How to Determine Axle Placement for Tandem Trailer

Question

Question:

Have a 16foot trailer with a 12foot deck on it were do the double axles Go???

asked by: Kevin G

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The general rule for placement of axles on a trailer is to put them in a position that allows 10 to 15 percent of the trailer's total weight to be at the tongue. Hitting this range of tongue weight (TW) is important for avoiding issues with trailer sway. Too little TW leads to trailer sway.

You'll want to firm up the design of the trailer first, meaning first mounting permanent fixtures like tool boxes or tanks, so that their weight is accounted for when you mock up the axle positions. Some trial and error is needed to get the exact right spot. Boat trailers often need the axles to be further to the rear than on utility trailers since power boats tend to be heavier in the rear due to the motor weight being far to the back.

You can use the article I linked to help you determine the axle positions. It includes formulas to help you get to the right axle placement.

expert reply by: Adam R

1

Answer 1

Using a 60/40 ratio is a great place to start when deciding where to place your axle, placing 60 percent of the weight in front of the axle. However, there are a couple other factors that come into play. I have attached a photo that outlines that…

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Answer 2

There is a way for you to find out exactly where to place the center hanger of your tandem axle trailer. If you take a look at the diagram I added, which is part of a help article I linked on how to determine where to put your trailer's…

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Answer 3

For a standard replacement equalizer for your Dexter 13-122 equalizers you'd want the #TREQE1 or for a cushioned version you'd want the part #K71-653-00 which comes with new shackles and bolts. For a kit that includes new bolts, bushings, and…

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Answer 4

The 60/40 axle placement formula is a great starting point and does take into account the tongue of the trailer from where the trailer sits on the hitch ball. Please keep in mind that this is a very basic formula or estimate for axle placement. For a…

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Answer 5

There is a way for you to find out exactly where to place the center hanger of your 14 foot tandem axle trailer. If you take a look at the diagram I added, which is part of a help article I linked on how to determine where to put your trailer's…

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Answer 6

The correct axle position should be determined by the formula I have added for you. The 60/40 ratio you mentioned is normally just a starting point and you would want to use the formula to figure out the optimal place for your axle. As for…

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Answer 7

There is not going to be a kit, per se, to make your single axle trailer a tandem axle trailer because not all trailers are created equal. The first thing you'll need is the measurement of your current axle from hub face to hub face, and then…

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Answer 8

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 9

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 10

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Answer 11

Hey Richard, thanks for reaching out! The Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator #099-175-00 is a great option for a replacement actuator because it's a direct replacement for the common Model 60 actuators that were popular in the '90s.…

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Answer 12

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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How to Determine Axle Placement for Tandem Trailer

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