which way does trailer axle go

Full Answer

How do you Mount the axle on a trailer?

When building a trailer, one easy way is to set the axle in place under the trailer, but don’t mount it. Clamp it in place, then measure as above.

How far forward should the trailer axle be moved?

If you find that your trailer's tongue weight is greater than 10 to 15 percent of the total trailer weight, then the trailer axle will need to be moved closer to the trailer tongue and the front of the trailer. Knowing how far forward to move the trailer axle takes an equation very similar the the one mentioned above.

What is a drop axle on a trailer?

A Drop Axle just allows the trailer to sit lower, usually 4″ for a leaf spring style. Torsion style trailer axles handle the drop a little different. A rise or drop happens by setting the no-load Arm Start Angle. When that angle is ‘UP’, then it accomplishes a small “drop”.

What is a torsion style trailer axle?

Torsion style trailer axles handle the drop a little different. A rise or drop happens by setting the no-load Arm Start Angle. When that angle is ‘UP’, then it accomplishes a small “drop”. Conversely, if the angle is down, it’s like giving the trailer a “lift”.

Does it matter which way a trailer axle is installed?

An axle without idler hubs would not have a left or right side assigned to it. It could basically be ran either direction. If it has brake assemblies installed though then it would need to face the right direction. Otherwise you'd have to swap the assemblies since the assemblies are directional.

Which way does the bend in a trailer axle go?

Should Trailer Axle Be Bowed Down in Middle A trailer axle should actually be bowed upwards in the middle and not downwards. When the trailer is loaded with your boat, that upward bow will flatten out and your tires will make even contact with the ground.

Can you put a trailer axle on backwards?

There is a bow in the center of the axle that should be facing up when weight is applied to them they straight out. If your axles are upside down the bows would be pointing down. If the axles are simply backwards then as long as the brakes are not on the wrong side of the axles you won't have any issues.

How do you put a trailer axle on?

When positioning a trailer axle or adding an additional axle, the key is to make sure that the axles are located in just the right position so that roughly 10 to 15 percent of the total trailer weight is placed on the tongue.

Are all trailer axles straight?

Expert Reply: While trailer axles do feature an upward bend like you are describing, there isn't a particular amount/measurement that is standard across the board. This bend in the axle is designed so that it will straighten under a trailer's loaded capacity.

Why do trailer axles look bent?

When the trailer is under load, the axle's weight pushes down, making the axles straighter, and the tires sit flat; this helps increase the tire's contact surface, even weight distribution, tire wear, and alignment. Without the Camber, the axle might sag when under load, increasing additional wear on the inner tread.

Do leaf springs go above or below the axle?

You can mount trailer axles above or below the leaf springs. The difference is just the amount of ground clearance that the trailer would end up having. The biggest advantage with the spring below the axle (trailer will be lower) is that you would have a lower center of gravity.

Can you flip an axle?

Can Axles be Flipped? It is not recommended, but it can be done. “Flipping” is a term used to refer to taking the spring, usually mounted below the axle, and mounting it on top of the axle. Axles with springs mounted below the axle are referred to as underslung, and axles with the springs above are overslung.

Which is the left and right side of trailer?

The right and left orientation is determined if you are standing behind the trailer looking towards the tow vehicle. The left side is the drivers side and the right side is the passengers side.

How do I know if my trailer axle is out of alignment?

Look for any elongated holes where suspension is bolted/hanging. Elongated holes can cause things to shift from the proper positions. You can check axle alignment by measuring from the center of the coupler back diagonally to the center of one of the wheels. Then take the same measurement to the other wheel center.

Should a trailer axle be centered?

7:3211:35HOW TO ACCURATELY PLACE AND SQUARE TRAILER AXLES ] Step ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo that it's pretty centered in your hanger. So make sure your axle is perfect again side to sideMoreSo that it's pretty centered in your hanger. So make sure your axle is perfect again side to side from your frame.

How do you install a double axle trailer?

