Upgrading from D35 Dexter 3,500 Lb Axle to 5,200 Lb Timbren Axle-Less Suspension

Question:

Hello, This may be overkill, but I’m very interested in upgrading the Dexter D35 3500# Axle my camper trailer came with. It has a front deck for ATV hauling, but the trailer is limited by my axle. I’d love to have the Timbren Axle-less 5200 pound axles and just swap over my brakes. What do you see I will need in your experience?

asked by: Ernie

Expert Reply:

Technically, there isn't a reason why you couldn't replace your Dexter 3,500 lb axle with a higher-rated one. That being said, that doesn't automatically increase your trailer's weight capacity. You would still be limited by the lowest-rated component and that can be something other than the axle, such as the trailer's frame. If you reach out to the trailer manufacturer, they should be able to tell you which is the lowest rated component on your trailer.

Now, in order to convert to the 5,200 lb Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System # TASR5200S03, you will need new hubs and unfortunately, new brakes as well. The reason for this is because the hubs that are compatible with this new system are the # 8-201-5UC3-EZ, which are 12 inch diameter hubs and thus, take 12 x 2 inch brakes, like # AKEBRK-6, whereas your current set-up uses 10 inch diameter hubs with 10 x 2-1/4 inch brakes.

Additionally, the new hubs use a 6 on 5-1/2 wheel bolt pattern and from what I can tell in your photo, your existing set-up is a 5-lug instead. This means that you're also looking at replacing your trailer wheels, and potentially the tires as well. If you can confirm the exact tire size, load range, and wheel bolt pattern, I'll gladly look into it further and confirm which additional parts you will or won't need.

If you scroll to the bottom of the page, I've attached a few helpful articles as well as a link with all the parts mentioned above.

expert reply by: Carla M

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Henry 2.

6/27/2020

Will the 5,200 pound axle-less 4” lift suspension work on a 2002-2010 Airstream Sport 22’ SINGLE axle trailer, GVW 4,500, adding oversized tires/wheels? Thank you.

Chris R.

7/1/2020

The Timbren Axle-Less Systems like the 5,200 Pound # TASR5200S03 are pretty universal, so there's no particular reason it couldn't work on your Airstream Sport.