Stupid axle question

[d_lairson]

Ok, very basic question... Suppose I get an axle from an online store at a good price (which I haven't), and suppose I was building the ultralight trailer in andrew's design library (which I don't know if I'm going to do), how would I attach said axle to the steel angle? I see in the design the use of a sort of bracket, but I cannot find a bracket like that anywhere!
Also another stupid question, what exactly spins on the axle, is it just the hubs, or does the whole shaft spin?
You can tell I have no Idea what I'm doing at this point, man this learning curve is steep!

[synaps3]

The only thing attached to the steel angle would be the suspension brackets, attached to the leaf springs of the suspension, attached to the axle.

The axle stays fixed and does not rotate. At each end of the axle is a rotating hub where the wheels mount and spin.

Does that clear things up a bit?

[boomboomtulum]

Perhaps, you might want to consider (dont know if you have or not) buying a Trailer already built? It sounds like it may be the way to go for you. Then all the welding, axle placement is completed. Check Harbor freight they have a 4X8 resonably priced sometimes in a kit you just bolt together or Tractor Supply. Or have someone weld one together for you with the axle you (may or may not buy) for the trailer (you may or may not build). Just dont forget to post pics.

Dave

[angib]

Let's just check we're talking about the same axle:-

The Ultralight chassis is only suitable for a rubber torsion axle like this:



The holes for the four bolts that attach the two brackets on the axle to the frame angles can be clearly seen.

If you mean a traditional axle with leaf springs, like this:



that isn't suitable to the Ultralight chassis - by the time you've adapted the frame to fit the axle, it isn't ultralight anymore.

Andrew

[starleen2]

Ok, very basic question...
You can tell I have no Idea what I'm doing at this point, man this learning curve is steep!

>. and thus the question asked. it's better to ask the questions NOW than to spend some $$$ on something that may not be what you need. Keep asking away - and that steep learning curve will flatten out

[aggie79]

Like Andrew said. Torsion axles come with a "perch" that can be bolted vertically to the frame. You can order separate side mount brackets that weld to the frame. Then horizontal bolts can be used to bolt the axle perch to the bracket on the frame. The benefit of the side mount bracket approach is that you don't have to worry about interference between the floor and the bolts.

Oh, and by the way, there are no stupid questions. This board helped me order the correct axle. I tried reading the threads, but couldn't comprehend the measurements.

When you think you have your axle spec'd, post the specs on the board and folks will be happy to let you know if you've figured things out correctly.

[RogHodge]

I guess I’m screwed!

The Ultralight chassis is only suitable for a rubber torsion axle like this:

Or perhaps mine is not an ‘ultra’ light.

Welcome – greetings- and post lots of pics- this is standard welcome line

HF will sell individual parts if you care to buy them- I’m sure you will save a few bucks if you wait for a sale and use a coupon- or surf Craig’s list- I got a 4x8 for $50- it needed some work but it also let me become familiar with the parts.

Use the designs and others ideas as a starting place and go from there- I agree with Dave that the ‘Ultralight’ is a bit of an advanced project even though it may seem simpler. I am doing a very similar trailer but with a frame- you can check the link below (this is me tooting my own horn )

Also consider how you will register that thing- trying to convince the highway patrol that a wooden frame is road worthy might be a real hassle. I don’t know what FL would say but CA is crazy stupid- I registered first thing- don’t tell the govenator.

[Shadow Catcher]

Ignorance is curable Not asking questions can get expensive fast, and I don't remember any one ever giving anyone a hard time over a sincere question.

[angib]

Yeah, and the great thing about you having the guts to ask a 'stupid' question is that at least twenty people who would be too embarrassed to ask the same question will find out the answer.

Did someone say: "there are no stupid questions, only stupid answers"? Maybe it was me....

Andrew

[angib]

I guess I’m screwed!

The Ultralight chassis is only suitable for a rubber torsion axle like this:

What I meant was that the Ultralight triangular chassis can't be used, as shown, with a leaf-spring axle - that chassis is held together by the strength of the torsion axle, so if switched to a leaf-spring axle, that strength has to be replaced. That would mean adding cross-members to connect the front and back of the side rails about where the spring mounts are.

This doesn't apply to your trailer at all, because you've got loads of cross-members as part of the HF trailer.

Andrew