How to Decide Which Tandem Axle Trailer Hanger Kit to Use

Published 02/10/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 1-1/2" Front/Rear, 2-1/2" Center

(680)

$68.25

Karrier ST225/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" White Wheel - 6 on 5-1/2 - Load Range D

(1556)

$194.27

Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double Eye Springs - 3-1/4" Tall Front/Center/Rear

(680)

$83.94

Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 2-1/2" Front/Rear, 3-1/4" Center

(680)

$125.08

Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 2-1/2" Front/Rear, 4-1/4" Center

(680)

$97.58

Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 2-1/2" Front/Rear/Center

(680)

$60.80

4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/4" Long

(2042)

$47.94

Question:

We are building a tandem axle trailer. 3500 lb. axles 2-3/8 inch diameter, with e54SR springs. Can you please advise how we can decide between the APT3, APT7, APT8, and APT9 axle hanger kits.

asked by: John M

Expert Reply:

Typically when building a tandem axle trailer I recommend using either the # APT3 or # APT5 Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit. These are the most common kits used for utility trailers and parts are readily available. The # APT5 kit is by far the most common because all the hangers are the same height and provide good tire clearance.

There are a lot of variables when selecting a hanger kit. First you should select a kit that will accommodate the wheel and tire combination you are using. The # APT3 kit would be a good choice for smaller wheel and tire combinations like 14 inch and the # APT5 kit would be a good choice for 15 or 16 inch wheel and tire combinations since it provides a bit more clearance for tire height.

The # APT7, # APT8 and # APT9 hanger kits are typically used as replacement kits for trailers that have worn suspensions, but can be used to build a trailer if you know all the dimensions you need for the system to work together with your trailers wheels and tires, frame, and expected ride height.

When selecting your hanger kit take into account the spacing of the axles to be sure that the wheels and tires you will be using will have clearance at the center between the axles. The # APT3 and # APT5 kits have hanger spacing charts on our web pages. Dimension C will allow you to determine the distance you will have between your wheels and tires. If you chose the # APT5 kit and #e54SR spring with the 15 inch wheel and tire, # AM32664, you would have 5 inches between the tires which is plenty of room for the suspension to work properly. You will need somewhere between 3 and 4 inches minimum for the suspension to work properly in most cases.