Adding a Second Axle to a Food Trailer to Increase Capacity

Updated 10/17/2014 | Published 10/16/2014

Question:

I got an old 8x12 2 wheel food trailer cheaply and loaded my storage space into it. Its appears highly overloaded. Can I add a set of axleless units to increase it to a four wheel trailer? It has d-rated tires on it and I think its too much for them. Im willing to beef up the frame as nessessary.

asked by: Jon G

Expert Reply:

You could put a second axle on the trailer you have to help distribute the load better, but I would recommend you either remove your current axle and install two sets of the Timbren axles or match what you currently have and add another axle just like it. Either way your current axle will have to get removed because it will at least need to get moved forward or back so that you have the correct axle placement on your trailer.

Basically where your current axle is located is where the center spring hanger will be if you go to a tandem leaf spring axle.

You should note that just by increasing your axle capacities you won't be also increasing the overall capacity for the trailer. Sounds like you are aware of this since mentioned beefing up the frame.

Your best option may be to take your trailer to a qualified fabricator, explain to him what you are looking to do with the trailer, and then see what he thinks it would take for you to pull that off. This would be easier for him to do than me since he would have the trailer right there in front of him.

I attached a page that has all of the axles we carry for you to check out as well as all of the trailer tires and wheels.

expert reply by: Jameson C