Recommended Axle for Off-Road Adventure Trailer From Old Military Trailer

Updated 08/27/2018 | Published 08/25/2018

Products Featured in This Question

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

(3202)

$183.57

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(108)

$1.61

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

(1101)

$304.58

20 Ft 4-Way Trailer Wiring Harness - Wishbone Style - 30" Ground

(337)

$18.77

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Heavy Duty - Long Spindle - 4" Lift - 5 Bolt - 3.5K

(166)

$1305.78

Wiring Kit for Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuators

(12)

$89.56

Question:

I am building an off-road adventure trailer and plan to switch out the axel on a US Military trailer M116 to a lighter axel with electric brakes. For consistent off-road clearance I want to mount the stock toyota 17” rims with AT tires 6-bolt at 5.5”. I am trying to keep the trailer weight to a minimum so a 3500lb axel set is preferred. My question is this: What spindle, drum, brake set combo should I use to achieve this? I plan to weld spindles to a custom-sized tube to accommodate for the 48” frame width. Thanks for your help!

asked by: Jon P

Expert Reply:

For the custom width you are seeking, we don't have a standard thru axle that will fit. So, I recommend using the Timbren Heavy-Duty Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - 4" Lift Spindle - Off-Road Tires - 3,500 lbs # ASR35HDS02 which will give you the off-road clearance and integrated suspension system. Then I recommend using a 2 inch square bar in the integrated holes of the assemblies cut to the custom length needed for the unique width of your trailer. This will be a maintenance free suspension system and the only maintenance is keeping grease in your EZ Lube spindles.

Then for the brake assemblies, I recommend the Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 5.2K to 7K # AKEBRK-7-SA. These brake assemblies will adjust as needed so you don't need to do the manual adjustments to keep them functioning properly.

Finally, for the hubs with 6 on 5-1/2 bolt pattern, I recommend the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb and 6,000-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2 # 8-201-9UC3-EZ.

For your wiring, I recommend the wishbone harness # A20WB and then # 10-1-1 wire for the electric brakes and a 7-way with junction box # HS381-9000.