Trailer Axle Info

Jeff NWOH

Member
I have these Dexter mobile home style axles on a trailer I built 20some years ago. I got the axles from my uncle and I assume they were old then.

I've never seen another one with the same brake setup. Instead of a small puck of a magnet, they have a full circle. The brake shoe is one piece and there is no adjustment for wear. They work great still, but I assume when they are done, they are done. I doubt parts are available.

Any idea the age of these things? Is this how mobile home axle used to be made or are these actual trailer axles? I suppose it doesn't really matter as they are built really well, but I'm just curious I guess.
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Yes I have seen that style before. I do believe it was on a five spoke
house trailer axle, been a long time back.
You may be able to research to have the linings replaced
if the band is not damaged.
Sorry I can't tell what manufacturer they were originally.
 


My old horse trailer has those same style brakes. bought it used in the early 80's was many years old at that time, brakes still work.
 
They are probably 12 x 2. I didn't measure. The mounting ring for the backer plate is larger than normal. Also, the drum has a ring bolted to the inside that the magnet grabs. Not much bigger diameter than the magnet, so I'm nut sure if a regular setup would work.

Ultimately, I'd like to have 8 lug axles on it, or just sell it and upgrade to a new 14k trailer.
 
For about $200.00/axle you can get new 8 bolt hubs and backing plates to make the change over. That is about half the cost of a complete new axle less springs.
 
The thought had crossed my mind. I'm not sure how solid these axles are. The nuts have basically rusted away on the ubolts, equalizers are worn out, and the rubber bushings are gone out of the spring eyes.

I have new springs, equalizers, and u bolt kits coming. I have 6 or 8 real nice 14.5 loboy tires I've aquired on the cheap, so I'll run these axles for a while yet and keep an eye out for axles and tires to convert. If I could get half the cost of a new trailer out of mine, I'd just sell and upgrade.
 
I had a Donahue 30X8 triple axle flatbed, that had what they called lowboy axles under it. All they were,were trailer house axles cut down at Donahue's plant.
Long story short, I owned the trailer for 11 years, pulled it many thousands of miles. Never had brake 1 on it. I wanted to upgrade, and get something with the wide ramps and BRAKES! Sold the Donahue for $150 less then what I paid for it. Bought a 2 year old Titan 26+6X8'6" triple axle with 17.5 tires on it, for a little less the twice what the old one sold for. And YES I TOLD EVERYONE the old one had NO BRAKES.
 
Did you ever find any replacement parts? I believe I have the same setup and are looking to swap out or repair. Any info would be appreciated.
 

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