Adding 3rd axle

[toytacoma8]

Probably a dumb idea but its wintertime and I am bored.

I have a 2006 Victory Lane 32 ft 5th wheel Toy Hauler. Its listed a little under 8k dry and 12 GVW (CCC of 4420lbs).

We just bought a Jeep Wrangler (TJ) and the thought of being able to haul it is tempting.

I havent weighed the Jeep yet but I hear it should be about 4k ready to drive.

My trailer is an open floor plan without a seperate garage. I was wondering if anyone has added a 3rd axle for extra weight. If my frame is the same as the other Victory Lane, they all have 3 axles and GVW of 15k....

Part of the problem on mine is that the axles are already toward the rear...
Your thoughts?

[toytacoma8]

Replacing the existing axles would be nice in that I could keep them where they currently are. I think I'd only be over by a few hundred lbs as it sits. Just wish there was a way of knowing if the frame and floor and stuff would hold up.

[time_to_go_now]

Is it possible to replace the existing two axles with heavier duty versions? That is what I did on an Aerolite travel trailer. And what I did on my Carson Toy Hauler.

On the Aerolite, I use the stronger axles as a form of a lift kit. On the Carson trailer, I needed extra capacity to carry another 50 gallons of water.

Good luck!

[TRIPLE8]

toytacoma8 wrote:
Do you have a picture of the stellar? My wife and I really liked those but weren't in a situation to have payments. Mines a similar layout to the 32 ft stellar we liked. 2100 would be worth it if I find out my frame is also the same as the bigger ones.

Hi, I'm sorry but I do not have pics at this time. Trailer is in storage so when I get the chance ill get some.

[toytacoma8]

Do you have a picture of the stellar? My wife and I really liked those but weren't in a situation to have payments. Mines a similar layout to the 32 ft stellar we liked. 2100 would be worth it if I find out my frame is also the same as the bigger ones.

[TRIPLE8]

Crazy Cooter wrote:
I did mine and it was a fairly large project. About a month of prep with building the new axle, welding hangers onto a new subframe, shock mounts, etc. All of my axle had to be relocated for fit and to keep hitch weight correct.

Look at Icon Direct for triple fenders.

Hi, I had Limpert add the 3rd axle to my Stellar. They did everything to mine as you did to yours. The 1st axle did not move, only the 2nd was moved. With the Stellar it is the same frame as its bigger counterpart with 3 axles. I also found the fender flares through Icon. I don't worry about loading my Samurai in there anymore. Total cost with tires and wheels was about $2100. If you have the room, I say go for it.

[Crazy_Cooter]

Hangers are cheap. If you have 6" to play with and you could shorten to 33" axle spacing to gain a few more. That is what I did. Think I ended up with 7" longer wheelbase.

[toytacoma8]

Yea I think part of what might make it not cost effective is having to relocate the other axles. Plus I can only go forward with them about 6 inches before hitting my steps.

[Crazy_Cooter]

I did mine and it was a fairly large project. About a month of prep with building the new axle, welding hangers onto a new subframe, shock mounts, etc. All of my axle had to be relocated for fit and to keep hitch weight correct.

Look at Icon Direct for triple fenders.

[rekoj71]

I met a guy who did, but he didn't relocate the existing axles, just added one behind it. He did say it added quite a bit to his pin weight, like was mentioned might happen. He didn't really like the result, but I don't think he was trying to add that much weight to the back of his trailer either.

[toytacoma8]

tinner12002 wrote:
Have you thought of just flat towing behind your toy hauler? You would obviously have to have a hitch welded in with some added cross bracing but that might be an easier/cheaper/safer alternative.

That would be interesting especially since I already have a hitch on the back for some reason. Not legal here in WA though.

[tinner12002]

Have you thought of just flat towing behind your toy hauler? You would obviously have to have a hitch welded in with some added cross bracing but that might be an easier/cheaper/safer alternative.

[noteven]

Spreading the axle load to 8 points on the frame rails should reduce vertical stress on the frame.

Consider cross bracing the frame side to side - maybe with a big X or 2 to help with side loads as the axles skid in tight corners.

[toytacoma8]

joebedford wrote:
Have you actually looked underneath to see what you'd have to cut out to add the 3rd axle. On my tandem, it would have been a lot.

It looks like the current hangers are welded to the bottom of the frame and I wouldn't have to cut much. Would probably have to remove the gas tank to do the welding and put it back after.
Would have to cut some of the lower side skirt and add a triple axle fender flare.

Thanks for all the ideas and keep em coming. This will probably not happen but its fun to talk about and I'm sure other people will be curious as well. Couldn't find much when I searched.

[toytacoma8]

We Cant Wait wrote:
It only has an 8" I-Beam frame??? Well it's you unit to do with as you want I guess.

That's not helpful. I started this thread to get advice and learn if this would be possible. I don't know much about trailer frames so if there is something you could add that would help I would love to hear it.