How to upgrade the axle from trailer tires

[FenixBuilder10]

Hello All,

What is the most efficient way to upgrade my axle and tires from standard trailer tires and axles to something slightly more beefy?

TIA!

 

[QueticoBill]

No experience personally, but I plan to replace axle and all, probably on existing leaf springs. Par of my reason is wanting to add brakes, which present axle does not allow.

 

[Sparksalot]

I swapped mine to a 3500# Dexter axle to get the larger bearings. I also had a pair of 14” Ford Ranger wheels, so put approximate tires for that rig on and mounted them. No more worrying about hitting 65 or more.

 

[JasenC]

There's lots of axles and kits out there to choose from, really just need the style, theres a few, the right width in the weight class you want and some money or more money.

Dexter and Timbren are vary popular and good quality.

 

[swoody126]

you don't mention what you have now

how much does the loaded rig weigh ?

pictures would help

regular automotive tires can be had from 12" diameter on up and will ride better than "ST" branded trailer tires

as for the wheels ... unless you plan on serious boondocking trailer wheels will likely do just fine and they take automotive tires just fine

are you having bearing issues or is your axle bent ?

i built an axle out of used "trailer" parts in 1991 that had the smallest hubs w/ 5 hole 4.5" bolt circle i could find and most all 5 hole "trailer" wheels and older Ford passenger car wheels bolt right up

i installed Bearing Buddies on the hubs and serviced them as per instructions in the original pkg and was never surprised on the road with bearing issues

this trailer has been towed from the southern top of Texas to Bar Harbor, Maine and all over the southwest US

i only replaced the axle a couple years ago due to rust(boat trailer that gets dunked in salt water)

i did replace it w/ a 3500# EZ-Lube axle assembly because the lighter assembly was the same price

still using the same springs n wheels and automotive tires

btw ... the bearings were still fine

just wondering why the axle and wheels need changing out ???

sw