Axle Placement Recommendation for Converting Single Axle Trailer to Tandem

Question

Question:

I have single axle boat trailer. Want to make it a tandem axle where do I place new axle

asked by: Matt G

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Expert Reply:

To determine the location for the front and rear hangers on your tandem axle trailer you will first need to make sure that you have the correct center point for your equalizer hanger.

The center point of your equalizer hanger needs to be located where you will have 60 percent of the frame of the trailer in front of the center of the equalizer hanger and 40 percent behind the center of the equalizer hanger. 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. If it's a boat trailer with an outboard engine you may want to start with the axles further back. 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

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Answer 1

Thank you for providing the specs for the suspension components that you already have. Correct hanger spacing really depends on the components being used such as springs, hangers and equalizers. Most of the hanger spacing dimensions that we have are…

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Answer 2

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 3

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists 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…

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Answer 4

For a single axle trailer, you want the shackle strap to be able to move so that you have the spring deflection needed for your suspension. Angled like the photo or even almost vertical is fine you just don't want the shackle strap to bind and…

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Answer 5

Hey Jaime, yes you can replace your 25-1/4 inch 3,500 lb axle leaf springs with a 5k rated axle spring like the part #e44SR. This will increase the suspension's weight capacity and might make the ride quality a little rougher but it would fit and…

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Answer 6

To correctly measure a leaf spring, you'll want to jack the trailer up on jack stands so the axle is hanging freely, then measure directly across from the center of one spring eye to the other, as shown in the provided diagram. The height of the…

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Answer 7

I have attached for you below some common torque values needed for a trailer suspension system but a lot of these will vary by bolt size and other factors. U-Bolts: Varies by Size - 1/2" bolts: 45 ft/lbs - 70 ft/lbs, 9/16" bolts: 65 ft/lbs…

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Answer 8

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked…

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Answer 9

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 10

Well shackle length is mainly based on the height difference between the front and rear hangers. The rear hanger normally doesn't hang as low as the front so that the shackle can offset the difference and add the ability to move. What is the…

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Answer 11

A BT8 spindle would have a diameter of .99 of an inch where the bearings would both install and would have a diameter of 1.24 where the great seal would ride. That would require a hub part #AKIHUB-440-2-1K for an idler hub. A BTR spindle would have…

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Answer 12

The spring hanger placement is going to be determined by your axle spacing. For example, if your axles are spaced 33 inches apart, as shown in the attached diagram, a 7K axle slipper spring, like #e74SR, requires a distance of 28-1/2 inches between…

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Axle Placement Recommendation for Converting Single Axle Trailer to Tandem

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