Rebuilding the Suspension and Axles on a Homemade Tandem Axle Car Trailer

Question:

First Question: I purchased this 26 foot long trailer many years ago. The axles, drums and wheels are from a Chevy Nova 1969. The Tires are 14inch and the rims measure to the outside 14 and 12. Is there anyway that I can use any of this brake kits? I plan to haul a 1986 Chevy Monte Carlo over 700 miles on it. Second Question: I am interested in the Hopkins # 31345 lighting kit. I have just read the reply on a different box unit. My Unicell does not have easy access to the tail lights or a place to mount the lighting control box. 1 How weather / water tight is the unit?? If I use it under my trucks frame, does it need to be mounted in a weather proof bell box? 2 Is there a different unit that I should be looking at?

asked by: David H

Expert Reply:

I do have an option for you but I don't have any way of mixing and matching trailer parts to work on your trailer with custom axles, wheels, and brakes from a 1969 Chevy Nova. If you would like to find a way to modify the Dexter Nev-R-Adjust Electric Trailer Brake Kit part # 23-468-469 to fit your trailer like you did for the axles, wheels, and brakes you have now then you are more than welcome to do so but I won't have any advice for this.

The best and only option I have for you is to switch over to an actual trailer axle/suspension. In order to recommend an axle for you I would need to know the hub face and spring center measurements of the axles you have now. For example, the Trailer Axle w/ Electric Brakes part # e43SR has a 3,500 lb capacity with an 89" hub face and 74" spring center. In order to attach this axle I recommend using the Tandem-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit part # APT3, the U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 3,500 Lb Axles part # APUBR-1, and the 4-Leaf Double-Eye Spring part # e54SR.

In regards to the Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness part # 31345, it is advised to mount the converter box inside the vehicle. Therefore, if this cannot be done then you will need to look into a non-powered unit, the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part # 118392 which is a fit for your 2008 Chevrolet Express Van.