How to Determine Where to Put Trailer Axles on 18 Foot Dovetail Trailer
Updated 03/19/2026 | Published 04/09/2020
Question:
I understand the 60/40 rule axles placement but if my trailer is 18foot with 2foot dovetail 16X2. Do I do the calculation for the axles only on the 16foot or the whole 18? TIA
asked by: Thomas N
Expert Reply:
There is a way for you to find out exactly where to place the center hanger of your 18 foot tandem axle trailer. If you take a look at the diagram I added, which is part of a help article I also linked on how to determine where to put your trailer's suspension components, you can see that there is not a set distance.
Instead you will need to use the formulas you see in the diagram to ensure the axle placement will allow 10 to 15 percent of the total trailer weight on the tongue.
I highly recommend checking out both help articles on trailer suspension I linked for you.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 5,000-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/4" Long
- Trailer Leaf Springs
- Double Eye Springs
- 9/16 Inch Eye
- Nylon Bushings
- 5000 lbs
- 1-3/4 Inch Wide
- 4 Leaf
- 25-1/4 Inch Long
- Standard Grade
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Where to Position the Trailer Axle?
- Article: How to Accurately Measure Trailer Leaf Springs
- Q&A: Trailer Leaf Springs Rated Slightly Higher Than 4,400 lb Axle
- Q&A: Can I Upgrade My 3,500 lb Leaf Springs To 5,000 lb Springs If The Measurements Match?
- Q&A: Replacement Leaf Springs and Hardware for 2022 Forest River Platinum 179DBKX
- Q&A: Can I Use Heavier Rated Leaf Springs on Trailer Without Causing Damage
- Q&A: Recommended 25-1/4" Leaf Springs w/ 4 Leafs for a 5,000 lbs Axle
- Article: Double-Eye Trailer Suspension System Review
- Q&A: What Size Wet Bolts Come with MORryde Suspension Upgrade Kit # MR46ZR
- Q&A: Replacement Leaf Springs for 2017 Grand Design Imagine 2600RB
- Article: 5 Tell-Tale Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Trailer’s Leaf Springs
- Article: How to Tell the Weight Rating of a Trailer Axle
- Article: How to Replace Trailer Leaf Springs in 5 Steps
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
Patrick
3/18/2026
The calculations or diagrams and your reply did not answer the question. Do you include, exclude, or partially include the dovetail when making the calculations for the axle(s) placement?