Parts Needed to Turn Single Axle Trailer Into Tandem Axle Trailer  

Question:

Expert Reply:

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 spring seat center to spring seat center; this will determine whether or not you'll be able to use a stock axle or need a custom ordered one.

The other parts you would need are a hanger kit like the # APT5 to mount the springs to the trailer frame, a U-bolt kit like the # APUBR-1 to mount the springs to the axles and double eyed leaf springs like the # e54SR. The u-bolts and springs are based off using a 3500-lbs axle, so that may change depending on the size of axle that you've currently got.

There are some dimensions you'll need to determine by making a mock-up of the trailer and taking some weights and measurements of the current trailer; particularly, the spacing of the axles for proper weight distribution of the tongue. I've linked a diagram that can give you a better idea about that, but you'll want your trailer's tongue weight to be at least 10% and no more than 15% of the weight of the trailer. Once you have the trailer mocked up, you will want to weigh the trailer under the wheels, find the actual tongue weight, measure the distance from the tongue to the center between the axles, and determine the total weight of the trailer. Using the formula from the worksheet I have attached for you, you will be able to determine what adjustments need to be made in the location of your axles.

I've also linked our entire selection of trailer leaf springs for you to look through in case your trailer axles will have different a capacity; this will help you decide on hanger placement for your suspension system. If you can provide some more dimensions and the capacity on your trailer axles I can let you know if there is a stock axle that can be used in this project.

expert reply by: Erik B

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axle spacing and tongue weight chart
(click to enlarge)