Recommended 7,000 Pound Timbren Axle-Less System for Forest River 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

I have a Forest River Wildcat in need of new axles. Would Timbren TASR7KS01 work? The OEM axles are 5200 lb with Equa-Flex. They are undersized. I would go with 7000# rated now. I also need to raise the trailer up about 2inch so I can go from ST225/75R15D to ST235/80R16E to reduce the probability of blowouts. I need more clearance above the axle to fit these tires. The literature says these axles are for low pressure tires. will they work with 80 psi tires?

asked by: Gregory B

Expert Reply:

The Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System # TASR7KS01 referenced in your question is designed to fit any frame width and can essentially be used as a universal application. This system will work very nicely to replace the axles on your Forest River Fifth Wheel Trailer. As you mentioned, these feature a weight capacity of 7,000 pounds and can provide a little more ground clearance because the 2 independent units can eliminate the need for a thru axle. I do recommend making sure that all the other components on your trailer match or exceed the upgraded capacity on these axles. Because a trailer will always be limited by its weakest component, you will only be able to utilize the new capacity on the axle system if the previous axle and suspension were the trailer's weakest link.

I have attached an image with all of the dimensions for this system that you can take a look at. This will give you a good idea as to exactly where the hubs will sit in relation to your trailer to see if it will give you the needed lift for bigger tires. There is no reason you can't use trailer tires with a maximum 80 psi on this system.

I have attached a short video demonstration on the Axle-Less System so you can get a closer look at how everything installs and operates.

For a trailer hub and drum assembly that will fit the spindles on this kit, I recommend the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum # 42866UC3-EZ. These are designed for 7,000 pound axles and feature an 8 on 6-1/2 inch bolt pattern. Then for electric brake assemblies, you can use the Dexter # 23-106 for the Right Hand and # 23-105 for the Left Hand.