How to Determine Hanger Spacing for Tandem Axle Trailer Suspension with 26 Inch Springs
Updated 07/26/2025 | Published 02/17/2015
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Question:
I need some help. I have 26inch 4 leaf double eye springs. I am making my trailer a tandem axle trailer and need to know the spacing for the hangers. The center hanger is 3 1/4inch inches to the center bolt and the front and rear hangers are 1 1/2inch to the bolt hole. The equalizers are 5 3/4inch from hole to hole. What would the spacing be from center hanger to the front and rear hangers, thank you?
asked by: Sal
Expert Reply:
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 based on our preassembled kits, so we will use that as a foundation for your setup.
First, I would either replace all of the front and rear hangers with 2-1/2 inch tall hangers like part # 115918 or replace just the center hangers with 2-1/2 inch tall hangers. This is going to allow your springs to sit a little more level for the axles. I recommend replacing the outer hangers because it will give you a little more ground clearance and axle-to-trailer frame clearance. It will also make your setup very close to our trailer suspension kit, # APT7.
You are also going to need 8 shackle straps, 14 shackle bolts and 14 lock nuts. For the bolts and nuts, I recommend using # 126B2 which comes with the bolt and nut. For the shackle straps, use part # TRSL225. These are 2-1/4 inch long shackle straps.
Once you have all of these parts, we will want to mock up the hanger spacing before permanently attaching the hangers or torqueing down the bolts. A good spacing to start with is 29-1/2 inches between the front and center hanger and 29-1/2 inches between the rear and center hanger. Remember, these distances are on center (see photo).
The shackle straps should be angled away from the center hanger slightly as shown in the photo. If they are not angled away from the center hanger, then extend the spacing of the front and rear hangers to 30 inches or as needed. The distance between the center of the axles should be between 33 and 35 inches.
Hanger spacing is important, but you will also want to make sure that the axles are positioned so that 10 percent of the total trailer weight is on the tongue. I have attached an axle position chart that gives a formula on how to determine the correct axle position. If you have any questions regarding this, just let me know.
Radek
7/24/2025
I have a trailer with tandem axles. Both are 7000lb axles, and they were both originally on 6 leaf springs. On the rear most set I had to replace a broken leaf spring but I used a 7 leaf spring instead of a 6 leaf spring like on the more forward axle. Because of this, do I have to use a longer shackle strap or can I use the same length shackle strap where the equalizer is? Leaf spring with 7 leaf is the same length like 6 leaf spring.
Robin H.
7/26/2025
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double Eye Springs - 3-1/4" Tall Front/Center/Rear
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Hangers
- Suspension Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Tandem Axle
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Jim
4/10/2024
What about a 3 axel trailer 7k axels