Can Trailer Axle be Replaced with One that Has Longer Hub Face Length

Question:

Id like to replace my current axle 84inch hub-hub to a 89inch hub-hub 3500lb which would allow it to carry more weight. Is this possible or would I need to find the same measurement axle? The tires are currently under the trailer and with the upgrade I wouldnt mind placing the wheels on the outside of the trailer along with having bigger tires. How much of an issue would this be?

asked by: Hemi

Expert Reply:

You may be able to replace your existing axle that has an 84 inch hub face length with one that has an 89 inch hub face length without a problem but it's going to be dependent on your existing spring center length. This is the distance from the center of the spring seat on one side of the axle to the center of the seat on the other, which essentially gives you the width of your trailer.

When picking out a replacement axle you want to try and match up the hub face lengths like you mentioned but more important is the spring seat length. Just as an example the Dexter 3,500 Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brake # 35545E-ST-89 features the 89 inch hub face length you're looking for along with a spring center length of 74 inches.

If you can tell me your spring center length I will be happy to see if we have an axle with a matching dimension.

You can weld on new spring seats if needed to match what you currently have with a new axle (if we don't have one that matches already). On a 3,500 pound hub you just need to make sure that you have no more than 9 inches on each side of the axle between the hub face and the spring center. As long as you remain under that number then it's possible to go with a new axle that has a longer hub face length and the only effect it will have on your trailer is moving the wheels/hubs further out from the frame which you are fine with. This will not cause any issues.

I have attached a link that will take you to our available selection of 89 inch 3,500 pound axles that you can also check out.

expert reply by: Chris R