Axle swap on a HF trailer

[egjacks]

So I have searched for a while and can't find any information on this, either in tnttt or elsewhere. I have a Harbor freight trailer that has most of a teardrop floor built on it. I just got access to an axle from a wider travel trailer that has brakes on it. The new axle is roughly a foot wider than the HF axle. Can I switch the axles and use the one with brakes on my teardrop? It would require some modifications to my build, mostly having outboard fenders instead of the wheels underneath as is currently the case.

I do not know the weight rating of the new axle but the trailer was an old (60s?) style trailer about 12-15ft long. So I think that it would be a lot stronger than the current HF axle. Would the extra strength be enough to make up for sticking 6 inches or so further out from the frame? it seems the wider wheelbase would make the trailer more stable and I would dearly like to have those brakes, but I can't stop wondering about the distance from the wheel to the frame and if it might be a problem.

Is this a dumb idea? Would it be safe to do this? I am kinda in the dark on this one, so any input welcome.

[Dale M.]

The idea has merit, all your imagined pluses will make for a better trailer.... Some simple considerations are to get spring mounts on axles located properly to HF trailer width and mounting of spring shackles for "new axle" to work on HF frame , going to be some welding and fabrication there.... As for axle width, it does not have to be to wide or to narrow, one can cut axle in center and either remove or add material and weld it up to get proper stance/width of axle in relationship to frame and rest of build...

IF you can not or do not have welding/fabrication capabilities, that is what fabrication shops and welders on wheels (portable) are for...

On small light trailer having brakes may not be a "need" but it can be a great advantage when towing, specially in hill country...

Dale

[egjacks]

I don't have fabrication capabilities, (metal shop was quite a few years ago) and I am not sure my current budget would allow for paying someone else to modify the axle. Any ideas on how much that would cost? Ball park?

I am building a 5 foot wide tear, and with the HF trailer that required wheels underneath. But, I actually prefer to have them outside the main box with wheel wells. So is using the new axle the way it is feasible?

As for spring mounts, I am not sure I follow you. I know without looking at the parts in question you might not be able to be definite, but is there a big reason why I can't use the existing HF springs?

[egjacks]

Oh, and as for the brakes, I don't need them now, my TV will be a Mazda B4000, (read: ford ranger) and it has a tow package. However, I would like to get a new car soon; currently drooling over Subaru Outbacks. Regardless, I think trailer brakes would be a good idea for any TV, but if I ever tow with a car I think they would be more important.

And we go through mountains a fair bit to camp.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

Your HF springs and trailer would not need modified. Just the spring mounting points on the axle itself.

I'd be weary of mounting spring perches narrower on an axle, especially not knowing the rated capacity or what that new (older) axle has been through. Just moving the mounting points 6" in, you're probably doubling the forces exerted on the axle, if not even more.

From my reading on here, the easiest way to be sure (still requires welding) would be to get a square tube with the inside diameter that closely matches the existing axle's outside diameter and sleeve it over the old one. Then mount new spring perches on the new axle sleeve at the appropriate distance for the HF trailer width.

[ctstaas]

Hi egjacks,
I used outboard fenders on mine and they're the best. I got them at some tractor supply outfit here in town. I got the ones with the metal skirt on the inside. I welded the skirt to the fender before bolting them to my walls. The are super strong and a good step for access to my roof. Now I get to build running boards to attach to the fenders. I don't need running boards but they will look super cool. I'm very excited.
IMHO it is well worth the cost to have your fenders welded so to have really strong fenders.