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.

expert reply by: Jameson C

click to enlarge

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?

Jameson C.

3/19/2026

@Patrick You would take them into consideration but that first mockup is basically just a starting point to them come back and measure what tongue weight would be and go form there.

Patrick

3/19/2026

@JamesonC Thank you