How to Determine Where Axle Should be Placed on a Trailer

Updated 12/07/2016 | Published 12/06/2016

Question:

Is there a standard rule-of-thumb for the distance from the hitch to the front axle in a 2-Axle trailer as compared to the total trailer length. For example 2/3 of the way from the front? I have two 3500 lb axles with springs 25.25 inches from eye to eye. The trailer has an 18 ft bed and the tongue hitch is approximately 5 feet long.

asked by: Mike H

Expert Reply:

There is a way to determine axle placement on a trailer. I have included a picture that explains the calculations needed to determine axle placement. It is based on tongue weight and gross trailer weight. If you know the combined axle capacity then the tongue weight should be 10 to 15 percent of that.

expert reply by: Michael H