Axles - size and lenght

[JeepThing]

Hello all, it’s been awhile since I started my teardrop build, I have the frame welded up and want to get the axles, so I’m asking you all for advice. I’m building a 5x8.5ft frame 2x2x1/8â€

[eamarquardt]

First figure out how far apart you want your wheels to be. Then simply measure or calculate the hub to hub distance required (will vary depending on the "offset" of your wheels") to place your wheels/tires at that distance. Bear in mind that trailer wheels are typically zero offset and the bearings are designed for that. Using an offset wheel will increase (somewhat) the load on the bearings and you might consider going with axles (or whatever) with a slightly higher capacity than what your actual load will be (IE 3500# rating). My motto is "overkill in moderation".

I'd measure the actual diameter of the tires you plan on using, figure out how high you want your frame to be, and contact the maker of the axles you intend to use to get their recommendation on the other parameters you mentioned.

Some folks have experienced failures of some of the lighter axles. I doubt that you'd ever experience a problem with a 3500# axle.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Gus

[JeepThing]

Thanks I do intent on talking with the guy at the trailer/axle shop but would like to know how much room is needed between the tire and the frame, if the frame should be beefed up and maybe if anyone else has this set up?. Was looking at a used torsion axle from a boat someone had on craigslist for $75 buck but the hub faces are 80" apart and face to frame is 7" not to sure if that would work for me.

[terryjones1]

[quote="JeepThing"]Hello all, it’s been awhile since I started my teardrop build, I have the frame welded up and want to get the axles, so I’m asking you all for advice. I’m building a 5x8.5ft frame 2x2x1/8â€

[angib]

It sounds like you are thinking of using a torsion axle, in which case you need to be sure that your Jeep wheels will really fit.

I've shown this diagram here a few times - it is looking down from above and shows the potential clash:



This is with a Dexter torsion axle with a 6" trailing arm length. It would be unlikely to happen with a Flexiride axle with 4.5" trailing arm length and obviously the problem cannot exist with a straight (tube) axle on leaf springs.

[urban5]

Jeepthing,

I agree with the above poster about clearance required for the Jeep style wheels. The guys you see on offroad forums are running largely offset wheels, or running custom torsion axles which are very exspensive. If money is not an object, do it. But here is an alternative Idea.

Use a #3500 idler axle. I recommend Dexter because it is what I have, and I have never had an issue. The maximum length beyond the spring perches is pretty big. I don't remember what it is exactly (you can look this up on Dexter's spec sheet on the website) it seems like it was 17". This means you can have 8-9 inches of axle (from hub face to outer side of spring perch) on each side and that's with the thought the axle will be carrying #3500. Mine carries a little under #1000, and has 7" of length beyond the spring perches. This gave me enough room to mount the tires I wanted to use. Which by the way I used my old Jeep spare tire and rim (that came originally on the Jeep) and 2 others I wrangled from friends, and craigslist. This gave me enough tires for the trailer and the spare. I also installed my original Jeep spare tire carrier on the front of my trailer this weekend since It is using the 5 on 4.5 also. I guess in a pinch I could always use the spare from the trailer on my Jeep if needed, though it would be a little lop sided

Also I have a frame clearance of 21" on my trailer with this setup. It is set as a SOA (spring over axle) If I had it as SUA I think I would only have 17"ish. You could also always run a SOA with the stock 5 lug trailer size which is the 12" rim it has a 21"tire instead of the 29" (stock Jeep tire). This would give you around 18" of frame according to spring size. I guess I should also say I use a strengthened Harbor Freight trailer with the stock HF springs.

Hope this helps, sorry for rambling.

Jeremy

[JeepThing]

Thanks for the advice, I have taken what was my idea and some of your advice on this forum and with check book in hand went down and talked to thetrailerman (that's his shop name) and we went over my needs and wants and he came up with a #9 dexter with a longer arm and 10% down start angle. I brought my jeep rim with me and he measured it and called to confirm it was going to work for me. He tried to sell me a #10 #3500 down graded too a #2200 with 10" brakes for another $80 this was started to get bit to costly for me so I stayed with #9 with 7.5" brakes. Custom made for my needs still cost a whooping $580 CAD about $500 more than I wanted to spend, but I will have the height and look I'm after. More important to me is the smooth ride this axles give. I have a 27' travel trailer with tandem torsion axles and they are far Superior over springs and a straight axle so hopefully this will work similar on the teardrop. Thanks again I'm also going to call back tomorrow to confirm that that rim will clear the arm at all load positions. Ya got me guessing now.

[madjack]

...throwing a couple of kopecks in here...if you plan on a lot of heavy off roading, you might wanna cough up the extra bux for the #10...it will give you heavier bearings/brakes/axle tube, which will be better able to withstand the abuse of off roading.....................
madjack

[eamarquardt]

...throwing a couple of kopecks in here...if you plan on a lot of heavy off roading, you might wanna cough up the extra bux for the #10...it will give you heavier bearings/brakes/axle tube, which will be better able to withstand the abuse of off roading.....................
madjack

Agreed!!

Cheers,

Gus