Should Trailer Axle be Changed from a Normal Axle to a Torsion Axle on Home Made Tear Drop Trailer
Updated 04/24/2013 | Published 04/12/2013
Question:
I have a harbor freight 4X8 utility trailer which I built a tear camper on. The tires that came with it are 12 inches and a 4 bolt patter. As I did not build a kitchen area in the back of the camper, it is lighter in weight. I will be using the camper to travel on highway roads and was wondering if I should change to a torsion axel and get a 14 in tire. As I am a novice in this area, I would appreciate all the help you can provide.
asked by: Barbara S
Helpful Expert Reply:
You can go to a torsion axle and different tires and wheels if you so choose. You have to consider what you are trying to accomplish by doing so to determine if it is worth the expense or not. Normally I would say you could change to a different tire size if there is clearance to do so but Harbor Freight trailers tend to have odd bearings and if changing the hubs is required to go to a larger size tire and wheel you may not be able to without changing the axle any way.
If you do change out the axle then one benefit is that you are likely to get one that has more standard parts which would make finding replacements much easier. Keep in mind that going to a larger tire size does not increase the weight capacity of the trailer. The capacity is limited by the axle in most cases unless the frame is rated lower.
Since you will be traveling on the highway I do recommend using radial tires and not bias tires. Radial tires track better and run cooler than bias ply tires. So no matter what you end up doing as far as the axle, switching to radials would be a good idea. I have included some links to FAQs on trailer tires for you.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Kenda 4.80/4.00-8 Bias Trailer Tire with 8" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range B
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Bias Ply Tire
- Load Range B
- 4.80/4.00-8
- 8 Inch
- K - 65 mph
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Powder Coat
- Kenda
more information >
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Barbara S.
4/13/2013
Thank you Michael H. for your quick response. It helped me a lot in making my decision. I am going with the new axel and radial tires. Although it will be an expense, I feel the expense is worth the peace of mind in the event I need a part or tire it will be easily available. Thanks again, Barbara