Can I Use Two Same-Rated Axles With Different Suspension Setups?

Updated 01/27/2026 | Published 01/10/2026

Question:

Can I use the same rated axles on my random car trailer but the front axle is a solid axle shakelt to frame no suspension and rear axle is a leaf spring axle so when it is weighted down both will carry the load

asked by: Bander

Expert Reply:

Hello Bander,

Thanks for writing in.

Yes, you can use axles with the same weight rating, but in your setup they will not share the load evenly. If the front axle is solid-mounted to the frame and the rear axle is on leaf springs, the rigid axle will usually carry more of the load and absorb more shock, even when the trailer is weighted down.

Tandem trailers work best when both axles are on a load-equalizing suspension. Mixing a rigid-mounted axle with a sprung axle is generally not recommended unless the trailer was designed that way.

I am curious, why do you want it set-up this way?

expert reply by: Kate F

Kate F.

1/27/2026

Hey Bander, how did things go with the axle setup on your trailer? Did you end up keeping the solid front axle and leaf-spring rear axle, or switch to a matching suspension? Your update could make it easier for others working on a similar trailer build.