Timbren Axle-Less Suspension for a Home Made Tear Drop Trailer Build

Published 05/12/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension w/ Idler Hubs - Standard Duty - No Drop - 5 on 4-1/2 - 2K

(111)

$750.30

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension w Idler Hubs - Standard Duty - No Drop - 5 on 4-1/2 - 3,500 lbs

(111)

$1153.75

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension w Electric Brakes - Standard Duty - No Drop - 5 on 4-1/2 - 3.5K

(25)

$1497.09

Leveling Scissor Jack Set - 24" Lift - 10,000 lbs - QTY 2

(471)

$119.95

Provider ST205/75R14 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 14" Vesper White Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR C

(510)

$173.20

Question:

Hi - I am going to purchase the Ironton Heavy Duty 5foot x 8 foot trailer sold by Northern Tools for a chassis for a lightweight tear style trailer I am builder. I want to upgrade to 14inch tires to match my 2001 Subaru Forester for 70 mph highway speeds and for better clearance on occasional rough dirt roads. The Timbren Axle Less system looks like it would be a good solution. I want to keep my trailer height standard to match up with the Subaru rather than using a setup that would lift the trailer as is done for an off road trailer. I should have plenty of clearance for the places I would take the trailer without the lift. Which model for a 5 bolt 14inch wheel would you recommend? I will also be buying leveling jacks.

asked by: Steven H

Expert Reply:

The Timbren Axle-less suspension system that is going to work best for you depends on the capacity you need. But it sounds like you are looking for a straight spindle and not a drop spindle so that narrows things down some.

For a 3,500 pound capacity we have # A35RS545. Hubs are included.
Also for 3,500 pounds we have # A35RS545E which includes hub and drum assemblies for electric brakes.

For a 2,000 pound capacity we have # A20RS545. EZ lube hubs are included.

All of the included hubs have a 5 on 4-1/4 bolt pattern. For tires and wheels, 14 inch, that will fit this bolt pattern we have # TA82MR rated for 1,760 pounds at 50 psi and 81 miles per hour. Please note that you cannot use passenger vehicle tires and wheels on a trailer. Trailer tires are built with a thicker sidewall to handle more vertical load and passenger vehicle tires are not. Vehicle wheels have a different offset than trailer tires as well and the bolt pattern may not match up even if both have 5 bolt holes.

You may not want to tow a trailer at 70 miles an hour. The faster you go, the more susceptible the trailer is to sway. Steering and braking are issues too unless you are adding electric brakes to the trailer. Check the vehicle owners manual as well because there may be a specified trailer towing speed.

You can tow a trailer level without having to use any sort of lift kit. All you need is a ball mount with the right rise or drop. I mention this because the higher up a trailer is, whether it is a suspension lift or going with larger tires, it raises the center of gravity and makes the trailer more susceptible to sway. I have included a link to our help article on choosing the right ball mount for you.

For leveling jacks the tried and true method and most cost effective is a scissor jack set such as # JSC-24. I have linked a video review of them for you.