Recommendation on Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension Using 31-32 Inch Tires on a Custom Trailer

Question:

I am wanting to build an off road trailer to pull behind my 2006 Jeep Rubicon. I am 99.9 sure that the lug pattern I will need will be 5 on 4 1/2. I dont need brakes so just the regular hub will work. I am going to put on the same rims that my Jeep came with. I purchased those rims from a guy who had a 2006 Rubicon. They are going to have 31 or 32 inch tires on them. So my question is, I really dont know which one to purchase. I see the A35RS545 is a 3500 lb axle and the ASR2KHDS02 at 2000 lbs. I also see that some have it listed as accepts wide tires, 2 or 4 inch lifts, some say s and I really would like to understand the meaning of all this before I place an order. Can you assist me on a system? If you need to ask more specific questions first, please let me know. The attached picture is just a general idea of what I want to build. Its main purpose is to show you that my intensions are to have the body go out to the edge of the tire and up and over the tire as opposed to the tire and fender sitting outside of the body.

asked by: Bill E

Helpful Expert Reply:

Between the two systems that you referenced, the Timbren Axle-Less Suspension System, # A35RS545, rated at 3,500 lbs with a bolt pattern of 5 on 4-1/2, would be option I recommend to use for your trailer build. The Timbren Axle-Less system will give a 3,500 lbs rated axles that will open up your under the trailer clearance that will be helpful in off-road conditions. Also, because these axles are not traditionally connected to together, the Timbren system acts like a independent suspension on your trailer.

The main issue with using automotive wheels is they may not have the correct offset to allow you to install the wheels that you want due to the width of the tires. If your wheels are for example, 31x10.5x16 you will need the correct wheel offset so you can have enough clearance to mount wheels on the axles.

You will have to measure the wheel backspace clearance that you will need if you are going to use your Jeep wheels and tires. The Timbren axles have diagrams that tell you the distance from the hub face to the edge of the axle-less suspension unit. The Timbren # A35RS545, for 3,500 lbs, measures 6 inches from hub face to axle frame mount. If your wheel has a 0 offset, then the center line of the wheel to the edge of the unit will be 6 inches. You will need to make sure to measure from the center of your Jeep wheels to the edge of the tire to see what your clearance will need to be to mount wheels on axles.

Using the the higher rated axle will give you a sturdier axle over the 2,000 lbs model Timbren system. However, if your trailer's gross vehicle weight does not exceeds 2,000 lbs, using the Timbren # ASR2KHDS02 might be a better option. This model Timbren axle has a hub face to axle mount mount distance of 8-1/2 inches. You will have to make sure you now what your backspace clearance will need to be before your can decide on which axle will work for your trailer.

expert reply by: Jared P