Center Spring Hanger Position for Tandem Axle Trailer that is 18 feet Long

Question:

What is the position of the center hanger on a tandem axle set up for a trailer that measures 18ft? The overall length including the tongue is 23ft, the cargo area is 18ft. My springs are 26 inches from eye to eye. Its a custom trailer that I built. I read a post similar to mine and it mentioned that you use the 60/40 ratio, in other words put 60 of the length to the front and 40 to the rear. Now is that measuring the length of the whole trailer including the tongue or just the cargo area? The trailer is a utility trailer that is used to haul ATVs it measures 18x7. I am pulling it with a 2003 avalanche 1500 2wd. Thank you.

asked by: Sal A

Expert Reply:

The 60/40 split is a great starting point that usually works for most trailers. This includes the length from the coupler to the back of the trailer.

For example, if the trailers frames length is 18 feet, then the center-line location for the equalizer hanger will be 10.8 feet from the front of the trailer and 7.2 feet from the back.

This is where to start with when picking out axle locations for a tandem axle trailer. You will need to determine the tongue weight of the trailer and then check out the picture I attached if the tongue weight is anything other than 10 percent of the total trailer weight.

expert reply by: Jameson C