Solution for Building Overland Trailer With 66 Inch 3,500 Pound Axle

Updated 04/19/2022 | Published 04/15/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Dexter Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 89" Long - 3,500 lbs

(231)

$594.15

Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 5,200-lb and 6,000-lb Axles - 6 on 5-1/2 - Pre Greased

(1088)

$304.76

etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left/Right Hand - 5.2K to 7K

(3139)

$193.37

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Heavy Duty - Long Spindle w/ No Drop - 5 Bolt - 3.5K

(166)

$1276.61

Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Heavy Duty - Long Spindle - 4" Lift - 5 Bolt - 3.5K

(166)

$1305.78

Question:

im building an overland trailer that is only 5 foot wide. can i narrow the axle to my width of roughly 66 inches hub face to hub face. was planning on indexing the axle tube to each hub. cut weld with abrasive disc. then remove excess axle tube on each side. then re index to keep the camber as close to correct as possible. using the #35545E-ST-89 AXLE SET. Obviously Im sure this would dismiss any warranty expressed which i understand. Im just curious if its been suggested before as the axle is way too wide for my particular application. any comments appreciated

asked by: Greg F

Expert Reply:

In order to add an axle to your overland trailer I recommend using the Timbren Axle-Less System. I do not recommend cutting 2' off of the # 35545E-ST-89 in an attempt to shorten it and make it fit your trailer. You could also order a custom length axle from an axle manufacturer.

The nice thing about the Timbren system is that it fits any trailer width. This would also eliminate guess work with your axle length. It also acts as the suspension, and each side works independently which is great for overlanding.

Assuming you need a 3,500 lb axle, you could use the Timbren Heavy-Duty Axle-Less Trailer Suspension - Straight Spindle - Off-Road Tires - 3,500 lbs # ASR35HDS01. If you want a 4" lift the # ASR35HDS02 is also available. Both of these are designed to accommodate off-road tires.

For a hub and drum assembly you could use the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly # 8-201-9UC3-EZ. Then for brakes, you can use the Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting - 12" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 5.2K to 7K # AKEBRK-7-SA.

I have attached some review and installation videos for your reference.