Parts Need to Build Off Road Trailer

Question:

Im building a small 4x6 off road utility trailer to be towed by my Toyota Four Runner. The trailer will need to handle some fairly serious off road trails but I dont want to go overboard on the overall weight either. I would like to run 16 inch tires on the trailer similar to what I have on the truck so I can use the same size spare between both trailer and vehicle. I dont expect to add more than a thousand pound load to the trailer not sure what the trailer is going to end up weighing but since Im using wood for the sides, Ill guess somewhere in the 500-700 pound range so lets say a maximum towing weight of 1750 pounds. My question is: Would a 2 inch square axle build using 1750 lb spindles with 6x5.5 inch hubs work for the above purpose? The 2 inch square tube has a wall thickness of 0.125. Would a 3500 pound axle provide a sufficient safety factor under most conditions for a maximum intended load of 1500-1750 pounds? The spindles I plan to use are model no TRU47FR and the hubs are model no. 84655uc1. This is my first trailer build so does this sound like it could work for my intended purpose? Thanks.

asked by: Mark T

Expert Reply:

Square axles can be tough to determine capacity, however the set up you reference above should be more than adequate for a towing weight of 1750 pounds. The TruRyde Spindle for Square Axles # TRU47FR, which you referenced, is a square spindle designed for 2 inch square axles and has a weight capacity of 1750 lbs, so it will work great for you. This spindle, # TRU47FR, is indeed compatible with Trailer Hub Assembly # 84655UC1, which you referenced. The hub assembly comes with the bearings, races, cap, lug nuts, and seals. We recommend a professional welder weld on these spindles.

This hub assembly is designed for use on 16 inch wheels with a 6 on 5-1/2 bolt pattern. The tire and wheel combo you will want is the Karrier ST235/85-R16 Radial Trailer Tire with 16" Wheel # AM32764. Check out the linked video review of this tire/wheel combo.

Please note: Trailer tires and wheels should not be used on vehicles and vice versa.

expert reply by: Chris O