Recommended Parts for Rebuild/Upgrade of Harbor Freight Trailer
Question:
Thank you for answering my questions. I've read your answers and I have a few more questions for you. I was thinking of using the Provider ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer tires, item #A13R45GM. The reason for the switch is these tires have wear indicators and will only make the decision of when to replace them easier like a car. With regard to the axle it seems the smarter way to go would be to mount the springs under the axle using the # CE23000 u bolts you recommended and weld the # APS4 spring hangers to the frame. This raises the question of whether or not it would be wiser to use 15" Provider tires #A15R45GM to keep the axle higher for clearance. I have read that when the trailer rides higher for clearance the trade off is the center of gravity is raised. On the OEM HF parts the trailer axle is 8.5" and the frame is 18" off the ground. I'm not sure if 13" tires with springs under the axle will add to these numbers or subtract but clearly whatever the 13" does to the height of the axle and frame the 15" tires will add even more height. Is 15" tires a wise move or is that raising the center of gravity too high. Again not going anywhere near the 2200lb axle limit, the axle can accept 13"-15" tires ,and I still use the beds tilting feature which would be higher up on 15" wheels but I don't think our friend gravity will mind. Please let me know and thanks again.
asked by: Paul
Expert Reply:
The Dexter Trailer Idler Axle w/ Hubs - EZ-Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 60" Long - 2,200 lbs # 20545I-EZ-60-15 is a great starting point to upgrade your trailer. This will give you a standard size axle with good bearings, hubs, and EZ-lube spindles. This is far nicer than the weird sized stuff that comes on Harbor Freight trailers.
The Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D # AM31994 will be a great addition to these hubs and the radial tires will be much better for highway driving. Make sure to inflate the tires to the max psi of 65 when filling them cold prior to a trip.
The new axle is not square but rather round and has the spring seats which are flat, so you will still want to use the U-Bolt Kit but I recommend the CE Smith U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 2,000-lb, Round Trailer Axles - 4" Long U-Bolts - Zinc # CE23000 which are galvanized plates with zinc plated hardware to resist rust and corrosion. There is not an over-under kit we have available for this size axle or that is galvanized, so the leaf springs will need to be installed under the axle or you will need to weld a spring seat like # TRSS175 to the top of your axle and find spacers and longer u-bolts to make your own kit similar to # K71-384-00.
For your springs and hangers to allow you to use the under axle installation, I recommend the Single-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 3-1/4" Front, 1-1/4" Rear # APS4 along with the 3-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 2,500-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/8" Long # e66SR which will make your axle or your trailer frame itself the weakest part of your system. The hangers will need to be spaced 24-7/8" on center from each other splitting the distance of your axle. You will appreciate the double eye springs over the slipper springs for the type of traveling you will be doing. This does mean the hangers will need to be welded in place.
Wookie
3/1/2020
I am liking the recommendations posted here, and I have access to a person who can mount the hangers. Will likely go the 13 tire size, so I wont be flipping the axle.Before I pull the trigger, do you have any idea if anything of this setup will take the folding feature away from this trailer?Do you also have some insight if the OEM fenders can still be used, or do you think I might need to purchase a new set of those too?
Chris R.
3/3/2020
Paul
1/26/2018
Thank you for answering my questions. I've read your answers and I have a few more questions for you. I was thinking of using the Provider ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer tires, item #A13R45GM. The reason for the switch is these tires have wear indicators and will only make the decision of when to replace them easier like a car. With regard to the axle it seems the smarter way to go would be to mount the springs under the axle using the # CE23000 u bolts you recommended and weld the # APS4 spring hangers to the frame. This raises the question of whether or not it would be wiser to use 15" Provider tires #A15R45GM to keep the axle higher for clearance. I have read that when the trailer rides higher for clearance the trade off is the center of gravity is raised. On the OEM HF parts the trailer axle is 8.5" and the frame is 18" off the ground. I'm not sure if 13" tires with springs under the axle will add to these numbers or subtract but clearly whatever the 13" does to the height of the axle and frame the 15" tires will add even more height. Is 15" tires a wise move or is that raising the center of gravity too high. Again not going anywhere near the 2200lb axle limit, the axle can accept 13"-15" tires ,and I still use the beds tilting feature which would be higher up on 15" wheels but I don't think our friend gravity will mind. Please let me know and thanks again.
