Determining Axle Length for Home-made 4 x 8 Trailer Using Square Stub Spindles
Question:
I am building a trailer that will be exactly 4foot x 8foot and want to fab an axle. Want to use square tube for square spindle 1.5inch and a wheel hub that is 5 on 4 1/2. So the question is how long should my axle tube be so that it clears the frame and centers in the wheel well? The tube is 2x2x3/16inch with a 1 5/8inch ID
asked by: Norm
Expert Reply:
You can use the 8-1/4-inch overall length of the TruRyde BT8 1-1/2-inch Spindle # TRU97FR to help you determine the correct length for your axle tube. You also need to take into account the width of the tires you intend to use as these also will increase the width of the overall combination of the axle, spindle, hub and wheel. Start with the overall width of the trailer and its fenders/wheel wells, subtract the widths of your two chosen wheels and the lengths of the two spindles to determine axle tube length.
A safer and easier option is to select a complete axle assembly from etrailer. This gives you the advantage of knowing the axle's confirmed weight capacity, which you cannot know if you fabricate.
The link at right will show you our main page for trailer axles. On a small utility trailer like your 4 x 8 we often see 2000-lb-rated axles such as Dexter Trailer Idler Axle # 20545I-EZ-60-15. This complete kit includes the axle beam, 5-on-4-1/2-inch hubs, bearings races, seals - even lug nuts and grease. This particular axle is rated for 2200-lbs. It is illustrated in the linked video.
Products Referenced in This Question
Dexter Trailer Idler Axle w/ Hubs - EZ-Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 60" Long - 2,200 lbs
- Trailer Axles
- Leaf Spring Suspension
- Easy Lube Spindles
- Idler Hubs
- 2200 lbs
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- 48 Inch Long
- 60 Inch Long
- No Drop or Lift
- Dexter
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Square BT8 Spindle for 2,000-lb Trailer Axles - 1-1/2" Wide
- Trailer Spindles
- Standard Spindle
- 1-1/2 Inch Diameter
- Square
- For 2000 lb Axle
- TruRyde
more information >
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