Can Trailer Bed be Extended without Moving Axles

Updated 01/07/2019 | Published 01/06/2019

Question:

Help I bought a trailer at auction. The gal on the phone said it had a 16 foot bed It was not. No returns my falut. I should have driven the 500 miles round trip To look at it. Bed is 12 feet, overall is 16 feet. from center of the two axles to hitch is 11 feet 10 inches center of axles to back of trailer is 3 feet 6 inches tongue. I want to add 4 to six feet without moving the axles. How much can I extend it back. Without moving the axles? I would like a deck of at least 16 feet want 18.

asked by: Mike J

Helpful Expert Reply:

There is not necessarily a set number I can give you in regards to the length you can extend the bed of your trailer though you will almost certainly not be able to have your tongue weight at the required 10 - 15 percent if you do extend it without moving the axles.

When people make their own trailers, there is a specific formula used which allows the proper positioning of trailer axles in conjunction with trailer weight, though this can aslo be used for your applicaiton. If you take a look at the accompanying diagram it shows that formula; I have also added a link to a help article on trailer axle positioning which you should find useful.

So while you can attempt to extend the bed without moving your axles you will almost certainly have to do so to ensure you get the proper tongue weight percentages.

expert reply by: Kyle S