How to Decide Which Tandem Axle Trailer Hanger Kit to Use

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Question:

We are building a tandem axle trailer. 3500 lb. axles 2-3/8 inch diameter, with e54SR springs. Can you please advise how we can decide between the APT3, APT7, APT8, and APT9 axle hanger kits.

asked by: John M

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Expert Reply:

Typically when building a tandem axle trailer I recommend using either the # APT3 or # APT5 Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit. These are the most common kits used for utility trailers and parts are readily available. The # APT5 kit is by far the most common because all the hangers are the same height and provide good tire clearance.

There are a lot of variables when selecting a hanger kit. First you should select a kit that will accommodate the wheel and tire combination you are using. The # APT3 kit would be a good choice for smaller wheel and tire combinations like 14 inch and the # APT5 kit would be a good choice for 15 or 16 inch wheel and tire combinations since it provides a bit more clearance for tire height.

The # APT7, # APT8 and # APT9 hanger kits are typically used as replacement kits for trailers that have worn suspensions, but can be used to build a trailer if you know all the dimensions you need for the system to work together with your trailers wheels and tires, frame, and expected ride height.

When selecting your hanger kit take into account the spacing of the axles to be sure that the wheels and tires you will be using will have clearance at the center between the axles. The # APT3 and # APT5 kits have hanger spacing charts on our web pages. Dimension C will allow you to determine the distance you will have between your wheels and tires. If you chose the # APT5 kit and #e54SR spring with the 15 inch wheel and tire, # AM32664, you would have 5 inches between the tires which is plenty of room for the suspension to work properly. You will need somewhere between 3 and 4 inches minimum for the suspension to work properly in most cases.

expert reply by: Robert G

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Answer 1

The difference in tire diameter will be an additional 2-1/2 inches going from the 225/75-15 which measure 28.4 to the 235/80-16 which measure 30.9 inches. As a general rule of thumb the minimum safe distance between front and rear tires on the same…

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Answer 2

To slightly lower your trailer that has had an "axle flip" kit installed you would want to use slightly shorter shackle straps, not longer ones. Shorter shackles will let the axle rest closer to the trailer frame, which lowers the trailer…

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Answer 3

The first thing I would check on your trailer is the capacity of the springs. You need to be sure the spring capacity is rated at 1/2 the axle capacity. That way 2 springs equal the capacity of the trailer axle for proper fit. Check the arch of the…

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Answer 4

The recommended clearance with leaf spring suspension on an unloaded trailer is between 2 - 2-1/2 inches. You should have sufficient clearance with your loaded trailer, as leaf springs only tend to deflect 1-1/2 inch when carrying a load.

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Answer 5

I never recommend using grease with Nylon Bushings #TRBU11566. The grease can trap dirt which will cause the nylon to become damaged easier. And the chemicals in different greases can cause the nylon bushings to break down. If you want to use Grease…

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Answer 6

It's not common for the spindle number to be printed anywhere on the axle. That said, if you're looking for new bearings/races and seals all you need to do is note the capacity or measure. The easiest method would be to crawl under the…

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Answer 7

I spoke with my contact at Dexter and he said the Bolt Pattern on Mobile Home Hub & Drum Assembly #8-174-5UC3 is 5 on 10-1/8". I have included links to a video review of this hub and drum assembly and a FAQ article about how to determine…

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Answer 8

The 5 on 5 and 5 on 5-1/2 bolt patterns are not common any longer. We do have a few options though and I have included links to the right for you. If you wanted to switch to a more common bolt pattern you would have to replace the hubs. And for that…

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Answer 9

You will need to measure the diameter of the spindles where the seal and bearings ride. Check out the picture I attached that shows where this is. You will need an exact measurement so either a digital or dial caliper will be needed. To pick out the…

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Answer 10

First, the most important thing I can tell you is that mobile home axles are made for one time use and should not be used on utility trailers; for that you would need an axle designed for use on RVs and to choose the correct replacement axle for your…

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Answer 11

A leaf spring seat, or perch as it sometimes called, is the mount that is welded to the axle where the trailer's leaf springs sit on top of or below the axle. An example of one is part #TRSS300. I've attached a picture that points out the…

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Answer 12

Thanks for the pictures! If you're getting that loud of noise out of your 2019 Jayco Eagle Fifth Wheel's equalizers then it is time to replace them. Greasing them won't fix that loud clunking noise. If your axles are 35" on center…

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How to Decide Which Tandem Axle Trailer Hanger Kit to Use

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