0:081:11How to Properly Load a Trailer - CURT - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou need to have more weight in front of the trailer axle than behind the best way to load yourMoreYou need to have more weight in front of the trailer axle than behind the best way to load your trailer is that 60% of the weight and firm the trailer axle and 40% of the weight behind.

How do I know if my trailer axle is bent?

0:272:19How to check your trailer axle if it's bent or skewed because of worn tiresYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what I got here is I made a little contraption with a where a bungee cord and the stick holding.MoreSo what I got here is I made a little contraption with a where a bungee cord and the stick holding. And it's just sitting there. And then I'm going to do is I'm going to spin the axle.

How do you adjust an axle on a trailer?

1:0311:35HOW TO ACCURATELY PLACE AND SQUARE TRAILER AXLES ] Step ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHow. I go about doing this. So before I pulled off the axle. I mark the axle centerline and that'sMoreHow. I go about doing this. So before I pulled off the axle. I mark the axle centerline and that's where I am right now I'm back on that axle centerline the rule of thumb with this.

How do I know if my trailer axle is out of alignment?

Look for any elongated holes where suspension is bolted/hanging. Elongated holes can cause things to shift from the proper positions. You can check axle alignment by measuring from the center of the coupler back diagonally to the center of one of the wheels. Then take the same measurement to the other wheel center.

What is a torsion axle?

Torsion axles are made up of thick rubber cords concealed in the axle's tubing. As each wheel moves up and down, the rubber cords compress offering an even wheel suspension for a smooth ride. Each wheel acts independently, moving and absorbing shocks.

How far forward to move trailer axle?

However, this time, we will subtract the 10 percent of the total weight from the actual tongue weight. Next, divide by the total trailer weight. Finally, multiply by the distance from the coupler to the trailer axle.

Where is the axle set on a boat trailer?

On a traditional trailer, the heaviest items are loaded at the front, but with a boat the majority of the weight is at the back of the trailer, meaning the axle needs to be further away from the tongue for the trailer to have the appropriate tongue weight.

What percentage of the trailer tongue is used for trailer axle?

When Tongue Weight is Greater than 10 to 15 Percent of Total Weight. If you find that your trailer's tongue weight is greater than 10 to 15 percent of the total trailer weight, then the trailer axle will need to be moved closer to the trailer tongue and the front of the trailer.

How much weight is placed on the tongue of a trailer?

When positioning a trailer axle or adding an additional axle, the key is to make sure that the axles are located in just the right position so that roughly 10 to 15 percent of the total trailer weight is placed on the tongue.

What percentage of the axle should be the center point?

You would use the same measurements described above, but you would want the center point to be the center of the middle axle. As for the percentage, there does seem to be a lot of conflicting information. I recommend going with 10% since many sources say 5 - 10% while others say 10 - 15%. Sticking with 10% is the safest bet. 77590

When building a trailer, is it best to have the layout of the trailer finalized before placing the axle?

This will ensure that the axle is placed in the correct spot to accommodate any permanent weight placed inside the trailer, such as furniture, toolboxes, or shelving. The equations in this article can be used to adjust ...

What is the tongue weight rating on a 5th wheel trailer?

For a 5th wheel trailer you are going to shoot for a tongue weight rating of 20%. I'm not sure where the axle (s) will need to be located for that you so will need to do a mock up of your trailer to figure that out. 80046

What is the left and right on a standard axle?

There IS a left and right on standard axles. They should be marked L and R on the backing plate. The wire (going into the backing plate) will also be behind the tube, not in front.

Is the A1-KO axle directional?

Pulled mine apart and I have A1-KO axles and they are also directional. Had to rotate them - that sucked.

What is the bow on a trailer axle?

Trailer axles are supposed to have a bow in them that faces down towards the ground. With the weight of the trailer normally this flattens out slightly and gives you the correct camber you need. Whoever flipped your axle should have used an over under kit like the # K71-384-00 to move the springs to the other side of the axle while still allowing it to face the right direction. Flipping them like they did is why your tires are wearing like you mentioned.#N#All of the axles we have like the # 35545I-EZ-89 are underslung so you'd need the over under kit like part # K71-384-00 that you mentioned to get the springs on the right side and give you the additional ground clearance.

