Timbren Axle-Less Suspension System for Off-Road Tear Camper

Question:

3500lb suspension with 6 on 5.5 hubs. I am wanting to put the axle-less suspension on a off-road tear camper I am building. It should not weigh over 3000 lbs. With that said I have a couple of concerns with this suspension. Concern #1 I can get the suspension with just spindles or with electric brakes. The suspension that comes with electric brakes has a 5 on 4.5 bolt pattern. I need a 6 on 5.5 bolt pattern because I will be using Toyota TRD Pro SEMA Wheels 17 in. wheel which match my Toyota 4Runner. I do not want to go to a heavier axle because it could cause the ride to be rougher. 1a. For the wheel size I am using the site shows that the 8k electric brakes are for 16-17 in wheels. With my trailer only weighing 3000 lbs these brakes would be to much, am I correct? 1b. For the 6 on 5.5 bolt pattern the site comes up with disk brakes which are for 5200 lbs - 6000 lbs axles. 1c. If I was to go with the suspension with electric brakes I was able to find a hub with a 6 on 5.5 bolt pattern for 3500 lbs axles. So would it work for me to go with the suspension system with electric brakes and buy the hubs that would work? Concern #2 With the wheels I am using I am not sure if the wheel will touch the hub face due to the bearing dust cap without hitting the wheel cap. With that said, would I need to put a spacer on so that I use the wheels? If I have to add a 2 inch spacer so that my wheels fit that would make the spacing from the hub face go from 8 inches to 10 inches which would push the tires to far out. Would it be smarter to just go with the ASR35HDS04 which is the same as the ASR35HDS01 just with a 2 inch shorter spindle? By doing that I would be able to put the 2 inch spacer on and the hub face would go from 6 inches back to the 8 inches and would accommodate my wheel. and need input with a couple of concerns. So to use the wheels I want would the following work and be safe? 1. Get the ASR35HDS04 with electric brakes. 2. Swap the hubs from the 5 on 4.5 to 6 on 5.5. 3. Add a 2 inch spacer to get the hub face back to 8 inches. 4. With all that done the wheel would fit the axles. Also would it be possible to add a trailer parking brake with this configuration? I apologize for the long question but I am trying to get everything figured out. Thanks you for your time.

asked by: Curtis

Expert Reply:

There is a lot to unpack here so I'll try address your concerns as best I can. First, you should not use a spacer of any kind to ensure your wheels fit; this would cause potential installation issues with the overall assembly not to mention void the warranties on each of the products you are looking at.

The problem is if you need 8 inches to the hub face like what you get with the Timbren Heavy-Duty Axle-Less Trailer Suspension # ASR35HDS01. If this is a requirement for your wheels and you only want a 3,500 lb system then you would have to use a hub and 12 inch drum, which would give you electric brakes that would have a lot more stopping power than you need. They are usable but it would be a pretty abrupt stop. So if you have to have that 8 inches this is what you would use:

- Timbren Heavy-Duty Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Straight Spindle - Off-Road Tires - 3,500 lbs # ASR35HDS01
- Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 12" - 6 on 5-1/2 # 8-201-5UC3-EZ
- Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit w/ Parking Brakes - 12" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 6K # 23-112-113

However, if you could get by with 6 inches from the frame to the hub face for your wheels to fit you will want to use these parts:

- Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System - 4" Drop Spindle Only - 3,500 lbs # ASR3500S04
- Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3,500-lb E-Z Lube Axles - 10" Diameter - 6 on 5-1/2 # 84656UC3-EZ
- Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Kit w/ Parking Brakes - 10" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 3.5K # K23-086-087-00

The bottom option is the one I recommend if your wheels can fit with that spacing from frame to hub face. This will give you a smoother braking experience with the appropriately rated 3,500 lb brakes and a brake controller like the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite # RED44FR which is the best controller for off-roading.

I have added links to video reviews of these products for you to check out as well and hopefully I have gotten to the core of your questions and addressed your concerns. If not please don't hesitate to let me know.