Trailer Axles Upgrade?
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Trailer Axles Upgrade?
I'm looking at an old camper trailer frame I want to convert to a car trailer/hauler. Everything is exactly as I want but the axles are 1-3/4 square tube. 1-3/4 diameter round tube is rated at 2000 lbs each so I figured square tube would be about the same. I'm going to usually tow my Honda's which are 2000-2500lbs each, plus the trailer so figure 4000lbs minimum. Those axles would be pushing it.
Is there a way to cut the 1-3/4 tube out and weld in some 2-1/2 tube instead, or is the spindle/hub included in the weight rating? They are drop spindle/axles by the way. Is the axle basically just the brace between each spindle, so by strengthening the axle you allow it to carry more load without breaking?
I plan to reinforce the frame and make decking on it, then have it inspected by the state patrol to make it all legit. I've seen quite a few converted ones and seems like the best option for me.
Is there a way to cut the 1-3/4 tube out and weld in some 2-1/2 tube instead, or is the spindle/hub included in the weight rating? They are drop spindle/axles by the way. Is the axle basically just the brace between each spindle, so by strengthening the axle you allow it to carry more load without breaking?
I plan to reinforce the frame and make decking on it, then have it inspected by the state patrol to make it all legit. I've seen quite a few converted ones and seems like the best option for me.
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Yes, most camper trailers have electric brakes already installed. I should just have to clean them up.
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Not sure, could be solid but just assumed that most are tube. So if it's solid 1-3/4 then likely the weight rating is closer to 3500lbs than 2000lbs?
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I can't quite tell in the pictures, but it looks like 4 lug like most camper trailers I've seen.
My original question was about modifying the axles, so if I wanted to play it safe and replace the 1-3/4 tube with say 2-1/2 tube could I just weld it to the spindle flange? The drum brakes look big so I figure the spindles are beefy too just the axles look a little wimpy.
My original question was about modifying the axles, so if I wanted to play it safe and replace the 1-3/4 tube with say 2-1/2 tube could I just weld it to the spindle flange? The drum brakes look big so I figure the spindles are beefy too just the axles look a little wimpy.
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Laughing Gas
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4 lug hubs could indicate an axle as light as 1500#'s . The spindles "could" maybe handle more but axles are cheap it would not be worth the effort to try and beef up the originals, just replace them with better axles, I would use a pair of 3500# axles in your case.
Fleet Mechanic
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From: Lower 48
You only have to bend one axle once and leave your trailer behind, before you get gunshy of light axles. You are going to end up doing an axle swap so get 7,000 lb axles with brakes and be done with it.
Laughing Gas
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If it does have 4 lug hubs I would be very surprised if they had even 2K capacity, maybe, but unless you can find the numbers on the axle I wouldn't trust it. Just replacing the center part of the tube will not do what you want, most of the strength in an axle is the spindles and I would not trust the ones you have. Good axles anrn't that expensive and then you will know what you have. Depending on what you may haul in the future, I don't know if you need 7K axles but I would go at least 5K. The other thing to consider is the frames on a lot of lighter travel trailers are not that strong for what you are trying to do, they relied on the trailer box it self to help spread out and absorb some of the weight, without the box the frame may not be strong enough for a car hauler as the frame now has to carry the entire load. I think you would be better off finding a used car hauler.
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