Replacing the Axle on a Gooseneck Horse Trailer

Question

Question:

Ok so I have removed the axles once again. I measured the hub facing and it is 87” and the spring seat center is 70” I’m currently having trouble finding the correct measurements. One of the axles is an idler and the other has the electric brakes.

asked by: Chris

0

Expert Reply:

An axle flip kit like part # K71-384-00 will raise the trailer the diameter of the axle plus the height of the leaf spring pack. I do have options for you but rotating the axle to where the bend faces the other direction is not one of them. The bend in the axle will actually straighten out once a load is placed on the trailer and if this was reversed, the axle would lose capacity.

Now from this point forward you have two options both of which entail replacing the axle. Since your current axle has trailing arms that position the spindle above the centerline of the axle, a true straight axle would then bring the trailer down a few inches. In order to recommend the correct replacement I would need to know the following.

1) What is the capacity of the axle?

2) What is the distance between the two hub faces?

3) What is the distance between the two spring seats on center?

4) What are the inner and outer bearing numbers?

5) What is the bolt pattern of your wheels?

For example, the Dexter Trailer Axle part # T3584F-EZ-8974 is a 3,500 lb axle that has a hub face measurement of 89" and a spring seat measurement of 74". It uses a L68149 inner and L44649 bearing in addition to working with wheels that have a 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern.

The other option you have would be to switch to an axle-less system like the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System part # ASR3500S05 for standard height or part # ASR35HDS02 for 4" lift. This system actually replaces the leaf springs and axle on your trailer. They are very universal and easy to install. The progressive-rate rubber springs absorb road shock and will keep your horses safe.

I have attached a review video on each system for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

0

Chris

5/4/2018

Ok so I have removed the axles once again. I measured the hub facing and it is 87” and the spring seat center is 70” I’m currently having trouble finding the correct measurements. One of the axles is an idler and the other has the electric brakes.

Reply

Conner L.

5/4/2018

Thanks for the info! Just to confirm, the hub center measurement will need to be taken from the base of one wheel stud to the base of the wheel stud on the opposite side and the spring center measurement will need to be taken from the center of the spring seat on one side of the axle to the center of the seat on the other. Based on this, I recommend using the Dexter Trailer Axle Beam with E-Z Lube Spindles part # 8327816 for 5,200 lb or part # 8327826 for 6,000 lb. These axles have a 86-1/2" hub face to hub face and a 71-1/2" spring center to spring center measurement. The 5,200 lb axle uses a 25580 inner and a LM67048 outer bearing whereas the 6,000 lb axle uses a 25580 inner and a 15123 outer bearing. They both have E-Z lube spindles for easy maintenance. Then in order to add brakes or idler hubs you are going to use the following. With Brakes: 5,200 lb- part # AKEBRK-7-SA + part # 8-201-5UC3-EZ 6,000 lb- part # AKEBRK-7-SA + part # 8-201-9UC3-EZ Without Brakes: 5,200 lb- part # 8-213-5UC1-EZ 6,000 lb- part # AKIHUB-655-6-EZ-K

Reply

Answer 1

Without know exactly what lug pattern you have on your tires, I recommend the Dexstar Steel Spoke Trailer Wheel - 16" x 6" Rim - 8 on 6-1/2 #AM20750 for your Featherlite's spare tire. This rim fits your 16 x 6 tire. Since…

view full answer...

Answer 2

There are a couple reasons why you typically see the axles on a horse trailer further back than on a standard cargo or flatbed trailer. The first reason is to try and maintain the trailer's weight distribution as best as possible during…

view full answer...

Answer 3

The Universal Group 1-Leaf Double-Eye Spring for 6,000-lb Trailer Axles - 25-1/4" Long #e46SR is a replacement spring for an axle of up to 6,000 lb total capacity. Each spring is rated for up to 3,000 lbs. If you have tandem axles on your…

view full answer...

Answer 4

The wheel retainer ring that is included in certain hub assemblies like the Dexter #8-430-5UC3 that you referenced will be installed on dual wheels when tapered coned lug nuts like #6-109 are used instead of flange wheel nuts. It essentially allows…

view full answer...

Answer 5

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 6

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

view full answer...

Answer 7

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

view full answer...

Answer 8

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

view full answer...

Answer 9

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

view full answer...

Answer 11

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked…

view full answer...

Answer 12

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

view full answer...