Replacement Axle Options for Homemade Trailer

Question:

I purchased AKIHUB-440-2-1K to replace the hubs on a homemade trailer my wifes father made. The axle has a center piece that is 2 3/8inch diameter and 28inch long. Welded on to each end of it is a piece that is 2inch diameter and 13inch long. The spindles on each end of it are 4inch long. Center to center of the leaf spring pads is 45 1/2. Then length on your hub outer face to inner face is approximately 4 1/4 my existing hub is approximately 3 1/2. The new hub is too long for my spindle the nut cant be installed. What do you recommend?

asked by: Todd Y

Expert Reply:

Thank you for the photos of your homemade trailer axle. It appears that this part uses straight 1-inch threaded pipe in place of actual trailer spindles. Since this is likely to be difficult to match up to readily available trailer hubs I suggest replacing the entire axle with a complete kit. We do sell spindles, but these are not a DIY-type project since their proper installation requires specialized jigs to ensure the spindle is perfectly straight and concentric.

Spring center spacing of 46-1/2-inches is available with axle kits # CE33201GA and the similar kit # CE33201GA-HUB which includes 5-on-4-1/2 idler hubs. This spring spacing is the closest we offer to yours.

If you are looking to enhance the trailer's utility by improving its ground clearance you might really appreciate the unique engineering of the Timbren axle-less trailer suspension kits. These bolt or weld on to the trailer frame and eliminate the complexity and loss of ground clearance from leaf spring suspensions. Timbren systems also convert your trailer to a fully independent suspension!

Please refer to the linked page that displays such systems for a range of axle weight ratings. We have kits with or without hubs and brakes. For instance, kit # A20RS440 is rated for 2000-lbs, includes 4-on-4 idler hubs. Bearings, races and seals are included too.

The Timbren Axle-Less suspension system may require additional support on your trailer. If your trailer does not have a crossmember above the spot where you want to install the Timbren system, you may need to reinforce the frame. You can accomplish this three ways. First, you can retrofit the trailer with a crossmember. Second, you can build out the trailer frame. Third, you can use standard, 2-inch steel tubing to connect the 2 Timbren suspensions together using the built-in square hole on each unit.