Where Should Axle Center be Considered for Torsion Axle Trailer

Question:

Heeeeeeeeelp...I am building a small trailer...36inch x 48inch with a 36inch tongue to pull behind a motorcycle. According to my math, the axle center line should be 19-1/4 inches forward of the rear crossmember. I am going to use 500 pound torsion axles 2 wheel trailer but two torsion plates. Setting the plates in place...do I set the center of the torsion pivot point or the center of the axle where the wheel bolts up? I am so confused as this is the first time I have tried a DIY trailer. Thank you for your help,

asked by: Paul S

Helpful Expert Reply:

Axle placement is all about where the axle/wheels end up located under the trailer but on a torsion setup where the attachment to the trailer is in a different location but it's where the weight is split on either side that's actually where you would need to use as the axle placement location.

Ideally you mock up the axle location and you check to make sure that it allows the tongue weight of the trailer to be between 10 and 15 percent of the total trailer weight. That will give you best performance.

expert reply by: Jameson C