Trailer Axles to Replace Mobile Home Axles on Car Hauler Trailer

Question

Question:

Hi I have some old mobile home style axles on an old car trailer. I see on the website that a few people have asked this question but Im wondering what needs to be done to convert to new style brakes hubs wheels and tires. The axles have the welded on brakes but Im capable of welding on the new mounting flanges. Also it currently has 12” brakes. I just need to know what brakes, bearings, and hubs/drums etc to order. What measurements and info do you need from me to see if i can get new stuff?

asked by: Ryan

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Expert Reply:

Mobile home axles are made for transporting such a dwelling only one time, to its permanent location. But they really are not suitable for ongoing use on a trailer. They simply are not made for that particular application, in the same way that passenger vehicle tires are not suitable for use on trailers. For safety reasons I recommend you replace the mobile home axles with actual trailer axles of the appropriate weight capacity for the trailer's GVWR.

I linked our main page for beam type axles which displays axles rated for up to 7K, such as Dexter kit # 8327834-EB. This USA-made axle kit comes complete with electric brakes, 8-on 6-1/2 hub/drums, bearings, races, seals, grease caps, wheel studs, lug nuts, and even marine-grade wheel bearing grease. This axle measures 95-inches from hub face to hub face and 80-inches between spring seats. Using a whole axle kit means you'll have all new components that will have the same working lifetime. This is better for both safety and reliability.

If you still want to try to find alternate hubs to fit your existing axles you'll need to pull a hub to find the bearing and grease seal part numbers. The photo I linked for you shows where these part numbers usually appear. New hubs must use the same inner and outer bearings and the same grease seal as those on the axle now.

I also linked our main page for hub/drums. You can click on the appropriate axle weight rating, the hub bolt pattern needed to match your existing wheels and the bearing numbers you found to see if we have a compatible hub that matches each of those characteristics.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

There isn't an exact torque value for the spindle nut regardless of whether or not the hub uses grease or oil. The nut will need to be tightened until there is no side to side play on the hub. It is more of a process by feel rather than…

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Answer 2

You have some options with the 8-219 for replacement parts. These kits will include new brake hubs, bearings, races, seals, caps and wheel nuts. 1/2" Wheel Studs Grease Cap #8-219-4UC3 1/2" Wheel Studs EZ-Lube Cap #8-219-4UC3-EZ…

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Answer 3

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.

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

Hey Richard, thanks for reaching out! The Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator #099-175-00 is a great option for a replacement actuator because it's a direct replacement for the common Model 60 actuators that were popular in the…

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Answer 6

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…

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Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 8

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…

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Answer 9

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.…

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Answer 10

The manual lockout on your Atwood 85778 surge brake coupler is there so that you can back up the trailer without the brakes locking up on you. Yes you can safely tow your trailer with the broken manual lockout, you just have to make sure you…

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Answer 11

A BT8 spindle would have a diameter of .99 of an inch where the bearings would both install and would have a diameter of 1.24 where the great seal would ride. That would require a hub part #AKIHUB-440-2-1K for an idler hub. A BTR spindle would have…

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Answer 12

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…

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