Constructing an Axle from Pipe and Spindle for Use on Homemade Trailer

Question

Question:

What size pipe does the spindle fit into? I would like to build a small trailer to pull behind my Celica. I need to build my own axel.

asked by: Cory

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Expert Reply:

The TruRyde Spindle # TRU94FR that you referenced has a 1-1/4-inch diameter stub. This spindle will fit an axle beam (pipe) with a 1-1/4-inch inner diameter. While you can certainly fabricate your own axle to go on your homemade trailer, assuming you have access to a qualified welder, I suggest you consider buying a complete axle assembly from etrailer.

Apart from the savings in time and labor you also benefit from knowing the exact capacity of that system, something you do NOT get with a home-built axle. Many of the axle kits we offer include all of the related parts - hubs, bearings, races, seals, etc - which ensures that everything will fit together properly.

The link provided for you will let you see all axle kits we offer. These are rated for various capacities
from 1200-lbs to 3500-lbs (for actual beam axles) and up to 5200-lbs for the axle-less bolt on systems from Timbren. These can make it easier to build a trailer with a low deck height. You can use the filters on the page to narrow the results based on the characteristics you need.

Let's say you want an 89-inch axle rated for 3500-lbs that uses 5 on 4-1/2 bolt pattern idler hubs (hubs without brakes); then you might consider kit # 35545I-EZ-89 from Dexter Axle. If you are planning to include a suspension on the trailer the linked article may be helpful. I also linked you to our main page for trailer couplers.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

The hub/drum/brake assembly components are a totally different size between a 3,500 lb axle and a 5,200 lb axle. You can easily swap to the 5,200 lb axle like the part #8327816 but you will need new hub/drums like the #8-201-5UC3-EZ which has a 12…

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Answer 2

The #84 E-Z Lube Spindle w/ Brake Flange for 3,500-lb Trailer Axles Item #TRU77FR does not come with a castle nut so you'd need to order that as well with part #165686.

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Answer 3

Since you have a 3,500 lb trailer axle the correct spindle you'd need is the part #TRU77FR that you referenced. This would match same dimensions as the spindle you have now and also comes with a brake flange.

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Answer 4

I checked with Trudyde, and I was able to find out that the bar stock material used to make the spindle #TRU77FR is hot rolled SAE 1045 steel which is a medium carbon common steel grade.

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Answer 5

The 4-bolt brake mounting pattern is fairly rare in a 12 x 2 inch assembly. We have some options though; for 6K axles we have #23-105-09 for the left and #23-106-09 for the right. The 4-bolt pattern on these assemblies is offset meaning the bottom…

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Answer 6

I do have a solution for you, but the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator #DM8101802 is made to fit the more common 3" wide trailer tongues, so the mounting bracket won't work with your 4" trailer tongue. Instead, I recommend the…

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Answer 7

Depending on how the trailer was made, there will be a few spots you can check to identify the axle. First, if the trailer was pre-made by a specific company, you may be able to find this information in either the paperwork or on a placard somewhere…

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Answer 8

If your trailer is more than 80" wide and 37' long then you need 2 rear side marker lights, 2 rear side reflectors, 2 front side marker lights, 2 front side reflectors, 2 intermediate side marker lights and reflectors, as well as 2 front and…

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Answer 9

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 10

You can mount trailer axles above or below the leaf springs. The difference is just the amount of ground clearance that the trailer would end up having. The biggest advantage with the spring below the axle (trailer will be lower) is that you would…

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Answer 11

As a general rule of thumb, trailer tires should be replaced every 6 to 8 years regardless of wear. Even though an older tire might appear to have plenty of tread left on it, dry rot and cracking can cause tire failure. The mating surface behind the…

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Answer 12

I would first recommend that you check to see how much clearance your current tires have. This will help you determine if you can fit any larger tires without modifying the fenders or suspension. I like to have at least 1" of clearance…

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