Additional Suspension Parts to Add an Axle to a Tandem Axle Trailer

Question:

Sirs, I am thinking of turning my double axle trailer into a triple axle. It has mobile home axles and I want some redundant safety in carrying capacity. I have purchased from you the same basic parts as the APT3HD and PR 5 springs. I am considering purchasing the APT3HD kit and another pair of PR 5 springs, for the third axle. 1. Would the hanger bolt center to center distances be the same as a dual axle, 29 1/2inch front to center hanger for the front axle and 34inch hanger center to center for the center axle and 29 1/2inch center to center far rear axle hangers? All equalizers would be 7 3/4inch long and all shackles would be 2 5/8inch long. 2. I would use the 5 7/16inch hangers for all the equalizer hangers, - for the 2 far front and 2 far rear hangers, should I use the 2 1/2inch hangers that come in the APT3HD kit or the 3 1/4inch hangers that I bought H 248?? 3. What other complications could I expect?

asked by: Lloyd

Helpful Expert Reply:

The first thing I need to tell you is that mobile home axles are designed for one-time use only by the manufacturers. Because of this replacement parts are nearly impossible to find. I would urge you to switch to regular axles so replacement parts are readily available. I have linked the axles we carry for you.

The main problem you might run into when adding another axle is wheel scrubbing. When making turns its likely that the front axle tires will drag on the ground. Also to maintain the proper distribution of weight in the trailer you may need to move all of the axles.

Adding an axle actually will not necessarily increase the capacity of the trailer. The coupler and frame will still be rated the same as before.

To match the hanger parts you already have you will need 2 of hanger # 115919 so the equalizers will all be hanging from the same height hangers. You will also need 2 more shorter hangers # 115918, 8 additional shackle straps # 115052, 8 additional bolts and nuts, # 166081, 2 additional wet equalizer bolts, # 126A1, and 2 more equalizers, # TREQE34.

The hanger spacing would be the same as you have it now, 29-1/2 inches. I have included a link to our help article on double-eye suspension for you.