Parts Needed to Convert a Tandem Axle Trailer to a Triple Axle Trailer

Question

Question:

I have a 38’ trailer frame that has 2 5200 lb axles. I need to add a third axle … but would like a little more load capacity. Can I add a 6000 lb axle to it rather than another 5200 lb? I would prefer a 6000 lb 6 lug with same bolt pattern as the 5200 lb hubs take also. If acceptable, should the 6000 lb axle go in the center?

asked by: Daniel

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Expert Reply:

Daniel, you can add a third axle but you're going to want to keep all of your axles the same size. So if you wanted 6K axles instead of 5.2K then you'd want to swap the other two as well.

With that said, to add your third axle you're going to need the U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 5,200-lb to 7,000-lb, Round Trailer Axles # APUBR-8, the Triple-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs # APTT5, and the 6-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 5,300-lb Trailer Axles # e76SR.

For the axle itself, let me know what the hub face center to center and the spring seat center to center measurements are and I'd be happy to get that part for you.

expert reply by: Bryce D

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Dan

2/27/2024

Thanks for the info. The current acord are AL-KO. From what I have researched, I should be able to upgrade the axles to 6000 lb by upgrading the hubs with the bigger outside bearing (15123 I believe). Does that sound accurate? I figure I will also need to upgrade the leaf springs. Oddly, the hangers are about 29.5” apart and are 4 leaf’s…which don’t seem to match any springs thst should be rated for 5200 lb axles. The tag indicates they are Rockwell. I didn’t see the part number though. My assumption is a 29.5” hanger separation is for 30” springs. I will be replacing the u bolts as well.

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Bryce D.

2/29/2024

@Dan Yes that does sound right, you're going to need to upgrade your trailers suspension, hubs, wheels, and tires if you were to swap your axle size.

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Daniel

2/29/2024

@BryceD I plan to pull the tires off soon to accurately measure distance to hub face and verify my leaf spring distance (center-to-center). I also will take off one of the hubs to confirm #42 spindle and try to confirm leaf spring part number. My plan: Keep current (2) 5200 lb axles and confirm if I can upsize the hubs and outer bearings to 6000 lb. Buy a third 6000 lb axle kit. Upsize current leaf springs for 6000lb. axles. With current springs eyelets at approx 29.5” apart…may have to relocate hangers). I will stay with 15” tires….i found that there are F and G load range 15” trailer tires out there. So if this works out, I will need: (1) 6000 lb axle setup (with electric brakes) (4) hubs (for 6000 lb axle) - may have 2 of these invludd brakes (4) outer bearings (should be 15123s) (2) hanger/unbolt axle kits (2) sets of leaf springs for 6000 lb axles. Not sure if length yet (will probably have to move hangers) Anything else

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Bryce D.

3/6/2024

@Daniel That should be it, Daniel.

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Answer 1

Hi Carrie, I can help you determine the right replacement double-eye leaf springs for your Grand Design Imagine trailer. It's pretty easy to figure out, as all you need to do is measure your current leaf springs from center-to-center of the…

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Answer 2

The SRE4000 isn't more robust; definitely go with the CRE3000 which is the 8,000 lb rated MORryde Shock Absorbing Suspension Equalizers for Tandem Axle Trailers w/ 35" Wheelbase #MR27ZR. For mounting, depending on your strap length you need…

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Answer 3

Hey Philip so while we don't carry the exact spring you are looking for it does match the specs of the #e59SR so this would be a great solution. It's correct length at 23-1/8 inches and is for a 3,500 lb trailer axle like you have as well.

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Answer 4

To correctly measure a leaf spring, you'll want to jack the trailer up on jack stands so the axle is hanging freely, then measure directly across from the center of one spring eye to the other, as shown in the provided diagram. The height of the…

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Answer 5

Hi there Andy; thanks for that info, and while we don't have 3,500 lb axles that are 86-1/2 inches long, we do have a 5,200 lb option with the Dexter Trailer Axle Beam #8327816. The spring center you mention is an odd one, as the #8327816 has…

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Answer 6

Well shackle length is mainly based on the height difference between the front and rear hangers. The rear hanger normally doesn't hang as low as the front so that the shackle can offset the difference and add the ability to move. What is the…

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Answer 7

I contacted MORryde and this does happen from time to time as the weight of the trailer can spread out the axles due to downward pressure on the springs/suspension. Odds are the 35" wheel base #MR27ZR will be the correct one for you, but they…

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Answer 8

Thank you for providing the specs for the suspension components that you already have. Correct hanger spacing really depends on the components being used such as springs, hangers and equalizers. Most of the hanger spacing dimensions that we have are…

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Answer 9

Since you have a tandem axle trailer rated for 10,500lbs the 6-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 5,300-lb Trailer Axles #e76SR are going to be the closest leaf springs we have to that weight capacity. These springs measure 24-7/8" from center of eye to…

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Answer 10

You can upgrade the 1750 lb leaf springs to 2500 lb leaf springs. You do want to keep in mind that the ride may be a bit stiffer since you are upgrading your springs to a higher capacity. Like you mention upgrading the springs will not give you a…

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Answer 11

Thanks for all of the information, Robert! It sounds like you have the Tandem-Axle Trailer Hangers #H248 installed on your tandem axle trailer so to get your Dexter Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes #7359765-EB installed you need the following parts: -…

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Answer 12

Hey Clarence, so we do have a cushioned equalizer solution that fits your wide track tandem axle setup like with the equa flex part #LC314336 but we don't have a Dexter EZ Flex that fits this size. We also have a MORryde part #MR34AR which would…

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