Boat Trailer Wheel with Mazda 6 Lug Bolt Pattern of 6 on 5-1/2 inch

Question:

I want to upgrade my Redco sportsman trailer to take a quintrex hornet up north. I want to match wheels to my Mazda BT50 16inch x 6 stud. I was thinking of upgrading the 3 leaf slipper springs possibly to 7 leaf, new square axle to match 6 stud hub. I need 70mm extra clearance due to wheel size going from 13inch to 16. Can I mount the axle under the springs? If this does not give me enough clearance can I weld stub axles under square axle bar and mount them under the springs with longer ufoot bolts. Any advise, suggestions would be appreciated Thank you.

asked by: John W

Expert Reply:

The Mazda 6 lug bolt pattern is 6 on 5-1/2 inch like what our trailer wheels have. We have the part # TA59VR which has a tire size of ST235/80R16 mounted on a 16 inch wheel with a 6 on 5-1/2 inch bolt pattern. Moving the axle to be under the spring is a very common modification for trailers to gain height.

The diameter of your trailer axle will determine the size of the parts that you will need to order. If your axle is 3 inches diameter, the Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit, # K71-385-00, would be a great choice and if your axle is 2-3/8 inch diameter you could use the Over-Under Kit, # K71-384-00. These kits can be installed without welding but the manufacturer strongly recommends having the new spring seat tacked in place on the other side of the trailer axle.

Some refer to this process as "flipping the axles," but since axle has a slight bow to it you can't just flip them and reinstall them under the springs using the same spring seats. You have to install new spring seats on the opposite side of the axle so that it can be moved below the spring.

expert reply by: Jameson C