lowdown on axles

[ae6black]

Here's my situation. I built a removable TD on a Trailer that I use for other things when it's not hauling the TD. Not much of a problem loading and unloading, I do it at least once a year. Sometimes I am hauling a roto tiller or a load of firewood, sometimes my TD. My issue is that the trailer I am using has a 4 X 8 bed that was made out of a mobile home axle. I've been towing this thing all over the east coast for 30 years without any issues. However I really don't like mobile home wheels. If you lost just one wedge that holds the wheel on you would be dead on the road. My question: are axles diameters pretty much universal? I can't remember what the diameter of the threads are on this thing, but I think the shaft inside the threads is straight. If I could get a replacement set of 5 lug hubs from say Tractor Supply of the same diameter as my axle shaft, would that work?

I am just thinking about this right now. I just replaced and repacked the bearings and it goes down the road as good as it ever did. I'd just like to make a change which would be a lot easier to do if I didn't have to pull the existing axle off the trailer. Although I haven't measured yet the overall width of the existing axle I have a sneaking suspicion that the existing axle width may be slightly different than one I would buy in a store like Tractor Supply. What say you experts?

Art

[48Rob]

Art,

It would be cheaper and easier to buy a complete brake axle and bolt it on.

Rob

[tony.latham]

I have a sneaking suspicion that the existing axle width may be slightly different than one I would buy in a store like Tractor Supply.

Here's the details of the last Dexter Torflex I ordered:

Axle: #9 Torflex with hubs
• Trailer weight: 1500#
• Start angle: 22.5" Down
• Hub Face: 74"
• Trailer width: 59.5"
• Hub Diameter: 6.5"
• Lubrication: EZ Lube

Now, I ordered straight from the factory, so I can't say what limitations that Tractor Supply would give you. But as you can see, at least for a Torflex, they'll let you order to the half inch of where the brackets will bolt and length from hub to hub. I assume it's the same for (one of 'em antique) spring axles.

For me, I'd be wondering what I'd have to do for brackets. But I suppose if you were just going to shackle it on, that wouldn't be a problem?

Tony

[ae6black]

Again I am showing my ignorance. I thought axles all had brackets welded on them where those big u bolt bolts down. I never thought of a torque flex mostly because I use the trailer for other things beside sitting my TD on. I am not sure how well that would work with my weird application.

Art

[tony.latham]

Again I am showing my ignorance. I thought axles all had brackets welded on them where those big u bolt bolts down. I never thought of a torque flex mostly because I use the trailer for other things beside sitting my TD on. I am not sure how well that would work with my weird application.

Art

Torsion axles work great, I can't think of an application where they wouldn't. But I wouldn't change your trailer at this point, unless you're extra, extra bored.

T

[Vedette]

Dexter all the way!
Order the exact size, weight and bolt pattern for your needs.
Cheap too!
Good roads
Brian & Sandi

[Greg M]

Brian, where are you ordering your Dexters from? Cerka?

[ae6black]

You know Rob you are making me think if I am going to upgrade to a safer wheel, maybe I ought to consider adding breaks. In the past towing with light vehicles on wet surfaces, I've been unable to stop and have had to avoid what was directly in my path. Thanks for all the feedback. While I may not do anything right away, after this feedback I am now leaning towards an upgrade with electric breaks. I mean my TD has them installed why not take advantage of them?

Art

[Vedette]

Brian, where are you ordering your Dexters from? Cerka?

Hi Greg
I have purchased both of my axles directly from Dexter........no middle man to up the price or screw up the order.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi