tire and wheel size

[Melle.17]

I want to change out the hubs on my trailer to put bigger wheels and tires on it. In considering the distance between the axel and closest frame, how do i figure out what size tires and wheels I can go up to are? Bigger is better

[Woodbutcher]

Most important is the offset of the wheels you want to use. The offset is the distance from the inside of the wheel where it contacts the hub, to the outside of the tire. Measure from the hub face to the body or frame, which ever is closest. Subtract at least 1" and that is the maximum offset you can use. If you are going to change hubs, I recommend getting ones with brakes. If you axle has a plate with 4 bolts on it you can add brakes.

[TimC]

+1 on the brake set addition. As Woodbutcher says if the axle has the mounting plate you're all set to add brake hubs. If the mounting plate is not present it's still possible to have one welded on. This is something I had done a few years ago. More likely possible if your axle is NOT the U channel type.

[Melle.17]

This is my axel. Guess it's a torsion axel? Someone else said it looks like it can have brakes. How hard is it to change my vehicle connect to a 7 pin though? I'll need that right? Also the trailer is currently a 4 pin connection as well. I was thinking of adding a 7 pin to the vehicle already so I could charge my 12v while towing. I feel like I keep adding and adding to this project before I even really get started lol. One more question... I've never done anything like this before but I am pretty capable and have learned as I go... how hard is the whole adding brakes thing?

[TimC]

One more question... I've never done anything like this before but I am pretty capable and have learned as I go... how hard is the whole adding brakes thing?

I'm not going to lie. It is not cheap and it is time consuming to do it yourself. I did it myself for my first time ever. It involves adding wiring and a brake controller to your pull vehicle. Then adding brake hubs and wiring to your trailer. I did it after my build. Much more difficult than you will have with an exposed trailer axle and chassis. If it were me I'd add brakes. However, you need to ask yourself at least two questions. How heavy will my trailer be fully finished and loaded? And how capable is my tow vehicle of making a controlled stop in an emergency situation. It's been said many times that you should not measure your tow vehicle by its pulling capacity, rather measure its stopping capacity. Pulling 2k lbs with a Subaru? Get brakes on the trailer. Pulling 2k lbs with an F250? Less necessary but still smart.

BTW, I'm pulling 1500 lbs with a Ford Escape. My first close experience avoiding a collision with a deer without trailer brakes taught me to get brakes.

Hard to tell with your picture. I think I see a square mounting plate just inside the hub welded to the axle? With four mounting holes?