flexiride and ground clearance

[Jonnyo]

2x3 x1/8 with what seems like a 1/8'' angle about 25-30 inch long welded to the frame. then, the side mount is welded to this angle. This is a 2200lbs dexter torsion axle.

I m thinking 3/16 angle 48 inches long and weld the side mount to it.

 

[aggie79-HILO]

To bolt the flexiride axle through the frame and not crush the frame tubing, you may be able to use square washers that span the width of the frame tube. I used these for method to attach my safety chains. The a-frame tongue is 2" x 2" x 3/16 square tube. The safety chains are bolted on with 3/8" bolts using 2" x 2" x 1/4" thick square washers top and bottom.

 

[alaska teardrop]

2x3 x1/8 with what seems like a 1/8'' angle about 25-30 inch long welded to the frame. then, the side mount is welded to this angle. This is a 2200lbs dexter torsion axle.

I m thinking 3/16 angle 48 inches long and weld the side mount to it.

• Thanks for the pic, Jonnyo.

• Comments:

• As with Snopro, I've read that Rance also uses double or triple hollow extrusions for additional strength. Certainly stronger than your 2x3x1/8 tubing.

• The axle mount is an extra high profile, generally used on snowmachine trailers.

• If I'm looking at the aluminum side mount correctly, I'm surprised that the trailer & axle haven't parted company. It appears that four 2"x2"x1/8" aluminum tabs are all that holds the axle to the frame. Also, IMO, the weld across the top at the bend sets up the chance of fatigue.

I m thinking 3/16 angle 48 inches long and weld the side mount to it.

• Your tubing has square corners, but most angles have a radius on the inside corner. How will you get it to fit flat on both surfaces for welding?

• I have no way of calculating the strength, but I'll stick my neck out & offer another solution by using a 48"x3"x3"x1/2" straight leg structural channel.

• 

• As an example, my local extrusion company's die number is 20300 from this list: http://www.extrudedaluminum.com/pdf/Sta ... pdf#page=3

• Fred

 

[KCStudly]

I'd rather see the axle mounting pad under the main frame rail. What you show in the sketch will introduce a twisting moment in the thinner tube.

Also, 1/2 inch seems excessive to me for the bracket.

Don't mean to hit and run, so I will cogitate on a better solution.

This

is a better arrangement that just needs a little improvement. It just looks like they cheaped out on the bolting tabs and skipped bolting to the bottom of the rail. The original design probably used thicker mill run stock, then some one decided that they could get away with making their own from some sheet they had on hand when they ran out of the more expensive extruded stuff. (Pure speculation on my part, and maybe a bit cynical, but this is how it happens in mass production; shave a buck here, a few pennies there, and before you know it you are producing a perfectly good piece of marginally engineered cr... er, crud.

So, referring to the above pic, keep the angle shape doubler that stiffens the main rail but flip it to the outside; in place of the bent tabs, weld a 1/4 thk scab plate vertically onto the inside of the main rail that extends down below the rail similar to the tabs shown to bolt thru the side of the axle mounting pad/bracket; and don't be afraid to weld bungs into the underside for helicoil thread inserts up thru the bottom of the sandwich to also bolt the axle to the bottom of the frame tube and reinforcing.

Helicoil thread insert kit link

 

[Jonnyo]

thanks! very nice of you to take the time to draw this. your solution is in some way close to what aluma do.......good mind think alike?!!

I contacted Dexter:
-They said, what Rance does is the proper way to mount the axle on a aluminum trailer using the aluminum bracket mount. It s also the same bracket that dexter offer when purchasing a axle to be install on aluminum frame. They ask 50$ for the pair

-Rance doesnt use the special extrusion in the smaller trailer like mine. just a simple 2X3 X1/8 empty inside. They make holes in the tubes for wiring. They drill the flooring in the tubing also. They really dont seems concern with failure. I had no issue at all with the trailer in the 3 years i own it. Lots of miles, canadian winter and dirt road travel.

-Shadow catcher Mega mini use the dexter mounting recommendation also but with no reinforcement to the frame at all, just 3x1.5 X 1/8 tube.

but tonight, i might have found the ''perfect world'' mounting technic (aluma trailer) for DEXTER and FLEXIRIDE. you can adjuste the forward/rearward position anytimes....




thank everyone for the contributions.... i m making great learning on this and will be able to take a better informed decision!!!

 

[Onajourney]

I made a plate then welded it to the frame to bolt on the Flexride type axle.