Recommended Parts for Rebuild/Upgrade of Harbor Freight Trailer
Updated 03/04/2020 | Published 01/26/2018
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Thank you for answering my questions. I've read your answers and I have a few more questions for you. I was thinking of using the Provider ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer tires, item #A13R45GM. The reason for the switch is these tires have wear indicators and will only make the decision of when to replace them easier like a car. With regard to the axle it seems the smarter way to go would be to mount the springs under the axle using the # CE23000 u bolts you recommended and weld the # APS4 spring hangers to the frame. This raises the question of whether or not it would be wiser to use 15" Provider tires #A15R45GM to keep the axle higher for clearance. I have read that when the trailer rides higher for clearance the trade off is the center of gravity is raised. On the OEM HF parts the trailer axle is 8.5" and the frame is 18" off the ground. I'm not sure if 13" tires with springs under the axle will add to these numbers or subtract but clearly whatever the 13" does to the height of the axle and frame the 15" tires will add even more height. Is 15" tires a wise move or is that raising the center of gravity too high. Again not going anywhere near the 2200lb axle limit, the axle can accept 13"-15" tires ,and I still use the beds tilting feature which would be higher up on 15" wheels but I don't think our friend gravity will mind. Please let me know and thanks again.
asked by: Paul
Expert Reply:
The Dexter Trailer Idler Axle w/ Hubs - EZ-Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 60" Long - 2,200 lbs # 20545I-EZ-60-15 is a great starting point to upgrade your trailer. This will give you a standard size axle with good bearings, hubs, and EZ-lube spindles. This is far nicer than the weird sized stuff that comes on Harbor Freight trailers.
The Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D # AM31994 will be a great addition to these hubs and the radial tires will be much better for highway driving. Make sure to inflate the tires to the max psi of 65 when filling them cold prior to a trip.
The new axle is not square but rather round and has the spring seats which are flat, so you will still want to use the U-Bolt Kit but I recommend the CE Smith U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 2,000-lb, Round Trailer Axles - 4" Long U-Bolts - Zinc # CE23000 which are galvanized plates with zinc plated hardware to resist rust and corrosion. There is not an over-under kit we have available for this size axle or that is galvanized, so the leaf springs will need to be installed under the axle or you will need to weld a spring seat like # TRSS175 to the top of your axle and find spacers and longer u-bolts to make your own kit similar to # K71-384-00.
For your springs and hangers to allow you to use the under axle installation, I recommend the Single-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 3-1/4" Front, 1-1/4" Rear # APS4 along with the 3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 2,500-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/8" Long # e66SR which will make your axle or your trailer frame itself the weakest part of your system. The hangers will need to be spaced 24-7/8" on center from each other splitting the distance of your axle. You will appreciate the double eye springs over the slipper springs for the type of traveling you will be doing. This does mean the hangers will need to be welded in place.
Wookie
3/1/2020
I am liking the recommendations posted here, and I have access to a person who can mount the hangers. Will likely go the 13 tire size, so I wont be flipping the axle.Before I pull the trigger, do you have any idea if anything of this setup will take the folding feature away from this trailer?Do you also have some insight if the OEM fenders can still be used, or do you think I might need to purchase a new set of those too?
Chris R.
3/3/2020
Wookie
3/3/2020
Thanks, Chris. I pulled out a tape measure, and the leaf springs mounting doesnt look like it will interrupt anything. Thanks for the recommendation of 3 of clearance.I will post up how things shake down. I ordered my kit last night!
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Trailer Idler Axle w/ Hubs - EZ-Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 60" Long - 2,200 lbs
- Trailer Axles
- Leaf Spring Suspension
- Standard Grade
- Idler Hubs
- 2200 lbs
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- 48 Inch Spring Center
- 60 Inch Hub Face
- No Drop or Lift
- Dexter
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Strider ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 15" Revolver Silver Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Idler Axle w/ Hubs - EZ-Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 60" Long - 2,200 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Axle with Idler Hubs - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 60" Long - 2,000 lbs
- Search Results: trailer axles
- Q&A: Upgrading Trailer Tires and Wheels For Highway use on Harbor Freight 4x8 Folding Trailer
- Shop: Rambler ST205/75R15 Trailer Tire with Black Vesper Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2
- Shop: Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Search Results: trailer fenders
- Shop: Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" White Spoke Wheel - 4 on 4 - LR D
- Q&A: Axle Upgrade for my Harbor Freight 1720 Utility Trailer
- Q&A: How to Upgrade Trailer with 45 MPH Speed Rating for Highway Speeds
- Q&A: Upgrading the Tire and Wheel on a Harbor Freight Trailer
- Shop: Kenda Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Q&A: Recommended 2000lb Axle For Harbor Freight Trailer
- Search Results: no step trailer fenders
- Video: Trailer Axle with Idler Hubs Spec Review
- Shop: Base Plate for Tow Bar
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Q&A: Replacement Axle for Harbor Freight Utility Trailer
- Q&A: Axle Replacement 1720 Harbor Freight Trailer
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Dexter Trailer Idler Axle w/ Hubs
- Search Results: mounting brackets for trailer fenders
- Video: Single Axle Trailer Fender w/ Backing Plate Feature Review
- Video: Ultimate Overview of the CE Smith Galvanized Steel Step for Trailer Fender
- Video: CE Smith Galvanized Steel Step for 2" Trailer Frame Spec Review
- Video: Beginner’s Guide to Installing the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2018 Toyota RAV4
- Search Results: 1 7/8 ball
- Search Results: axle flip kit
on Trailer Axles
Paul
1/26/2018
Thank you for answering my questions. I've read your answers and I have a few more questions for you. I was thinking of using the Provider ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer tires, item #A13R45GM. The reason for the switch is these tires have wear indicators and will only make the decision of when to replace them easier like a car. With regard to the axle it seems the smarter way to go would be to mount the springs under the axle using the # CE23000 u bolts you recommended and weld the # APS4 spring hangers to the frame. This raises the question of whether or not it would be wiser to use 15" Provider tires #A15R45GM to keep the axle higher for clearance. I have read that when the trailer rides higher for clearance the trade off is the center of gravity is raised. On the OEM HF parts the trailer axle is 8.5" and the frame is 18" off the ground. I'm not sure if 13" tires with springs under the axle will add to these numbers or subtract but clearly whatever the 13" does to the height of the axle and frame the 15" tires will add even more height. Is 15" tires a wise move or is that raising the center of gravity too high. Again not going anywhere near the 2200lb axle limit, the axle can accept 13"-15" tires ,and I still use the beds tilting feature which would be higher up on 15" wheels but I don't think our friend gravity will mind. Please let me know and thanks again.