DIY trailer build

[jusfloatin]

Good day to all
I am in the process of building a pontoon trailer ( 23' tongue tip to tail ) which you can see it by the picture that I am ready to put the running gear on.
It is a 3500lbs axel running ST205/75R15 for rims and tires.

My question to you: is there a general tip on how far back the placement of the axels should be.
ie: 60% of total length
The suspension comes with weld on hangers so it could be changed but I am hoping one of you members will get me in the ball park area.

Total length of pontoons are 19' 3"

 

[fat fanny]

Re: DIY trailer build

Not sure of exact mounting distance of axle but. But when I was a kid I worked in at an industrail rental store and fabed a few tandem axle trailers for bobcats and trenchers and what I did was measured the distance between the mounting shackles and then drilled holes in a 1/4" piece of plate that was then welded onto the frame of the trailer and then was able to adjust the placement of the axle fo whatever was being towed. Worked very well and the only cost was the material and time and became a nice option. Godo luck!!!

 

[lowkee]

Re: DIY trailer build

Agree with above. You'll want to make them adjustable based on tongue weight, not fixed. Use u-bolts and a backing plate (5/16" steel) and you'll have an axle you can move around as needed with nothing more than a wrench and a tug. That is how my commercial trailer is designed.

 

[jusfloatin]

Re: DIY trailer build

I was hoping for a magic number where I could just measure back and weld the hangers on. Ta da done.

Thanks for the number and that is to make it ajustable as both of you suggested.

It would be nice when both projects are completed that the tongue weight would be dialed in without trying to place things on the trailer to make it close to what it should be.


Agian Thanks

 

[fat fanny]

Re: DIY trailer build

J just remember when I did this @ 1st with every piece of equippment we towed we would log the sping positions and they were set with just (like said a couple of wrenches) but you will have to tow your rig and seee how it reacts to the position to get it right it should only for you be a oone time adjustment unless you change wieght (motor, gear ect,) watch for sway and overloaded tongue wieght. Good luck and I hope this helps!

 

[geeco1]

Re: DIY trailer build

I like the adjustable idea also. One other suggestion is while you have the trailer in this position, you may want to make some reference marks on the sides of the trailer frame, so that when you adjust the axles, you can keep them square. It doesn't take much for them to be out of square and then you are pulling crooked down the highway. You could even pre-drill several holes for the bolts on each main trailer frame, then slide the axle and bolt-on as needed.