How to Measure to Calculate Placement of Torsion Axle

Question

Question:

For small tear, single torsion axle. What should I use in axle placement calculators: center of the wheel or center of the axle? Even this small distance makes difference in my design. Thank you

asked by: Slava

0

Expert Reply:

I understand how it would be unclear which measurement to use since the center of the axle is not the same as the center of the wheel on a torsion axle.

For a single axle trailer, measure from the center of the spindle (center of wheel) to the trailer tongue. The position of the wheel center relative to the center of gravity will determine the final axle loading as well as the hitch load. This applies for both leaf spring axles, like # e43SR as well as torsion axles, like yours.

expert reply by: Carla M

0

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Mike J.

5/8/2025

Hi Carla, I want to convert a single axle travel trailer to a tandem axle, my trailer is 16 ft ttl Length can I just space the 2 axles an equal distance from the original centre point,? Thank you. Should the brakes be on the rear axle?

Heather A.

5/14/2025

@MikeJ Great to hear from you Mike, sounds like you’re diving into a pretty cool trailer project! When it comes to adding an extra axle, getting the placement right is key to making sure everything tows safely and smoothly. I can't tell you exactly where to place the axles. You'll want to position the axles so that roughly 10 to 15 percent of the trailer’s total weight ends up on the tongue. Finding that sweet spot can take a little trial and error, so it’s smart to mock up the suspension components first to test positioning before making anything permanent. I have attached a helpful article for you to do some calculating. Also keep in mind that adding a second axle will definitely help with distributing your load better but it won't actually increase the overall weight capacity of the trailer. As for brakes, ideally, both axles should have brakes, especially for safety and legal compliance, depending on your trailer's gross vehicle weight rating and your state's laws. If you are going to only put brakes on one axle, it should be the rear because it helps stabilize the trailer under braking. Let me know what you think!

Helpful Links

faq-where-to-position-trailer-axle.aspx

Answer 1

Hey, Lance. The direction the springs are in doesn't matter. They can be to the front or to the rear of the axle and will perform the same either way. What kind of trailer are you working on?

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Answer 2

Typically for installing oil bath hub seals you can set a wood block across it and use a hammer to push it in evenly. For a Dexter 12k axle the correct seal would be the part #10-56.

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Answer 3

Hey Jerry, this is a great question but the short answer is that you want to end up with the axle location that allows the trailer to have tongue weight that is between 10 and 15 percent of the total trailer weight. The 60/40 axle placement formula…

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Answer 4

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Answer 5

It sounds like your assemblies are not the typical assemblies and will need to be replaced. For your brake assemblies, I recommend the Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting #AKEBRK-7-SA along with mounting hardware #BRKH12. If you don't…

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Answer 6

The SAE number of a trailer light isn't always the best way to pick out a replacement light since that isn't a part number. But most likely you are looking for a #A32RB which measures 4 inch by 2 inch for red and part #A32AB for amber. If you…

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Answer 7

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Answer 8

Your bearing number combination is pretty rare but it actually matches 4,400 lb axle hubs like the Dexter part #8-407-5UC3-EZ. This will give you a hub/drum that has a 6 on 5-1/2 inch bolt pattern.

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Answer 9

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Answer 10

For a 12,000 lb. electric car trailer winch like the Bulldog Winch Trailer Winch part #BDW10040, I recommend a standard 12 volt lead acid battery rated up to at least 650 cold cranking amps (CCA). As long as the battery is rated up to 650 CCA then…

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Answer 11

Yes! The Tekonsha #118760 is a tee in style wiring harnesses, so it will tee into your tail lights plugs and is the easiest style to install. We did an installation video on this that does a really good job of showing how easy this installation…

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Answer 12

For your single axle boat trailer, I recommend the Single-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 1-1/2" Front, 1-1/4" Rear #APS2 along with the 3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 2,000-lb Trailer Axles - 23-1/2" Long #SP-113275.…

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How to Measure to Calculate Placement of Torsion Axle

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