This article answers the popular question: What is the trailer 60/40 rule? The 60/40 rule means that you should put 60% of the trailer’s total weight in front of the trailer axles and 40% of the load weight behind the axles. Why is it important to follow the 60/40...
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How-To Guide: Read an Axle Label
This article answers the popular question: How do you read an axle label? Where are axle labels located? The location of the axle label can vary by manufacturer, but commonly axle labels can be found on the side of the axle facing your rear bumper. What information is...
Trailer Towing Safety
This article answers the popular question: What are some trailer towing safety tips? Before towing a trailer for the first time, there are many important factors to consider. Being aware of your vehicle and trailer’s mechanical condition. Inspect your trailer’s tires,...
How-To Guide: Replace spring axles on your trailer
This article answers the popular question: How do I replace the axles on my trailer? The 8 steps outlined below are a simple single guide for replacing your trailer axles and springs. Oftentimes, when axles need replacing, the springs are also replaced. If you are...
Customer Spotlight: MB Electrical
Our customer spotlight series will highlight new BlueSwift Axle customers and their experience working with the team at BlueSwift Axles. MB Electrical is a 5-team electrical shop located in the Des Moines metro. The owner of MB Electrical, Mark, purchased a used...
Tips for Choosing a Quality Trailer Axle Supplier
This article answers the popular question: How do you choose the right trailer axle supplier? Step 1: Make a list When choosing a trailer axle supplier, you should consider several factors to ensure you're getting a reliable and quality axle supplier. First, start by...
Everything you need to know about leaf springs
This article answers the popular question: What are the pros and cons of trailer leaf springs? A leaf spring trailer axle is made up of a series of slightly curved metal strips that are called “leaves”. These leaves sit on top of each other in several layers. In the...
Who is BlueSwift Axles?
This article answers the popular question: Who is BlueSwift Axles? BlueSwift Axles is your local Des Moines trailer axle expert. Wes with BlueSwift Axles was fed up and frustrated with slow and inconvenient axle order, manufacturing, and shipping. So, BlueSwift Axles...
Radial vs. Bias Ply Tires
The following guide answers the question: What are radial vs. bias ply tires? Whether you pull a utility trailer, livestock, car hauler, or enclosed trailer, having the right tires for your trailer is so important. When choosing trailer tires, the size, type of...
Give your trailer some love this Valentine’s Day
Regular trailer maintenance is important to ensuring the longevity of your trailer and your trailer axles and other trailer components. Before your trailer hits the road, inspecting all parts of your trailer will ensure optimal towing safety out on the road. Any new...
The pros and cons of overslung and underslung axles
The following guide answers the question: What’s the difference between overslung and underslung axles? Overslung and underslung refer to the position of the spring to the axle beam. In overslung suspensions, the spring is on top of the axle beam, whereas in...
Trailer Brakes – Which option is right for you?
The following guide answers the question: Which trailer brake option is right for you? There are many different types of trailer brakes on the market today. Before deciding what type of brake is the right choice for your trailer, read this article. Not all trailers...
Torsion Axles: Everything You Need to Know
This article answers the popular question: What are torsion axles? A torsion trailer axle uses thick, rubber cords concealed in the axle’s tubing that provides cushion to give the trailer a smoother ride. The rubber cords compress as the wheels move, offering an even...
Livestock, Utility, and Enclosed Trailer Features
This article answers the popular question: What are trailer features of livestock, utility, and enclosed trailers? Livestock and Horse Trailers Livestock trailers allow you to transport livestock across short or long distances. There are various types of livestock...
Aluminum vs. Steel Trailers: What’s the best option for you?
This article answers the popular question: What is the difference between aluminum and steel trailers? Aluminum vs. Steel Trailers There are many similarities and differences between aluminum and steel trailers. When deciding which type of trailer may be right for...
Why You Should Partner with BlueSwift Axles
This article answers the popular question: Why should YOU partner with BlueSwift Axles for axle replacements? We know that many auto body shops, trailer repair shops, and maintenance shops deal with trailer axle replacements daily. Trailer axles are often unique with...
Axle Replacement in the Off Season
This article answers the popular question: Should axle replacement be done in the off season? Winter in the Midwest is considered the “off-season” for many construction companies and contractors. As the ground freezes, it becomes increasingly more difficult for work...
Towing Tips for Driving on Icy Roads
This guide answers the popular question: What are the tips for driving on icy roads? Winter in the Midwest can be brutal and getting stuck out in a bad storm can be scary if you meet icy roadways. Ice on roadways is unexpected and black ice is impossible to spot...
What does downtime cost companies?
This helpful guide answers the popular question: What does downtime cost companies? You hear the word all the time…Downtime. We continuously preach about the importance of regular auto and trailer maintenance and inspections to avoid potential downtime. But, what is...
Step deck vs. flatbed trailers: Everything you need to know
This guide answers the popular question: What are the features of step deck and flatbed trailers? We have many customers in the short and long-haul business, so we understand the unique needs of each customer and what type of trailer and trailer parts they need to...