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Do Mobile Home Axles Have Weight Capacity Rating  

Question:

I just got a pair of old axles off of a 50s model mobile home frame. They are 6 lug, axles, electric brakes and tubing is 2.5inch wide. No identifying numbers on them, and they are extremely heavy. Any info on the load rating would help, is there a way to tell by measuring spindle and bearing sizes perhaps. Any help please..

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Expert Reply:

Mobile home axles are designed for a one time use and do not have a load rating. You may be able to find hubs and drums and other hub components for the specific spindles you have on the axles but that can be very difficult as mobile home axles typically have non-standard sizes.

I have attached a drawing that shows where you would need to measure on your spindle for the replacement components. You will want to measure the spindle in the places where the bearing ride and also the inside diameter of the hub. You will want to use a digital caliper like part # PTW80157 to get these measurements.

t might actually be more cost effective to replace the axles with some that come with hubs and drums and electric brakes. That way you get all new parts that are all standard and compatible with each other.

expert reply by:
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Jeffrey L
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Park L. profile picture

Park L.

4/24/2020

My brother used mobile home ax!es on his 16 ft. Trailer for many years. Low Boy tires. He used aLittle longer bolts to attach the wheels. Jacked trailer up a little to be able to spin tire with a guide toMake sure it was centered. Then on the bolts put a heavy duty lock washer and then torqued all bolts to 90 lbs of torque. Never had an issue.

ChrisR profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Chris R.

4/26/2020

There are plenty of mobile home axles and hubs on the road, but it's still not something that we recommend for routine use - they just aren't designed and built for that type of application. Prolonged use likely requires modifications like on your brother's trailer and replacement parts are really hard (if not impossible) to source when the time comes.
Jamie R. profile picture

Jamie R.

11/8/2024

Hi Jeffrey L I been working for a company moving Moblie Homes off and on for 10 years. I cant belive I'm just now catching up. Just a moment ago before I entered this tread I seen on Bing saying the same thing, as far as "one time use". Mind is blown Thats crazy haha However, What I'm about to say is just redneck ingenuity so might not be legal, or safe depending on where at and know how. I was not the owner operator just the help if you will. So we had many set of Axels and Toungs . Even though there are like 2 common type around here i guess. We measured axel from leaf spring to leaf spring outside. 100" or 98 1/2' and there are also split axels Some axels are idlers like the image drum (with break), Fine thread bolt and square nut, and also fine tread studs. The order from frame to ground. the 1st axel from the front or back bolt leaf spring with 2 nuts and bolt (bolts face out) and 2 metal plates 2X4 with 2 holes. before the next axel add a rocker and repeat until the end of the run. Tires are commonly held on by Sq nuts, NOTE 2 to go on 3 to come off! Important the Sq nut is a directional wedge. Have 2 bolts and Sq nuts started with them in the 10 and 2 o-clock position. Notice on the RIM there is a knot about where the valve steam is. Place that in-between then 10 and 2 o-clock fastener's. Add the remaining Nuts and bolts to the hub and tighten down evenly till tight tight. If available!! look to see if the back of the wheel is flush with the hub.. Side Note We would hit the rim simi hard with a hammer in a few directions and Dubble check tightness. TOO REMOVE make sure axel is not under "Load". Remove 3 Fasteners from the 11 12 1 o-clock and hit downward on rim. Other Notes The toter truck 2008 Mac with Trans lift trailer attachment took mobile home tires. It suppose to go behind a 1 ton if not on the toter truck even though a 1500 chevy pulls it and Yes that truck has the rear end replaced a few times and the bed has come apart from doing that. I don't suggest it. Looking down the frame there are metal support we called outriggers every 8 to 10 ft. that's typically where your blocks go plus on the ends and door ways. The outrigger with a metal angle iron going from one frame to the other is where its safest to jack. Don't Jack on the house with out the truck hooked up 1st AND make a crib at the Toung and behind the axel or it can kill you. Even for releveling andWOOD not bricks The funny thing that got me originally going is that most them axels he has, have been used many times before I even got there 10 years ago. lol. The Toungs are sometimes bolt on bolt off. Other times welded. Hope this helps someone. Some was cut

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