Gooseneck Trailer Axle Positioning

[Matt Weltz]

I have a 25' gooseneck trailer with 7,000lbs. axles. Alot of the loads I haul are fairly tall so I have recently added duals (kit from JC Whitney) to the trailer for more lateral stability. The trouble is that when the trailer is loaded real heavy and I hit a bump, the outer framework of the trailer hits the dual. To stop this recently, I have put a 4x4 block in between the frame and the axle so that the suspension cannot squat down under a load. The trouble is this makes all the bounce go to the tires and I am affraid will cause a blowout. Not to mention that the trailer pulls extremely rough now. So I need another fix. I am wondering why I couldn't just move the axles from the top of the leaf springs to the bottom to give me that additional 4" of clearance. I know I should just buy a bigger trailer that was built to accomodate duals and heavier loads but I just can't afford to do that at this time. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks! Matt

 

[Jerry/MT]

You're finding out there's more to trailer design than meets the eye! Blocking the suspension to limit the travel, limits the ability for the springs to flex under load like they should. The result is that the load is riding on the axles, negating the springs. You might consider putting the block BETWEEN the axle and the springs. That way you'll lift the chasis and still have your springs be able to work.
To be safe, you really need to get a trailer that's designed for the way you are going to use it. I don't know how these dual extensions work but they are likely to give some problems with your bearings because the the wheel load is hung out further from the bearing causing a much larger moment about the bearings.

 

[rrlund]

That must have cost a fortune if you have a tandem. I put a set of those on my pickup when I went to a flat bed on it. Cost me $375 for the one axle. Great setup for a pickup though.

 

[Allan in NE]

Matt,

I know a guy that did the "axle flip" on one.

He traded it shortly thereafter 'cause it was way, way top heavy and he was afraid of layin' 'er over on her side.

Allan

 

[onefarmer]

I moved the axles from the top of the leaf springs to the bottom on mine. Works just fine. The disadvantage is the trailer deck is higher but 4" isn't too much.

 

[Matt Weltz]

Well, after looking at the axles a little more closely, the positioning brackets are welded to them. I thought the were just bolted. I guess that idea won't work; plus, Allen brings up a good point. That 4" doesn't seem like much but when youv'e already got a top-heavy load... Anyway, what if I were to take the duals off and go to a wider set of singles? That would still give me increased lateral stability but eleminate having the duals hitting the outer frame of the trailer. It currently has 215/85-R16's (16x6 rim) on it. How wide could I go? I do have an extra set of 16x6.5 rims with 235/85-R16's on them that I could probably use. What do you guys think would be the best size of tire to use??? Thank you for your help!!!

 

[MN Scott]

The safest way is to trade your trailer for a tandem duelly trailer. That way it will be designed to handle the extra weight and trust me it will pull much better than your trailer cobbled to haul more that it was designed for.

 

[Matt Weltz]

Believe me, if I could afford a new, heavier trailer, I would already have one. Either way, this trailer pulls great and I have an Air-Ride hitch for it so that is not the problem. Once the axles are bridged I will have no more problems there either so my only concern now is the tires. As stated I like the lateral stability of duals but am unable to keep them on this trailer and thus need to go to wider singles. What do you guys think would be a good size? I have 16x6 rims and would like to stay with them but also have a set of 16x6.5 that could be used if I had to. Let me know. Thanks!!!

 

[Anonymous-0]

Talk to your local tire guy he should be able to get a heavy single load rated tire we are currently running 245/70/16 on a trailer that are 14 ply and the 4 tires have a combined weight rating higher than the trailer. and remember the radials will not blow as often as a bias tire.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I have a factory tandem dually trailer and the place that made it didn't leave enough clearance for the spring mounts in the middle of the two axles. Consequently when I got the trailer (used but like new)one tire was different. After having another tire rub, I knew why the different tire. I took a torch and cut the spring mount back 1/2 an inch so it was flush with the frame. It was only a problem when the trailer was close to maximum capacity but the trailer was mostly used for hauling my Cat which is over 20,000lbs. with the hoe on the back. Dave