How to Find the Overall Width of an Axle with Tires for an 8ft Trailer

Updated 05/03/2020 | Published 03/14/2014

Question:

does this part give a final axle and tire width suitable for going under an 8 ft wide trailer instead of to the side? I want to have a smooth side trailer with wheel wells not a step side trailer with fenders and I hope this axle is suitable for that use.

asked by: Bruce

Expert Reply:

The final width (with tires) of the Dexter Trailer Axle, # 35545I-EZ-89, will depend on the wheel and tire size you intend to use. You would simply add the width of one tire (assuming your wheels have a zero offset) to the 89 inch hub face dimension of this axle to find the total width. For example, if you have 6 inch wide tires, then you would add 6 inches to 89 which gives you a total width of 95 inches.

When choosing a replacement axle, it is important to choose an axle that has the correct spring center length for your trailer. This is the distance between the leaf springs on center. The Dexter Axle, # 35545I-EZ-89, that you referenced has a spring center of 74 inches. The axle will come with the spring seats already welded in place, so you will want to match the spring center of your trailer.

expert reply by: John H

Brian M.

4/30/2020

Hello, if I have a trailer that is 73” from out side of frame rail to frame rail along with a 33” tall x 13” wide tire what axle length would I need. Also need electronic breaks. Thanks

Chris R.

5/3/2020

The 73" overall frame width that you mentioned basically gives you the spring seat length that you want on the new axle. The overall length will also depend on how far you want the tires extended out from the frame (we recommend at least a couple inches of clearance). So if you go by that suggestion, you're looking at an overall axle length of around 90" (73" + 13" (tire width) + 4" (frame clearance)).