Recommended Axle Upgrade For Installing 15" Wheels and Tires On Harbor Freight Trailer

Question:

Seeking to upgrade 1990s harbor freight trailer with new axle, rims and 5 bolt rims/ 15 tires. What do you recommend?

asked by: George J

Expert Reply:

That's going to depend on the specs of your trailer frame and current axle measurements.

To go with a standard axle you'll need to measure the hub face to hub face measurement, and spring seat to spring seat measurement (shown in diagram below) to find a compatible axle, but I can tell you from experience you'll almost 100% be ordering a custom axle to get one with the capacities/specs you're looking for to fit your trailer as they tend to come with a much smaller 2,000lb axle.

The easiest option would be going with an axle-less setup like the Timbren # A35RS545 if you do not need trailer brakes, or the # A35RS545E if you do need trailer brakes.

This option will bolt directly to your trailer frame and is quite the upgrade over standard leaf spring suspension which is why most of the off-road/overlanding trailers on the market use these.

You'll be able to install any 15" 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern wheels of your choice with either option. I went ahead and included a link to our selection of wheels and tires that would work for your to choose from.

expert reply by: Samuel C