Selecting a New Axle, Wheels and Tires for a 4 x 8-Foot Utility Trailer

Question:

I want to change the axle, wheels and tires on my Harbor Freight 4foot x 8foot trailer to a 60inch HF axle and a AM31985 Tire and Wheel combination. I would like to stay with the existing 2inch wide springs if possible, which sit on top of the existing axle. Can you help me the correct axle? There are other items I may want as well. Thanks

asked by: Vance B

Expert Reply:

An easy way to replace your axle is to use a complete kit such as Dexter # 20545I-EZ-60-15. This kit consists of the 60-inch axle, idler hubs, bearings, seals, lug nuts and grease caps - and even grease.
This axle is rated for 2200-lbs and its spring centers are at 48-inches. Its hubs have the same 5-on-4-1/2-inch bolt pattern as the wheel/tire you referenced, part # AM31985 from Kenda. This kit will work with 13-inch wheels. Note that you will need to weld on new spring seats on top of the axles; we do not offer axles with spring seats on the top. You can use # TRSS175.

A complete axle kit like this means you do not have to sweat picking out individual bearings, seals and other components and so you'll know that everything will work together properly.

Do please note that upgrading your axle does not necessarily increase the weight capacity of your trailer.

expert reply by: Adam R

Jerry H.

2/19/2020

So what can you do to increase the weight capacity of such a trailer. I believe I have purchased at least a similar trailer, and Im beginning the research of such a project.

Chris R.

2/20/2020

It can be difficult to officially increase the capacity of a trailer, as its weight rating is based on a lot of factors (axle, frame, suspension, flooring, etc). This means it can quickly turn into a towing version of "whack-a-mole" as you start upgrading certain parts only to find out that the hubs still have a lower capacity, or the wheels, or the coupler. You will always be limited by your weakest link. You might try to contact the original trailer manufacture for more detailed specs to help determine this. Once you're finished upgrading, you would also want to take it up to an independent testing facility or dealer to see if they can officially determine a new/higher capacity.