Recommended Axle Upgrade For Vintage Trailer
Updated 05/26/2021 | Published 05/24/2021
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
We have a vintage camper that has a 4inch ped axle along with 4 on 9.44 wheels. Wanting to get a new setup with axle and wheels but on a more modern bolt pattern. Hub face measurement is currently 62inch but have room to go a little shorter and would like to if possible. Can you make a parts recommendation?
asked by: Brian S
Expert Reply:
Based on the picture you provided you are actually measuring from the inside of the drum to the inside of the drum, and not to the actual hub face.
Since you are getting 62" inside to inside you are actually probably closer to 72" hub face to hub face.
The closest standard axle we have to that length is the Dexter Trailer Idler Axle Beam with EZ-Lube Spindles - 72" Long - 2,200 lbs # T20BTR-EZ-7258 which has a hub face to hub face measurement of 72" and a spring center to spring center measurement of 58" as shown in the included diagram.
If the spring center measurement does not match your current axle you will need to remove the preinstalled spring seats and install the # TRSS175 in the correct location.
The axle in your picture has trailer brakes, but not of the axles this length are setup for trailer brakes so you will need to have a brake mounting flange # 4-34 welded on each side by a local axle shop, as it needs to be perfectly square to prevent uneven brake wear.
For brakes you will need # K23-103-104-00, and for hub and drum assemblies you will need # 8-173-16UC3 which has the common 4 on 4" bolt pattern.
Now if you are needing an axle with more than a 2200lb rating I recommend installing the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System w Electric Brake Hubs - Straight Spindle - 3,500 lbs # A35RS545E which bolt directly to the frame of your trailer so you do not need to worry about the hub face measurement. This option replaces your current leaf spring suspension with built in progressive rate AEON main springs that do a great job of absorbing road shock, and are quite the improvement over leaf springs.
The # A35RS545E includes 3500lb brakes, and hub and drum assemblies with the common 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern so it is all you need.
Now since you are ditching your older 4 on 9.44" wheels there are quite a few options, but the best option is the same wheel and tire size that is currently on the trailer since you know it fits without clearance issues.
If you can tell me what size wheels and tires are currently on the trailer I would be happy to recommend a replacement.
I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Easy Grease Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly for 3.5K Axles - 10" - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre-Greased
- Trailer Hubs and Drums
- Hub with Drum
- EZ Lube
- Pre-Greased
- L68149 / L44649
- Standard Grade
- For 3500 lbs Axles
- 1/2 Inch Stud
- 6 on 5-1/2 Inch
- 14-1/2 Inch Wheel
- 15 Inch Wheel
- 16 Inch Wheel
- 16-1/2 Inch Wheel
- etrailer
more information >
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