Recommended Axle Upgrade For Vintage Trailer

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Question:

We have a vintage camper that has a 4inch ped axle along with 4 on 9.44 wheels. Wanting to get a new setup with axle and wheels but on a more modern bolt pattern. Hub face measurement is currently 62inch but have room to go a little shorter and would like to if possible. Can you make a parts recommendation?

asked by: Brian S

0

Expert Reply:

Based on the picture you provided you are actually measuring from the inside of the drum to the inside of the drum, and not to the actual hub face.

Since you are getting 62" inside to inside you are actually probably closer to 72" hub face to hub face.

The closest standard axle we have to that length is the Dexter Trailer Idler Axle Beam with EZ-Lube Spindles - 72" Long - 2,200 lbs # T20BTR-EZ-7258 which has a hub face to hub face measurement of 72" and a spring center to spring center measurement of 58" as shown in the included diagram.

If the spring center measurement does not match your current axle you will need to remove the preinstalled spring seats and install the # TRSS175 in the correct location.

The axle in your picture has trailer brakes, but not of the axles this length are setup for trailer brakes so you will need to have a brake mounting flange # 4-34 welded on each side by a local axle shop, as it needs to be perfectly square to prevent uneven brake wear.

For brakes you will need # K23-103-104-00, and for hub and drum assemblies you will need # 8-173-16UC3 which has the common 4 on 4" bolt pattern.

Now if you are needing an axle with more than a 2200lb rating I recommend installing the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System w Electric Brake Hubs - Straight Spindle - 3,500 lbs # A35RS545E which bolt directly to the frame of your trailer so you do not need to worry about the hub face measurement. This option replaces your current leaf spring suspension with built in progressive rate AEON main springs that do a great job of absorbing road shock, and are quite the improvement over leaf springs.

The # A35RS545E includes 3500lb brakes, and hub and drum assemblies with the common 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern so it is all you need.

Now since you are ditching your older 4 on 9.44" wheels there are quite a few options, but the best option is the same wheel and tire size that is currently on the trailer since you know it fits without clearance issues.

If you can tell me what size wheels and tires are currently on the trailer I would be happy to recommend a replacement.

I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C

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Answer 1

I assume this is a replacement axle, so in order to choose the correct one, you will need to know the dimensions of your current axle's hub-face to hub-face and spring center to spring center as in the diagram I have added, with A being the hub…

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Answer 2

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 3

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 4

Thank you for providing the specs for the suspension components that you already have. Correct hanger spacing really depends on the components being used such as springs, hangers and equalizers. Most of the hanger spacing dimensions that we have are…

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Answer 5

You can use leaf springs that are rated higher than the axle without any issues as long as they measure the correct measurement for your trailer. For example the 6-leaf double eye spring for 7,000 lb axles part #e64SR measures 24-7/8" eye to…

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Answer 6

Trailer wheel bearings are specific to the spindle that is installed on the axle that is on your trailer. You will need to safely support the trailer, remove the wheel and tire, remove the grease cap, remove the cotter pin and washer that secures the…

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Answer 7

There is no exact way to determine the leaf spring length. The best way to determine the length for a replacement is by measuring the existing leaf springs. The hanger distance and shackle length can help you get a good idea, but you're looking…

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Answer 8

The determine the correct replacement leaf spring on your 2021 Coachmen 259FKDS you'll need to lift your trailer frame so the spring is hanging freely and then measure from center-eye to center-eye, then for the equalizer you need to measure…

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Answer 9

We have lift kits for trailer that easily add 2 inches to the height of the trailer. For that you'd want the part #RR23QX and you'd be set. I attached a picture that shows how it installs to give you an idea. This would be the easiest…

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Answer 10

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 11

Hey Darrel, we actually have exactly what you are looking for with the part #TRU52FR which is for a 7k axle and is 25-1/4 inch from eye to eye. This is also a 6 leaf spring as well. The spring you referenced would be too short.

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Answer 12

Hey Kevin! I didn't see an order yet but it sounds like you already got some shocks based on your 2nd question. I went ahead and added it below your 1st question above. If you still need shocks you can use the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Shock…

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