Can a Trailer Axle be Put On a Truck Bed to Make a Trailer

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Question:

Hello, so I am in the planning stages of building an expedition trailer that matches my truck, I already have a donor truck to use the truck bed and frame, which will be modified, since it is a truck axle I plan to remove it and use a straight axle without brakes. I also plan to utilize the trucks suspension as it will be a lifted off road trailer. It will mainly be used to tow extra camping gear and supplys, and extra parts for the truck. My biggest thing is I want something with the same bolt pattern as the truck which is 6/5.5, a Toyota 6 lug. Can I get a size like this and what weight class axle would you recommend? Thank you

asked by: Jason G

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Expert Reply:

First, I am pretty sure you don't have to change the axle out if you are making a trailer out of a truck bed. You will want to check the laws in your state/area though.

The highest capacity straight axles that we carry are rated for 3,500 pounds which likely exceeds the capacity of the truck bed.

For a trailer axle that will accept a hub with a 6 on 5-1/2 bolt pattern you could use # T3584F-8974 with hub # 84655UC1. Or EZ lube axle # T3584F-EZ-8974 with hub # 84655UC1-EZ. Both of these axles measure 89 inches long, hub face to hub face and 74 inches from spring seat center to spring seat center.

If a different length or spring seat spacing is needed you would need to order a custom axle from a local tractor or trailer supply store. I also cannot guarantee compatibility between the truck suspension and the trailer axle.

Please note that if you were planning to use matching truck tires and wheels you will not be able to. This is because of the differences between passenger vehicle tires and trailer tires. Trailer tires are built with a thicker sidewall to handle more vertical load. You might be able to use the wheels as long as they are conventional steel wheels and not alloy wheels.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 2

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 4

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 5

Thank you for providing the specs for the suspension components that you already have. Correct hanger spacing really depends on the components being used such as springs, hangers and equalizers. Most of the hanger spacing dimensions that we have are…

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Answer 6

For a single axle trailer, you want the shackle strap to be able to move so that you have the spring deflection needed for your suspension. Angled like the photo or even almost vertical is fine you just don't want the shackle strap to bind and…

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Answer 7

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 8

A BT8 spindle would have a diameter of .99 of an inch where the bearings would both install and would have a diameter of 1.24 where the great seal would ride. That would require a hub part #AKIHUB-440-2-1K for an idler hub. A BTR spindle would have…

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Answer 9

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked…

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Answer 10

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 11

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 12

The two sizes you mentioned are pretty similar and fit many of the same 15 inch wheels. The 205/75-15 fits rim widths of 5 inch to 6-1/2 inch whereas the 225/75-15 fits widths that are 5 inch to 6 inch. The 205 is 27.1 inches tall and the 225 is 28.4…

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Can a Trailer Axle be Put On a Truck Bed to Make a Trailer

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