Axel Spring Centers

[sunny16]

How critical is the axel pring centers? I can get a 2000# 72" hub face idler axel with spring centers of 60"-62" but my trailer frame actual spring centers should be 58". The trailer is 60" wide. Does anyone feel that the 2" difference will be any great factor? The place I can get it has a "Using shorter spring center measurements will result in lower axel capacity" clause. What does everyone think? I could get the 58" center but it would take a week or two. I would like to complete the trailer frame this weekend. Can you tell I want to get going on the tear???

[madjack]

..I'd take the week or two and get the proper centering, otherwise your spring mounts will out board of the frame. I know your anxious but you are on TEARDROP TIME...the weight capacity difference should be negligible and unnoticeable.......my.02 worth
madjack

[JunkMan]

I don't think I would want mount the springs narrower on the frame than on the axel, you mess up the geometry of the spring. Could you weld a bracket or something on your frame to make it a little wider where the springs mount?

[doug hodder]

I built my 4'wide tear on a narrower spring center...don't know exactly how much narrower...it's down in the other garage and it's raining...I built a 2x sub frame that rests on the steel 2x2 tubing....it does add weight to the tear..but what is nice is that all of the framing can't be seen from the side unless you are crouching down to see it....2x6 longsills on the outer edge and 2x4 crossmembers....I'm thinking they are about 45' outside to outside on the springs....I used a 4" drop axle on mine...the drop won't allow the spring saddles to be as far outboard....Doug