In this article, we will answer the following question: How many axles does a 16×80 mobile home have? We will also explain how you can count mobile home axles, how to put wheels on the axles and how much weight they can support.

How many axles does a 16×80 mobile home have?

A 16×80 mobile home has two axles, 40 feet wide (40 x 2 = 80) and 16 feet long each. The length of the 16×80 mobile home axles is 240 feet (2 x 120). A 16x80mobile home can only use a standard single axle trailer without brakes. Double axle trailers are used for much bigger mobile homes (think 19×82).

How to count the axles on a mobile home?

To count the axles on a mobile home you need to look at the side of the vehicle and the trailer. For each visible wheel, whether single or double, there is an axle. You should also count the front wheel axle, the lifting axle and the removable axle. There is a maximum of 6 axles to calculate the cost of registration.

How much weight can the axles of a mobile home support?

The weight that your mobile home axles can support will depend on the type of axle:

Axle type	Weight supported
Insulated axle (motor)	12 tons if maximum GVWR of 44 tons
Drive axle (tandem)	11.5 tons
Axle (tridem)	31.5 tons if maximum GVWR of 40 tons;27 tons if maximum GVWR of 44 tons

Can the axles from a 16×80 mobile home be used on a trailer?

No, 16×80 mobile home axles cannot and should not be used on a trailer. In fact, in the US, this practice has been prohibited for several years. Most mobile home axles have stamped “for mobile home use only” on them, and you would be breaking the law if you still decided to use the axles for your trailer.

How to position the wheels on 16×80 mobile home axles?

Most mobile homes are fitted with double axles which include all four wheels. The wheels are secured to the axles by 6 or 8 wheel nuts. Each lug nut is tight against a wedge that pulls the wheels down evenly on the wheel hub. There are two main reasons for installing the wheels of a mobile home axle. The first reason is if the wheel is flat or damaged. The second reason is if the mobile home is transported from one region to another area.

Remove the lug nuts and lug nuts from the wheel hub corners with a 1/2 inch drive breaker bar and a deep well socket. Turn the lug nuts counterclockwise to remove them. If the nuts are stuck or the lug nuts are difficult to turn, spray the threads behind the lug nuts with spray lubrication. Then remove the wheel nuts and wheel hub chocks.

Place the wheel nuts and chocks inside a bucket. Clean the threads of the lug nut studs and the shim areas on the wheel hub with a small brush. Wipe off any excess dirt or debris from the lug nut studs and the wheel hub with a clean rag. Each of the lug nuts amounts to spray down with spray lubrication. Spray each lug nut down with the lubricant spray. Place the wheel on the lug nut studs. Push the wheel fully onto the wheel hub.

Put a bevel on the stud of the upper lug nut. Screw a lug nut onto the post in front of the wedge. Tighten the lug nut with the breaker bar and plug until the wing nut begins to become tight against the wedge. Turn the wedge so that the beveled end of the cleat sits on the top rim of the wheel hub. Continue to screw the leg nut against the cleat just tight enough so that the cleat does not move.

Place a bevel on the bottom lug nut stud and against the wheel hub. Thread a lug nut onto the stud and tighten the lug nut down until it begins to fit snug against the shim. Position the bottom a wedge so that the beveled end of the wedge sits on the rim of the wheel hub. Continue to tighten the dropout nut against the cleat just tight enough so that the cleat does not move.

Place a wedge over the two side lug nut studs. Thread the two nuts on the studs against the cleats until the lug nuts start to get tight against the cleats. Rotate the wedges until the beveled end of the wedges are seated on the lips on the sides of the wheel hub. Continue to tighten the lug nuts just tight enough so the chocks do not move.

Place the other wedges and lug nuts on the wheel hub and turn the wedges so that it sits on the lips of the wheel hub. Thread the nuts onto the studs just tight enough that the wedges do not shift.

Thread the wing nut above and tighten each of the lug nuts down in an alternating sequence. Tighten the top lug nut first, the bottom lug nut second, and then rotate the tightening nuts to the side. Continue this lug nut tightening sequence until all nuts are tight. Make sure the cleats stay turned so that the beveled end of the cleats are seated on the lips of the wheel hub. Once all of the nuts are tight, tighten the lug nuts down.

Place the plug off the cutter bar on the torque wrench. Tighten each lug nut in the same alternating sequence until the nuts are tight to 60 to 70 foot-pounds. Move to the other wheels and repeat the same wheel installation process as outlined in the steps above until all of the wheels have been installed for the mobile home axles.

Tips and Warnings:

Use the lubricant spray to screw the wheel nuts onto the studs without any resistance.
Make sure all of the chocks are seated on the lips of the wheel hub.
If the chocks do not sit properly on the lips of the wheel hub, it will result in the wheel coming onto the wheel hub.
If the lug nuts are not tight, it will result in the lug nuts backing off the studs and causing the chocks to slip out of the wheel hub lip. This will also result in the wheel coming over the wheel hub.

The bottom line

The axles are the main elements of the trailer since they support the dragged load and at the same time are the guide of the rotation movement. They help you drive with greater comfort and safety since, in addition to the suspension function, they also fulfill the role of a shock absorber.

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FAQ on How many axles does a 16×80 mobile home have?

Do mobile home axles have brakes?

In general, no, mobile home axles do not have brakes. Mobile homes have rudimentary wheels and chassis without suspension or brakes and are therefore transported in the rear of large flatbed trucks, the axle and wheels are used for movement to the final location when the mobile home is moved by platform or 4×4.

Why should you install brakes on mobile home axles?

The main reason you should install brakes on the mobile home axles is if you plan on using them to convert a utility trailer. Learning to pull a trailer can be difficult, and there are several drivers factors that will need to be considered. One of the most important factors is the type of trailer brake. Choosing a trailer with electric brakes, or installing electric brakes on your property’s trailer, can have a number of important advantages.

Can I tow a twin axle caravan?

You can tow a twin axle caravan, as long as the total weight of your caravan+car doesn’t exceed the legal towing limit. Towing a twin axle caravan is harder to maneuver than a single axle.

How should the axles be positioned on the trailer?

If your loads are uniform, we recommend that you position the centre of your axle or the centre of the dipper, at 55 or 60 per cent of the length of the platform (this measurement should be taken from front to back).

How to calculate the distance to place the axles of a trailer?

Start by measuring the length of the cargo box on the trailer or bed, but do not include the tongue of the trailer. Multiply this length by 0.4. The resulting number is the distance from the rear of the cargo box to the centre of the axle.

References

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How many axles does a 16×80 mobile home have?