Do trailer axles have a bow?

Expert Reply: Trailer axles are supposed to have a bow in them that faces down towards the ground. With the weight of the trailer normally this flattens out slightly and gives you the correct camber you need.

What is a 6x12 utility trailer?

The 6x12 utility trailer is the most popular of our 6' width trailers. It's great for business, landscaping projects, ATV's, moving, . . . you name it. Lots of volume, yet very maneuverable and it tows…

What are the different types of trailer suspension?

Leaf Springs, Coil Springs, Torsion, Rubber Compression, Axle-less , Trailing Arm, Walking Beam, and the odd unique Trailer Suspension, etc.. There are many, types of suspension (axles), but just a few are really common. In this article we’ll discuss the Leaf Spring and Torsion types since they are most common, yet there are many similarities, and the info in this article is roughly applicable to all. Some things don’t matter for one type or another, so if you’re considering one of the others, just ignore those items that don’t apply. Read more in the Choosing Tandems & Triples article.

What is the mounting position of a leaf spring?

For this discussion, Mounting Position means the measured location where axle connects to the trailer frame. For Leaf Springs it’s the Spring Centers distance. That defines the mounting. For positioning the axle fore and aft on the trailer, the article on Calculating Axle Position may interest.

How to calculate overhang on a car?

The distance from the axle supports, out to the hub face. Calculation: Overhang = ( Hub Faces Distance – Mounting Position )/2. (Yes, that’s a circular reference from above.)

How do airplanes move?

When we think about airplanes flying, or boats sailing, it’s easy to imagine how they move. An airplane rolls some as it banks into a turn. A boat pitches up and down with the waves. So, how do these factors…

What is a winching pole?

As a fantastic accessory for any small gantry crane, the "Winching pole" is a great way to lift a load without getting tangled in chain, ropes or cables. The manual hoist winch is designed to balance…

How to calculate hub face distance?

Think of the Hub Faces distance as a mathematical calculation: Spring Centers + 2 times the needed Overhang.

Can you modify a trailer after you buy it?

If it's a new trailer your looking at, get the builder to change it before you buy it.. If you modify it after you buy it & it doesen't tow well,, you have no recourse... Most trailer builders I have talked to will build to spec... Check with them first. Most will work with you to get you what you want... Roger

Do you need clearance to drop a trailer?

If you're dropping a trailer you'll need the clearances to do that. Also the spring hangers are normally matched to the configuration of the spring/axle. They allow for the travel of the beam to the frame. The other issue is the weakening of the axle tube.

Does a 250 tube weaken a trailer?

Yup, on the .250 tube, which is the standard 6K axle (single rating) on down, a pair of welds at the same circumference line on the beam will weaken the tube. The way around that is the cap. I was in the trailer/trailer suspension industry for about ten years. The first four we built trailers, the last 6 I ran a regional distribution of suspensions for light to intermediate trailers and did a lot of the block work on problems with them.

Can you weld idlers with no brakes?

As for alternatives, if no brakes, just idlers, you could probably get by with a spot weld on the outside of the perches to keep them in place. That would only be workable with no brakes.

Can you change the spring perch on a trailer?

The towing of the trailer isn't likely to be affected by the changing of the spring perches from top to bottom (or vice versa), but there are two significant issues on doing this.

Can you weld a cap to an axle beam?

However, you can fabricate a cap from a larger piece of tube, fit the perch to that cap and weld the cap to the axle beam with horizontal welds. This will get around the problem.

Trailer Axles — The Specifications

Measurements and Calculations For Matching The Trailer

• To get some of the fitting info, we need calculations. Here are some more definitions (with explanation) for key pieces to match and properly mount the new trailer axle. 1. Mounting PositionMentioned above — either Spring Centers or outside Frame Width. This is a measurement from the trailer directly. Note the difference in the measurement for Leaf...

See more on mechanicalelements.com

Ready to Order?

For A Leaf Spring Style Trailer Axle

For Torsion Style Trailer Axles

Learning More