Best Option For Low 3,500 lb Axle Suspension

Updated 04/21/2021 | Published 04/19/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C

(2529)

$142.22

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension w Idler Hubs - Standard Duty - 4" Drop - 5 on 4-1/2 - 3.5K

(116)

$1218.93

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

(116)

$1106.04

Question:

I am building a tear camper on a Harbor Freight Trailer frame. I have extended the base of the camper past the frame approximately 11 inches on either side and beefed up the trailer frame some. All together, the camper should not weigh any more than 2,000 I am looking for a 3500lb axle for this trailer to upgrade the Harbor Freight Axle and extend the wheels past the sides of the camper to keep it sitting low like the Harbor Freight axle. I would like to keep the wheel and tire size about the same as the Harbor Freight wheels and tires as well. I am unsure of what axle and wheel and tire combo I should use. If I have to move spring seats to match my spring center, that is fine. I can take them off and re-weld them in place if need be. I just need a good starting base to work with and would like to have the wheels be as close to the sides of the camper as possible allowing me to mount fenders on the side of the camper trailer. If I have to, I could always find a way to mount the fenders to the axle as well if need be. I have attached a basic drawing of the layout of my frame and camper base, just for a reference. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

asked by: Nathan H

Expert Reply:

Thanks for the drawing, and I think we may have an option for you here, though there isn't a traditional through-axle that can work for you with those dimensions. The reason for that is for a standard 3,500 lb through-axle, the shortest you will find is 89 inches from hub face to hub face, which is quite a bit further than the 70 inch width you have so the wheels would stick way out.

So instead I the Timbren Axle-Less Suspension System, which are simply bolted or welded so you do not have to worry about finding an axle that meets any specific measurements. For a 3,500 lb axle (or axle-less system) you can also have a drop spindle for a low deck height, or a standard height spindle:

- 4" Drop Spindle: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System with Hubs # A35RD545

- Straight Spindle: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System with Hubs # A35RS545

With either of these you could then use any type of wheel and tire that fits the 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern of the hubs, such as the Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C # AM31952.

I have added a link below to a video review of the Timbren system, as well as a link to our selection of wheels and tires that fit the bolt pattern of these hubs.