Where Do I Position My New Trailer Axle?

Updated 05/09/2018 | Published 05/08/2018

Question:

I put straight axles back exactly where old torsion axle was. My question is, Will this change anything on my trailer being the torsion axle tires where recessed back further than the straight axle?

asked by: Dwaine

Expert Reply:

When positioning a trailer axle or adding an additional axle, the key is to make sure that the axles are located in just the right position so that roughly 10 to 15 percent of the total trailer weight is placed on the tongue. Finding the correct axle location can take some trial and error, so it is best to mock up the locations for all the suspension components until you know everything is in the right spot.

I have a diagram and a help article attached that will show you how to recalculate your tongue weight.

Putting your straight axles in the exact same place as the old torsion axles were may work, it will just depend on how your tongue weight calculates. If you find that your trailer's tongue weight is less than 10 to 15 percent of the total trailer weight, then the trailer axle will need to be moved further away from the trailer tongue, closer to the back of the trailer. If you find that your trailer's tongue weight is greater than 10 to 15 percent of the total trailer weight, then the trailer axle will need to be moved closer to the trailer tongue and the front of the trailer.

expert reply by: Timothy G