Building trailer-need advise

I'm in the process of building a 10 foot long trailer to go behind my Chevy S-10 pickup. I'm wondering how far back should I place the axle for best handling? I know it's got to go back more than half way, but what's a good proportion, 5 1/2 feet, 6 feet? The axle I have is heavy duty with leaf springs and brakes and 15 inch tires. Would a longer tongue be a good idea? Need some good advice here. Thanks, Al

I did a lot of work on the trailer that I use now. My trailer is some height off the ground and a little top heavy with engines. One thing that was a must on mine was a set of shocks. Nothign special, just generic shocks from the auto parts store. But without them that sucker would get rocking back and forth and not stop for some time.

CJ - The kid with a lust for rust.

Single axel, locate 6" behind center of load deck. Tandem axel, center distance between axels 6" behind load deck center. Those are general rules accepted by trailer manufacturers. They are based on the assumption the deck will be loaded evenly over it's length. If you are planning on loading with weight concentrated at one end or the other, you want to locate the axel 6" behind center of weight mass. Sliding axels that pin into place are also a good idea for trailers that will be loaded differently, and with heavy loads, so the axel can be moved to accomodate load conditions.

Trailers usually use short leaf springs and do not bounce. If you use a long automotive spring you will need shocks. A longer tongue will help reduce swaying and will make it easier to control when backing but will require more room to back around a turn.

Another thing to consider is tongue weight. The downforce at the tow hitch to the towing vehicle should be about 150 pounds. Excessive tongue weight or negative tongue weight will cause severe towing problems. This is another reason to balance your load. If your tow vehicle is a truck you may want to consider a gooseneck hitch. With this type of hitch the downforce is over the rear axle of the towing vehicle. This way any excessive downforce (during a panic stop) does not radically change the steering of the towing vehicle. This also depends on how much weight you are going to have on the trailer. I suggest that a professionally built trailer with engineered compatable brakes, hitch, safety chains, breakaway brake switch and lighting will be safer for you, other people on the roadway and your iron.

I built a trailer 6 years ago and had the same question. I was told buy a couple of people to figure 1 inch for every foot of your deck. So on a 10 foot deck that would be 10 inches back from center for your axle. I used this method on my 16 foot tandem trailer and it pulls real nice.

Hi Al: I have a 5x10 factory trayler, axel is 6 Ft. back, 3 Ft. tongue, it is rated at 3000 lbs. with 15 in. wheels, radial trayler tires. I added brakes. has fold down rear gate which makes easy loading. Tom

I am working on a trailer plan and have purchased a pair of tortian stub axles. The wheel spindles are approx 10" back of where it will clamp onto the trailer frame. So ? should the spindle, or where it clamps onto the trailer deck be used to calculate where it should be behind the centre??? Would appreciate your comments thanks. Vic

Here are the bibles on the subject, along with a lot of other information. http://www.championtrailers.com/ http://www.etrailer.com/faq/wiring.asp http://www.dexteraxle.com/

Hi Al--

My trailer is 5 x 10. Axle is 4" to rear of center, 56" from rear. 7' width at fenders. Frame is 4" C channel. Tongue is 4' made of 3" square tube, angle braced with 43" C channel which allows really sharp turns. There are 3 cross braces, also 4" C channel. Floor is hardwood semi trailer flooring which looks real pretty with urethane clear. There are 5 engines permanently mounted, all 1 1/2 to 2 hp, but have carried a 4 hp Majestic at one time. Engines are placed for 150-200 lbs tongue weight. Built by Tim Russell, Bowling Green KY in 1993 and pulls like a dream. I didn't buy brakes, but should have.

Send me your email and I will scan you some pictures.

Dick Webber