Can Trailer Axles be Flipped Upside Down

Published 10/16/2014

Question:

I have a Old two horse trailer that possibly is made by Miley some time in the last century. The trailer is in surprisingly in great shape except the axles are in need of replacement. The problem is that the front axle appears to be a upside down 3500lb 4inch axle and the rear is an upside down axle 1250lb, maybe 2000lb. My question is can I replace the axle with two 3500lb axles and turn them upside down like the two on there. My area farm and home retailer has 3500 lb axles at a reasonable price. The spring mounts will have to be welded on the other side.I called a couple of trailer shops and they are as confused as I am. If I go to straight axles it will raise the trailer 4. the current height is right where it should be. If you need more information let me know.

asked by: Jeff L

Expert Reply:

Axles that are flipped over like yours means that the bow that is in the center of the axle is pointed the wrong way. This means that the axle capacity is reduced because that bow, that needs to be pointed up, is part of what gives the axle its capacity. When weight is added it flattens out.

Flipped axles will also cause the tires and wheels to camber in at the tops which will lead to odd tire wear and a lot of wear on the suspension.

You will want to keep the axles that you get in the proper orientation to avoid these problems.

Check the trailer frame, body, everywhere for a plate of some kind that indicates what the original axle capacities were and try to stay with that. If not, then a couple of 3,500 pounds axles should be fine. To keep the height you want you need only to change the suspension hangers to be taller or shorter as needed.

I have included some helpful links to the right for you.

expert reply by: Michael H