Trailer axle

37chief · Jul 2, 2018

I would like to install new axles on my tractor hauler, because the brakes parts are no longer available for what I have now. I see a lot of different axles for sale. some being a dropped axle. Looks like if I install a dropped axle I will need to raise my fenders, since the trailer bed will be lower. Is this correct? If my tractor and mower weighs around 5400 what size axles should I be looking for? Stan

tomturkey · Jul 2, 2018

What do you think the trailer weighs empty. Jon Mn seems to build a lot of trailers his advice is definitely better than mine. I would think 5400 lbs plus a 3000 lb trailer puts you onto a 10,000 lb axle. But that's my thinking. gobble

jon f mn · Jul 2, 2018

Depending on the weight of your trailer 2-3500lb axles MIGHT work, but they will be maxed out. The next axle up is 5200#, but many no l9never sell those so the next after that is 6,000#. They are the same family and same dimensions as the 7,000# axle too and similar priced. 5200 and 6000# can have 6 bolt wheels, 3500 will likely have 5 bolt. 7000 only come 8 bolt. The only differences between 6 and 7k axles is tube thickens goes from 3/16" to 1/4" and the magnets are stronger. Drop axles will most often need the fenders moved, but there are suspension setups that may compensate. Drop axles will be more costly. I recommend a complete hanger/suspension kit either way. And this will be a good time to change to slipper type suspension as well as they are much better.

coshoo · Jul 2, 2018

I'm assuming its a 2 axle car-type trailer, if it has fenders. Most come with 3500# axles and trailers usually weigh about 1,500, giving you 5,500# capacity. I've had mine for 25 years, have carried more weight than that many times, and have never had any trouble. I'd just go with 3500# axles, since they're more common they are also less money.

Keith True · Jul 2, 2018

Two 10,000 pound axles would give you a 20,000 pound capacity.A pair of six's would give you 12,000.I happen to like more lug nuts,six is OK but eight is better.I just ran into an interesting axle situation.I'm replacing a pair of 7000 pound axles,the owner has a unique application where the axles have to be widened out just a little.I installed the new ones,and bought his old ones for myself.His trailer was built in Texas and has the spec sheet with it.It states 7000 pound axles.When I sliced them in two to skinny them up for myself,I found one was made with thick metal and one with thin.The Dexter tags are for 7000 pound axles,so I won't say the trailer manufacturer was cutting a corner,I just think somebody dropped the ball when the axles were made.

cjunrau · Jul 2, 2018

Do not use 3500 lbs axles. They always bend. I asked at the guys that sold me my trailer and they told me that 90% of all the trailers with 3500 lbs they had sold , within 2-3 years cake back needing new axles. 2 other trailer manufacturers said they won?t use anything under the 5200 because they always come back with problems. So I asked the place I bough mine WHY do you sell this garbage? They couldn?t or wouldn?t give me an answer. So I went else where to but the 5200 lbs. very happy with them. PS I never overloaded the 3500 axles. But you hit a bump with near load and they bend. Manitoba highways are to rough to handle light built trailers.

ss55 · Jul 2, 2018

Can the upgrades wait until your off-season? If new axles, springs and fender mounts are needed, along with possibly new wheels and tires to match the new axle capacity, you might be time and money ahead to trade trailers rather than shut down your business to rebuild this trailer right now. Doing the work in the off-season would give extra time to fix all the little problems you will find when you tear into the project.

Ultradog MN · Jul 2, 2018

What is the gvw of the trailer?
If you have 5 or 6 lug wheels now replace them with the same. If 8 lug replace with 8 lug.
It makes no sense to put heavy axles under a light trailer.

docmirror · Jul 2, 2018

If you get drop axles, you will likely need to raise your fenders. It depends on what the gap is now.

With the load being > 5000# you are too close to the max of dual 3500#, which means you will go to 5400# drop axles. I think the only maker who builds in the US now may be Dexter. Check before you buy, and ask specifically.

That will put your towed GVW at 10,800 and there are very few trucks which will bumper pull > 10k. If it is a gooseneck you will need to check the GVW for the trailer on the vin plate and match the axles to that.

VADAVE · Jul 2, 2018

The brakes attach to the axle with 4 bolts; The bolt pattern will most likely be a standard pattern. Check the pattern dimensions and then with a brake system supply house; bet you find you can just replace the brake system.

jon f mn · Jul 2, 2018

A couple more things I forgot to mention. Changing to drop axles to get lower may or may not work depending on how your trailer is made. Drop axles need a little more room between the tire and fender than straight axles. Of your trailer is 80 or 81" between the fenders you should be able to get drop axles under. If it's 82 or 83" wide I don't think drop axles will fit.

Also to order your axles you need 2 measurements, spring center and hub face. Getting spring center is easy, just hook your tape measure to the outside of one spring and measure to the inside of the other. Hub face is harder and takes a people. You need to take off the wheels and run a straight edge down off the hub where the wheel sits so you get an accurate measurement.

I know everyone has good intentions, but when it comes to trailers there is a lot of inacurate info out there, so be careful. Mistakes can be costly.

Trailer axle

37chief

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tomturkey

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jon f mn

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coshoo

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Keith True

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cjunrau

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ss55

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Ultradog MN

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docmirror

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VADAVE

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jon f mn

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