Axle arrived - wrong size?

[Ropes4u]

I'm building a 4'6" wide trailer a d ordered a dexter torex with brakes. Well my axle arrived and I am 100% positive it needs to go back, or I can adjust my plans.


Axle measurements
Hub to hub (outside) 66 7/8"

Backing plate to backing plate inside 58,5"

Frame mount 54 wide - I think this should have been 51.5"

My question is should I just build the trailer on top of the axle as is with 2x3 box tubing on it's side, or send the axle back?

If it matter I am skirting the side and building a lil'bear flat front with a removable tongue.


It's my problem but I thought it worth asking.

John.

[tony.latham]

Give Grant a call at Lil' Bear. Two-bits says he'd love to cogitate on this problem.

TL

[working on it]

I'm building a 4'6" wide trailer a d ordered a dexter torex with brakes. Well my axle arrived and I am 100% positive it needs to go back, or I can adjust my plans.


Axle measurements
Hub to hub (outside) 66 7/8"

Backing plate to backing plate inside 58,5"

Frame mount 54 wide - I think this should have been 51.5"

My question is should I just build the trailer on top of the axle as is with 2x3 box tubing on it's side, or send the axle back?

If it matter I am skirting the side and building a lil'bear flat front with a removable tongue.


It's my problem but I thought it worth asking.

John.

What did you specify on your order sheet? Maybe Dexter changed your order to meet their rules, like with my axle. My experience with Dexter (spring axle, 3500lbs, with brakes) was like this: I gave them my specs, measured according to an order form I found on another Dexter dealers website. Dexter informed me that they couldn't build it to those specs, that the brakes required 1.75" more hubface (if I remember correctly) for clearance. Fortunately, I re-measured and found I could barely fit it in. I looked over the order form on the other dealer's site again, and still can't see my error.

.75" minimum clearance

tire clearance first axle.jpg (80.26 KiB) Viewed 627 times

bunches of clearance!

tire clearance second axle.jpg (65.75 KiB) Viewed 627 times

NOTE: actual average hubface on 1st axle is 60.75"

axle comparo pre-order.png (50.24 KiB) Viewed 627 times

As pictured, there was about .75" tire clearance with my first axle (with quite a bit of toe-in, avg. hubface was at 60.75"), so I ordered for .625" more on each side (which I thought was enough for backing plate clearance, tire clearance, and to center the tire under the fender). Dexter insisted on 63.75" hubface, so that's what I got. Plenty of clearance, now. In your case, I don't know if the added three inches are that much of an added workload for you to compensate for, since Torflexes are simpler to mount than spring axles (no spring hangers to move), but I'm sure Dexter will charge something for taking the axle back. Will it be worth the cost to you?

[Ropes4u]

It appears they put the mount on the centerline instead of the outside measurement I specified. The dealer is a friend of a friend and he said he would correct it. As it sits now there isn't room for the skirts, unless I am completely off base.

I emailed Grant and will try to call for some advice tomorrow.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1404069456.804495.jpg (233.46 KiB) Viewed 623 times

[Ropes4u]

Well the axle went back and the vendor doesn't want to mess around with another order.

Looks like I shed myself of a poor vendor and an incorrectly built axle. Now I need to find a mail order vendor or another dealer in North East Colorado.

[tony.latham]

I bought my axle direct from Dexter. My brother in law just ordered one from Dexter after getting mixed results from dealers in the Salt Lake area.

TL

[Ropes4u]

I bought my axle direct from Dexter. My brother in law just ordered one from Dexter after getting mixed results from dealers in the Salt Lake area.

TL

Taking tomorrow off and will call them and see what they say. Thank you