Axle for Converting Old Trailer to Flat Bed

Question:

i stripped down a 1960 park model 32 foot mobile home to make a flat bed. it has a 5 inch channel frame with a 2-5/16 ball and tandem axles. the wheels are a 10x6 rim with a 5 on 5.5 bolt pattern. yes in most cases that would just be a no brainer 3500 lb axle. the kicker is the axles are a 2 inch SOLID steel square shaft and the spindles are machined into the shaft so its all one piece. not a tube with welded in spindles like most axles. the other thing is the I.D. of the bearings match a 5200-7000 pound axle with the outer being 1-1/4 ID and the inner is 1-3/4 ID. what do yall think? thank you for your time.

asked by: Jay M

Expert Reply:

Determining the capacity of a square axle can be a chore, especially for one that has the age on it that yours has, but you already did the right thing by measuring the inner and outer diameter of the bearings. That's really the best way and most reliable way to find the capacity and if you measured and got those inner diameters it would definitely indicate a larger capacity axle.

Having said all that, I very strongly recommend going with a new axle for a couple reasons. One is the unknown capacity of the axle you have and the other, more important part is that mobile home axles are designed to be used one time. So in order to choose the correct replacement axle for your trailer you will need to know the dimensions of your current axle's hub face to hub face and spring center to spring center as in the diagram I have added; the other thing you need to know is the weight capacity of the axle you need, which should match or exceed the GVWR of your trailer.

For example the Dexter Trailer Axle with Idler Hubs # 8327834 has a 7,000 lb capacity and measures 95 inches from hub face to hub face and 80 inches from spring center to spring center.

You do have another option, the Timbren Axle-Less Suspension System, which are simply bolted or welded so you do not have to worry about finding an axle that meets any specific measurements such as the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System # ASR5200S01.

I've added a link to our selection of axles for you to check out, or if you get back to me with that information I'd be happy to try and find something that will work for you. I've also added a couple links to help articles on suspension and bearings you may want to check out.

expert reply by: Kyle S