trailer to a local truck stop to weigh it. If you find that your tongue weight with the axle...
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  • Axle Upgrade For Ironton 5 X 8 Utility Trailer
  • You may be able to use the Dexter Trailer Axle with Idler Hubs # 20545I-ST-72-15 on your Ironton 5x8 trailer. This axle has as spring center to spring center measurement of 58" and a hub face to tub face of 72". You will need to have new Spring Seat # TRSS175 welded on to the axle as your current axle is an over slung axle and this axle is designed to be under slung. If that will work on the trailer you will need the CE Smith U-Bolt Kit # CE23000 to mount the axle as the factory axle is...
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  • Where To Place Braked Axles On a Triple Axle Trailer
  • In regards to a triple axle trailer, if you are using a tubular axle with leaf springs then you will want to install brakes on the rear two axles. The reason for this is that with leaf springs, the rearmost axles will be pushed into the ground due to the transfer of weight via the equalizers therefore these axles will experience the most efficient stopping power. If you will be using a square axle with torsion springs then you will want to install brakes on the front two axles. The reason...
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  • Can Replacement Axle be Installed Below Leaf Springs on Trailer
  • You are correct that the trailer axles we currently have available, such as the Dexter 89 Inch Long Trailer Axle # 35545I-EZ-89, are designed to be installed on top of the leaf springs. This is due to the location of the welded spring seats on the axle. To install one of our axles below the leaf springs on your trailer, I recommend using the parts included with the Dexter Over-Under Kit # K71-385-00 for 3 inch axles or # K71-384-00 for 2-3/8 inch axles. I have attached the installation...
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  • Recommended Lift for Axles of Trailer with Leaf Spring Suspension
  • You can use the Over Under kit # K71-384-00 for each axle. This will put the springs on top of the axle and will raise your trailer height by the diameter of the axle itself as well as the height of the leaf spring stack. This will raise your trailer about 3 inches. I've added a video to assist.
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