Constructing an Axle from Pipe and Spindle for Use on Homemade Trailer

Updated 03/11/2015 | Published 03/10/2015

Products Featured in This Question

BT8 Spindle for 2,000-lb Trailer Axles - 1-1/4" Diameter

(70)

$34.88

Dexter Trailer Axle w/ Idler Hubs - EZ-Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 89" Long - 3,500 lbs

(402)

$416.36

Question:

What size pipe does the spindle fit into? I would like to build a small trailer to pull behind my Celica. I need to build my own axel.

asked by: Cory

Expert Reply:

The TruRyde Spindle # TRU94FR that you referenced has a 1-1/4-inch diameter stub. This spindle will fit an axle beam (pipe) with a 1-1/4-inch inner diameter. While you can certainly fabricate your own axle to go on your homemade trailer, assuming you have access to a qualified welder, I suggest you consider buying a complete axle assembly from etrailer.

Apart from the savings in time and labor you also benefit from knowing the exact capacity of that system, something you do NOT get with a home-built axle. Many of the axle kits we offer include all of the related parts - hubs, bearings, races, seals, etc - which ensures that everything will fit together properly.

The link provided for you will let you see all axle kits we offer. These are rated for various capacities
from 1200-lbs to 3500-lbs (for actual beam axles) and up to 5200-lbs for the axle-less bolt on systems from Timbren. These can make it easier to build a trailer with a low deck height. You can use the filters on the page to narrow the results based on the characteristics you need.

Let's say you want an 89-inch axle rated for 3500-lbs that uses 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern idler hubs (hubs without brakes); then you might consider kit # 35545I-EZ-89 from Dexter Axle. If you are planning to include a suspension on the trailer the linked article may be helpful. I also linked you to our main page for trailer couplers.

expert reply by: Adam R