Adding a Longer Axle to a Trailer to Upgrade Suspension and Lower Trailer
Question:
I have a homemade utility trailer that the running gears axles were used from a camper. The wheels are currently under the trailer body. I am wanting to beef up the suspension and move the wheels to the outside of the frame to allow for more clearance and possibly lowering the trailer. The bed of the trailer measures 71 inches. They sell a 88 inch and 96 inch axle. I believe the 88 inch will not get the clearance I need. Am I thinking correctly to go with the 96 inch axle. I am also pulling this with a car and was thinking of putting dual axles on the trailer to take more weight off the car suspension. I am hauling a heavy zero radious lawn mower. Am I thinking correctly going with dual axle? The car seems to handle the single axle fine but want to protect my car and lawn mower investment to the max.
asked by: Carl J
Helpful Expert Reply:
Depending on how wide the tires are an 88 inch long axle may or may not be wide enough (also depends on where the axle is being measured). Going with a 96 inch axle would be the safer bet. But you can also order a trailer axle from a local tractor or trailer supply store to the specifications needed. That will be the best way to get an axle that fits correctly rather than trying to get a pre-fabricated axle to fit.
Having 2 axles instead of one could take the stress off of the back of the car but it really depends on where the mower is placed on the trailer. If the mower is further back on the trailer the tongue weight at the hitch would not be as high as it would if the mower was more forward on the trailer. So you can adjust the mower position to lower the tongue weight but you will want to have the tongue weight be at least 10 percent of the gross trailer weight.
If you do decide to add a second axle take a look at the picture I included that shows how you can figure out where the axle positions should be.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Radial Tire
- Load Range D
- 175/80-13
- 13 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
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