What Axles To Use For Braking Axles On A Triple Axle Trailer

Updated 06/21/2024 | Published 06/15/2024

Question:

Im replacing my boat trailer mobile home axles with 3 new 7k, 8 hole wheels. Weight of my boat is approximately 7 tons. 2 of the 3 new 7k axles have electric brakes and the third is an idler axle. Current hanger locations are close to the measurements specified on a previous etrailer posting. 2 questions. 1 Can suspensions components such as equalizer bars e.g., EQ-310 or EQ-105 or EQ-3 and different lengths of shackle straps be intermixed for fitment? Im assuming ok as long as same components are used for each side. Question 2, does it matter the orientation of the axles? For example the 2 electric brake axles installed forward, idler rear OR maybe idler axle in the middle OR idler forward? Current mobile home axle orientation is 2 electric brake forward idler axle on the rear.

asked by: Rick H

Helpful Expert Reply:

Hello Rick, those are great questions, and I can definitely help.

To answer your first question, usually we recommend that all shackles are the same size. That said, if you do need to intermix different sizes, you certainly can. Like you said, as long as both sides are equal, and the suspension is correctly aligned, you will be good to go. I do recommend keeping them all the same length if you can, just for sake of simplicity and cost effectiveness. If you ever need to replace components down the line it will be much easier if everything matches.

For the second question, the current mobile home axle braking orientation is correct, with the rear axle being the idler axle, and brakes on the front two axles. The front axles generally bear more weight than the rear axle making them more effective for stopping the trailer. Also, in braking situations, the weight of the trailer is moved forward onto the front axle which makes it the more effective braking axle.

Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Rick H.

6/21/2024

Thank You Jesse, this is exactly the information I was looking for and to confirm axle orientation. Looking at other 3 axle trailers I've noticed various hanger components (mainly equalizers) intermixed which begged the question. If I may be so bold to ask another question, I've searched the net but cant seam to find load ratings for the EQ-310 or EQ-105 equalizers. Can you provide this information?

Jesse M.

6/21/2024

@RickH That is a good question, Rick. The # EQ-310 and # EQ-105 equalizers do not have a specific weight rating. They will work with any 1-3/4" wide leaf spring with a 9/16" eye. The equalizer is rated higher than any leaf spring that meets these requirements.