Recommended Axle for a 80" Wide Trailer Frame

Question

Question:

I picked up a trailer frame from an estate sale with no axles. How do I measure to choose new axles? Some more info: Its a 16foot equipment trailer made by Flemming in the 1970s. Its made from 6inch C Channel. Its a tandem axle trailer. The hangers are still there. I can weld so I dont mine welding new hangers if necessary. The frame measures 79.75inch center to center. Im assuming that would be the same measurement I would need for spring centers but not sure how I would determine what I need for hub face to hub face. Id like to go with either 5200lb or 7000lb axles. Any help or advice is appreciated.

asked by: John

0

Expert Reply:

Hey John, you are correct. Those spring hangers on the frame are where you're going to want the spring centers on your axle. As far as hub face to hub face measurements go, do you have fenders or is this a basic frame you're going to build a trailer around? If you do not have fenders a 90" hub face is going to work perfectly. It still might if you do have fenders, I would just need to know the distance between the outer edge.

I've listed a couple of axle options below that include hubs and electric brakes:

8 on 6-1/2 Bolt Pattern - Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - Easy Grease - 95" Long - 7,000 lbs item # e83SR

6 on 5-1/2 Bolt Pattern - Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes - Easy Grease - 95" Long - 6,000 lbs item # e35SR

You're also going to need a couple sets of leaf springs, shackles, and an equalizer. If you could get me the distance between the hangers and comment below, I would be happy to recommend those parts for you. Also let me know if you like my axle recommendations or want to go in a different direction. It sounds like you've got quite a project on your hands and I would love to help you.

expert reply by: Jerred H

0

Jerred H.

11/3/2025

Hey John, how did things go with the axle setup on your Flemming trailer frame? Did one of those 95-inch axle options end up fitting the way you wanted? Your update could make it easier for others working on similar rebuilds.

Answer 1

I just heard back from Dexter and they gave me some information on your axle. I have a solution for you and it is very close to your specifications but you will need to have the spring seats moved. The Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with 4" Drop E-Z…

view full answer...

Answer 2

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 3

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

view full answer...

Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

view full answer...

Answer 6

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

view full answer...

Answer 7

The #84 spindle is just a common way to identify the spindle dimensions typically used for 3,500 lb axles. So instead of listing out the parts, people can just say they have #84 spindles and it's easier to know what fits it. The CE Smith Trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 9

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

view full answer...

Answer 11

You can use leaf springs that are rated higher than the axle without any issues as long as they measure the correct measurement for your trailer. For example the 6-leaf double eye spring for 7,000 lb axles part #e64SR measures 24-7/8" eye to…

view full answer...

Answer 12

Hey Bryan, that's a good question. The pricing can definitely be misleading, but I wouldn't use it to judge the quality of the tire. A lot of that comes down to promotions, inventory, and whether you're looking at a tire by itself or…

view full answer...

Recommended Axle for a 80" Wide Trailer Frame

Products Featured in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Continue Researching