Trailer Axles to Replace Mobile Home Axles on Car Hauler Trailer

Updated 10/17/2018 | Published 10/16/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Square #84 Spindle for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles - 1-1/2" Wide

(33)

$61.71

Dexter Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - E-Z Lube - 8 on 6-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 95" - 7,000 lbs

(219)

$1330.35

Question:

Hi I have some old mobile home style axles on an old car trailer. I see on the website that a few people have asked this question but Im wondering what needs to be done to convert to new style brakes hubs wheels and tires. The axles have the welded on brakes but Im capable of welding on the new mounting flanges. Also it currently has 12” brakes. I just need to know what brakes, bearings, and hubs/drums etc to order. What measurements and info do you need from me to see if i can get new stuff?

asked by: Ryan

Expert Reply:

Mobile home axles are made for transporting such a dwelling only one time, to its permanent location. But they really are not suitable for ongoing use on a trailer. They simply are not made for that particular application, in the same way that passenger vehicle tires are not suitable for use on trailers. For safety reasons I recommend you replace the mobile home axles with actual trailer axles of the appropriate weight capacity for the trailer's GVWR.

I linked our main page for beam type axles which displays axles rated for up to 7K, such as Dexter kit # 8327834-EB. This USA-made axle kit comes complete with electric brakes, 8-on 6-1/2 hub/drums, bearings, races, seals, grease caps, wheel studs, lug nuts, and even marine-grade wheel bearing grease. This axle measures 95-inches from hub face to hub face and 80-inches between spring seats. Using a whole axle kit means you'll have all new components that will have the same working lifetime. This is better for both safety and reliability.

If you still want to try to find alternate hubs to fit your existing axles you'll need to pull a hub to find the bearing and grease seal part numbers. The photo I linked for you shows where these part numbers usually appear. New hubs must use the same inner and outer bearings and the same grease seal as those on the axle now.

I also linked our main page for hub/drums. You can click on the appropriate axle weight rating, the hub bolt pattern needed to match your existing wheels and the bearing numbers you found to see if we have a compatible hub that matches each of those characteristics.

expert reply by: Adam R