Determining Axle Length for Home-made 4 x 8 Trailer Using Square Stub Spindles

Updated 12/15/2014 | Published 12/13/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Square BT8 Spindle for 2,000-lb Trailer Axles - 1-1/2" Wide

(31)

$52.51

Dexter Trailer Idler Axle w/ Hubs - EZ-Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 60" Long - 2,200 lbs

(423)

$326.43

Question:

I am building a trailer that will be exactly 4foot x 8foot and want to fab an axle. Want to use square tube for square spindle 1.5inch and a wheel hub that is 5 on 4 1/2. So the question is how long should my axle tube be so that it clears the frame and centers in the wheel well? The tube is 2x2x3/16inch with a 1 5/8inch ID

asked by: Norm

Expert Reply:

You can use the 8-1/4-inch overall length of the TruRyde BT8 1-1/2-inch Spindle # TRU97FR to help you determine the correct length for your axle tube. You also need to take into account the width of the tires you intend to use as these also will increase the width of the overall combination of the axle, spindle, hub and wheel. Start with the overall width of the trailer and its fenders/wheel wells, subtract the widths of your two chosen wheels and the lengths of the two spindles to determine axle tube length.

A safer and easier option is to select a complete axle assembly from etrailer. This gives you the advantage of knowing the axle's confirmed weight capacity, which you cannot know if you fabricate.

The link at right will show you our main page for trailer axles. On a small utility trailer like your 4 x 8 we often see 2000-lb-rated axles such as Dexter Trailer Idler Axle # 20545I-EZ-60-15. This complete kit includes the axle beam, 5-on-4-1/2-inch hubs, bearings races, seals - even lug nuts and grease. This particular axle is rated for 2200-lbs. It is illustrated in the linked video.

expert reply by: Adam R