How to Determine Axle Placement on a Custom 5 x 9 ATV and Motorcycle Trailer  

Question:

Expert Reply:

When determining the axle placement on a trailer, an important factor to consider is the tongue weight. You want the tongue weight of the trailer to be approximately 10 percent of the gross trailer weight. Moving the axle rearward will increase the tongue weight of the trailer. A heavy tongue weight could cause issues with traction and sway when towing, but that is not as much of a concern on smaller trailers than it is on larger travel trailers or enclosed trailers.

First, we want to know the weight capacity of your axle. We will use this as the total weight. Next, we will want to determine how much weight you plan on loading on the front of the trailer that will directly affect the tongue weight. For example, if you plan on loading a 500 lb ATV at the front of the trailer, then your tongue weight will be closer to 500 lbs. This will be your tongue weight. After that, we can follow the formula on the attached photo. For D we can use the original axle placement. D is the measurement from the center of the axle to the front of the trailer tongue. The formula will tell use whether to move the axle forward or backward for your tongue weight. If you think your tongue weight will be greater than 10 percent of the axle capacity, then you will want to use the column on the left.

Using slightly shorter leaf spring hangers is okay, but it will decrease the ground clearance of the trailer. You will also want to remember that it will bring the axle that much closer to the trailer frame and the wheel closer to the fender. Our leaf spring hangers are measured from the top of the hanger to the center of the bolt hole. If your hangers have an overall measurement of 2 inches, then they are likely the same size as the leaf spring hanger, part # 115917, that you referenced.

In your pictures, it appears that the frame was cut out around the leaf spring hangers. That will create a weak point in the frame so I recommend repairing those holes if possible if you plan on using the trailer in the picture. You could move the axle 6 inches to 1 ft rearward, but again, that will increase the tongue weight of the trailer, especially if the cargo is loaded toward the front of the trailer.

Also, I noticed the axle was mounted under the leaf springs. Flipping the axle is common, but axles are built with a slight bow that allows the axle to flatten when a load is put on the trailer. Looking at your photo, it appears the bow may be pointing toward the ground now (if the trailer were right side up). If this is the case, you will want to flip the axle so the bow is pointing toward the trailer, not the ground.

For replacement bushings and shackle bolts, you will want to verify the size of the bolts you currently have. You can determine this by either the bolt or by the bolt holes on the hangers. Most trailers use 9/16 inch shackle bolts like part # 166081, with a 11/16 inch outer diameter bushing, # TRBU11566. You can determine the correct diameter of the bushing by measuring the bolt hole eye of the leaf spring. You can use the same bolt and bushing for the front and rear of the leaf spring. It is surprising that the same shackle bolt and bushing have lasted for 20 years, but if they were designed to work with different types of trailers, from small open utility trailers to large travel trailers and equipment trailers.

expert reply by: John H

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