How to pick your axle start angle

[alaska teardrop]

Andrew - I'll leave the writing to the expert. The reason that I brought it up in your discussion about start angles is that the swing arm won't swing without sufficient clearance. Fred

[angib]

Fred, is that 6.2" number for a Dexter #9?

If so, it seems what you're saying is that the minimum overhang for a standard spindle given by Dexter (6.5" - see bottom right of chart) is also the minimum hubface-to-body-wall dimension with little or no (0.3") clearance.



Dang, that's nearly started the How To Pick Your Axle Width topic.

Andrew

[asianflava]

I didn't know that short spindles existed until I saw this chart. Of course that was after I had ordered my axle. That extra 1/2 may have prevented me from notching the sidewalls.

[alaska teardrop]

Andrew - Yes, Redneck shows the dimension (6.2") http://www.redneck-trailer.com/2004/A.htm Also Redneck only lists one minimum dimension of 6", which must be the 1" spindle for 8" to 10" wheels. Note that the minimum and maximum overhang dimensions only relate to the construction of the axle. i.e. physical limitation of the minimum dimension and the unsprung(?) load at the maximum dimension. Therefore, as an example, 62" (hub face to hub face) minus 48" (outside bracket to outside bracket) =14" minus 6.2"x2 = 1.6" divided by 2 = 0.8" clearance on both sides. I brought this up because I've read that a couple of builders have been tripped up. If one brings the side walls or trim down alongside the frame, one can end up with no clearance. In conclusion, I guess that I would say to call for a hub face to hub face dimension at least 14" greater than the width of the trailer regardless of the mounting bracket location. And, I would draw this up if I had your expert capabilities. Fred - the worlds' farthest North teardrop builder. minus 11* and blowing snow

[Alphacarina]

Andrew,

A bit more info:

The Flexiride half torsion axles rated at 1400lb and above (1400, 2000, and 3500 lb) use the cartridge mechanizm and are adjustible. The 550 and 935 lb are not

They now sell even the smaller 550 pound and 935 pound half axles with adjustqable arms

Jaques Angers recently sent me a price list with all the available options

They also sell 2 different 5 on 4.5 hubs - One for 12 inch and smaller wheels and one with a larger flange for 13 inch and larger wheels

Jacques Angers
Sales Representative
UCF America Inc.
Phone (856) 488-1800 ext. 126

Don

[BobR]

VIVA SPRINGS!!! Doug

I'm with Doug on this one...

[Nitetimes]

VIVA SPRINGS!!! Doug

I'm with Doug on this one...

Yup!! Here too!.

[john]

Thanks Andrew and Grant. Info sooo needed.

[john]

I thought I would add this info. that Dexter faxed me. They requested some dimensions that are labeled "needed" in pic below. In the end I went with the flexiride UCF over the torflex from dexter as it was less expensive.

[pahrumpcaveman]

FNG here and just looking into building a teardrop for 4x4ing . I was thinking of using this type of axel as it seams it would give better clearance and was going to go with a 2000# 45% downward . But you guys now have my head spinning with all this and don't know what to get ..............help.....

[jss06]

FNG here and just looking into building a teardrop for 4x4ing . I was thinking of using this type of axel as it seams it would give better clearance and was going to go with a 2000# 45% downward . But you guys now have my head spinning with all this and don't know what to get ..............help.....

Honestly, You will get more clearance out of a Leaf spring axle set up Spring-over-Axle (SOA).

[AlienSKP]

Thanks for this post. I might have a couple questions, is there still anyone reading this thread ?

[dales133]

I'm no expert but I've just built a 4x4 trailer frame...I'll help if I can

[jonw]

If it's any help, on my teardrop I just went with the default recommended 22.5 degree downangle for my Flexride torsion axle. My TD is half the weight of the maximum for the axle and it seems to ride just fine, and the height of the trailer is perfect. I could change if but I've never had the inclination to do so.

[AlienSKP]

If it's any help, on my teardrop I just went with the default recommended 22.5 degree downangle for my Flexride torsion axle. My TD is half the weight of the maximum for the axle and it seems to ride just fine, and the height of the trailer is perfect. I could change if but I've never had the inclination to do so.

Hi
Could you tell us what's the size of your wheels and the final height of your trailer ? I have hard time to decide what should be the start angle on my trailer
Thank you
Cheers from Toronto !