trailers & axles

I have a question: I plan to add a third axle (traditonal spring-type) to my tandem trailer set-up, and want to know if it's advisable to simply add the third axle on its own independent brackets, without resorting to adding a second set of floating brackets between axle #2 & #3. To do this, I would need to cut/grind off the old end brackets and put on two more floaters, which looks like a lot of cutting & grinding. HOWEVER-------if I can simply weld on new fixed brackets, I can save myself a LOT of extra work. I have been told different stories, so I'd like some ideas here. I plan to use it to haul pretty good-sized engines (5-8 tons) on hard-surface roads at slow speeds (35 MPH or less). I will be hauling them with my 3/4-ton Suburban with a 454. I need to haul the iron about 230 miles, over regular roads (no interstates), not many hills. The trailer already has good electric brakes on the present four wheels. Very little travel is anticipated on rough terrain (bad driveways, etc.) Thanks for your input, guys.

I assume your current axles are rated at 7000# each. I am in the construction business and we gu haul 5 tons on a tandem axle trailer behind a Chev. 3500 with a 350 ci every day. I use a Ford pickup with a 460 ci engine and have no problems with 5 tons. Your post indicated that you may haul 8 tons. That is an awful lot of weight for your vehicle. The problem is not pulling it, it is controlling it. In the last few years I have seen about four vehicles upside down in the ditch because the load decided to go it's own way. A blown tire can cause some very scary situations. Depending on where you live, the D.O.T. may have a few ideas of there own. Your trailer should have a data plate indicating the maximum load. Here in Minneapolis they are very picky about that and are quick to impound a trailer that is not in compliance. Whatever you decide to do, good luck and be safe.

WILL You hit the nail on the head, the only thing you did not mention was the original frame construction. What will the frame do with 8 ton bouncing down the road. If another person gets hurt because of it, what is the first thing an atturney going to ask? "WHO BUILT THIS TRAILER" Kinda leaves you holding the bag dont it?

Right on about the construction. There is also the concern about the capacities of the hitches on both the trailer and the truck. I think the scariest thing I saw last year was a Dodge MiniVan pulling a tandem axle trailer with a full sized Dodge 3/4 ton dually truck on it. I really wished that I could have gotten a picture of that one. Can you imagine the feeling the driver got the first time he had to jump on the brakes? I kinda doubt that the Caravan had an electric brake controller in it.

Since the GVW of the rig is going to be over 10,000#, you might want to know about some wonderful new federal regulations.

USC 390.3 (f) Exceptions. Unless otherwise specifically provided, the rules in this subchapter do not apply to -- (3) : The occasional transportation of personal property by individuals not for compensation nor in the furtherance of a commercial enterprise.

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsr/regs/390.3.htm

If you wanted to drive your personal truck/trailer across state lines, AND it exceeds 10,000 pounds, AND you wanted to financially gain somehow, you must register. But as long as it isn't for hire, and it is only for personal use, the USDOT registration is FREE!

Of course, you'll still need a DOT# on your truck, or lettering "NOT FOR HIRE"

The DOT has an interesting way of continuing until they find something. Last year, after passing all the brakes, lights , safety equipment and all the other standard tests they gave me they decided that the small bag of bolts in the back of my truck was considered an "unsecured load". The ticket for$155.00 was just their way of saying that there is no such thing as full compliance.

It comes down to this: 8 tons behind a Suburban is quite a load. Blow a tire and you are in for a ride. Have fun but be safe.