Recommended Axle on Home Made Trailer

Updated 06/12/2017 | Published 06/09/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - Easy Grease - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 89" Long - 3,500 lbs

(227)

$495.81

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(429)

$33.99

Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb and 6,000-lb Axles - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre Greased

(1075)

$299.40

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6648)

$167.12

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

(25)

$1609.96

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K

(3026)

$186.02

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Heavy Duty - Long Spindle w/ No Drop - 5 Bolt - 3.5K

(164)

$1276.61

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3398)

$119.84

Question:

I am starting an expediton camper build and would like some advice on a axle and break setup. The metal frame I am building is 5foot wide x 8foot long. I would like to go with a 3500 pound axle. I will also be using the same size tires I have on the Jeep. Those are 20inch wheels and 33inch tires. I was thinking : Item # 35545E-ST-EZ-89. I would like the controller also. I have heard of soft ride long leaf springs. I am new to this so any help would be great..

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

The Trailer Axle # e43SR measures 89 inches from hub face to hub face and 74 inches from spring center to spring center. You'll need to make sure this will work on your trailer but it sounds to me like it's too long.

Another option is to use an axle-less system. The Timbren # A35RS545E includes electric brakes and hubs with a 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern.

Since you're using such large tires a better Timbren system is # ASR35HDS01. You'll need to add a hub and drum assembly as well as brakes. For the hub assemblies use # 8-201-9UC3-EZ and for the brakes use # AKEBRK-7-SA.

For an electric brake controller in your Jeep I recommend the Prodigy P3 # 90195. It's the most popular with Jeeps and is extremely easy to use and reliable. To install the controller use our # ETBC7 kit. This includes all the wiring needed to install a brake controller as well as a 7-way trailer connector that is converting from an existing 4-way. If you don't already have a 4-way use # 118416.

I've linked some articles and videos that may be helpful to you as well.