Jason S.
1/26/2018
Products Referenced in This Question
Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Radial Tire
- Load Range D
- 175/80-13
- 13 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Galvanized
- Boat Trailer Wheels
- Kenda
more information >
Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Radial Tire
- Load Range C
- 205/75-15
- 15 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Galvanized
- Boat Trailer Wheels
- Kenda
more information >
Single-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit for Double-Eye Springs - 3-1/4" Front, 1-1/4" Rear
- Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension
- Hangers
- Suspension Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Single Axle
- etrailer
more information >
CE Smith U-Bolt Kit for Mounting 2,000-lb, Round Trailer Axles - 4" Long U-Bolts - Zinc
- Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension
- U-Bolt Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Snowmobile Trailer
- 2000 lbs
- Round Axle - 1-3/4 Inch
- 3/8 Inch Diameter
- 4 Inch Long
- CE Smith
more information >
Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
- Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension
- Alignment and Lift Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Round Axle - 2-3/8 Inch
- Single Axle
- Dexter
more information >
Provider ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 13" Vesper White Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LRC
- Trailer Tires and Wheels
- Tire with Wheel
- Radial Tire
- Load Range C
- 175/80-13
- 13 Inch
- M - 81 mph
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- Steel Wheels - Acrylic Enamel
- Taskmaster
more information >
Spring Seat for Typical 2,000-lb, Round Trailer Axles with 1-3/4" Diameter - Qty 1
- Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension
- Spring Seats
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Round Axle - 1-3/4 Inch
- TruRyde
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Dexter Trailer Idler Axle w/ Hubs - EZ-Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 60" Long - 2,200 lbs
- Trailer Axles
- Leaf Spring Suspension
- Easy Lube Spindles
- Idler Hubs
- 2200 lbs
- 5 on 4-1/2 Inch
- 48 Inch Long
- 60 Inch Long
- No Drop or Lift
- Dexter
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Dexter Trailer Idler Axle w/ Hubs - EZ-Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 60" Long - 2,200 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Upgrading Trailer Tires and Wheels For Highway use on Harbor Freight 4x8 Folding Trailer
- Shop: Karrier ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire with 13" Galvanized Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Will ST175/80R13 Trailer Tires Fit on the Harbor Freight Super Duty Folding Trailer?
- Shop: Taskmaster 5.30R12 Radial Trailer Tire - Load Range C
- Shop: Loadstar ST205/75D15 Bias Trailer Tire w/ 15" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range C
- Shop: Kenda Karrier ST205/75R15 Radial Trailer Tire with 15" Black Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR C
- Search Results: axle
- Shop: Trailer Axle with Idler Hubs - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 60" Long - 2,000 lbs
- Search Results: hubs
- Search Results: spare tire mount
- Video: Kenda Tires and Wheels - Tire with Wheel - AM31994 Review
- Q&A: How to Determine Replacement Trailer Wheel Bearing Sizes
- Q&A: Upgrading the Tire and Wheel on a Harbor Freight Trailer
- Shop: CE Smith Trailer Axle w/ Idler Hubs - 5 on 4-1/2 - 57-1/2" Long - 1.8K
- Q&A: Can a 5.30-12 Size Tire be Replaced with a ST145/R12 Size Tire
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Q&A: Can Wheels and Tires Be Upgraded From 13" to 15" on Harbor Freight Trailer
- Q&A: Replacement Fender for a Harbor Freight Folding Trailer with 4.80x12 Tires
- Search Results: 1 spindle
- Search Results: spring shackle kit
- Search Results: dexter axles
- Video: CE Smith Trailer Fenders - Top and Side Step - CE19503-2 Review
- Video: Dexter Axle Trailer Axles - Leaf Spring Suspension - 20545I-EZ-60-10 Review
- Shop: Tire Chains
- Video: Best 2012 Subaru Forester Trailer Wiring Options
- Search Results: 5x100 hub
- Article: Trailer Hitch Installation Tips
on Trailer Leaf Spring Suspension
Wookie
3/3/2020
Thanks, Chris. I pulled out a tape measure, and the leaf springs mounting doesnt look like it will interrupt anything. Thanks for the recommendation of 3 of clearance.I will post up how things shake down. I ordered my kit last night!