Axle, Hubs, Tire and Wheel Recommendation for Homemade 2,000 lb Trailer

Question:

Hi, Im building a small off-road camping trailer to use with my van.... My idea was to use matching wheels and tires on the trailer so as to be carrying a second spare that can be used on either the trailer or the van.... The van has standard GM 6 on 139.5 wheels which mount on 14mm studs.... If I buy 6-lug trailer hubs, they have only 1/2inch studs, which are slightly smaller meaning they would fit a bit sloppy on the 1/2inch studs.... Is that an issue? Or will the taper of the lug nuts self-correct? The trailer will weigh around 2000# or so, so it isnt very heavy.... Could I find hubcentric rings to maybe reduce the stress on the lugs? Do I need to try some other approach? Thank you for any insight....

asked by: Gavio

Expert Reply:

While I totally understand the convenience of having a spare that can be used on either your trailer and your van, I cannot recommend using automotive tires on a trailer (or vice versa), and here's why.

ST (Special Trailer) tires are made for a specific purpose—supporting the vertical load and cornering forces of trailers, which is why their sidewalls are stiffer. P (Passenger) tires are designed with more flexible sidewalls and are made with passenger comfort and steering in mind and need to be balanced differently. Generally speaking, it's a bad idea to swap them. They simply weren't made to perform in the same way. Then there is the off-set issue where vehicles often have an offset much different than the standard zero offset of a trailer tire and wheel.

With all that in mind, below are my recommendations for building your 2,000 lb trailer:

- Dexter Trailer Axle w/ Idler Hubs - EZ-Lube - 5 on 4-1/2 Bolt Pattern - 72" Long - 2,000 lbs # 20545I-EZ-72-15
- Provider ST175/80R13 Radial Trailer Tire w/ 13" Vesper Silver Mod Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LRC
Item # TA73RR
- CE Smith Offset Spare Tire Carrier # CE27310G

If you need help with wiring or other components just let me know and I will be happy to help.

expert reply by: Carla M

Shawn

5/15/2020

Spring center to spring center appears to be about 1" wider than the mounting flange of this axle allows. There is a bolt and nut through the springs at the center, which I assume is to rest in the slots on the axle. This is a common brand boat trailer and I have not found an axle with these dimensions. 58" SC dimension seems to be a standard. How should I proceed? I can supply a photo by email.

Chris R.

5/19/2020

We do have a selection of trailer axles available, but our selection isn't terribly deep. For an exact replacement with the dimensions you're needing you might have better luck checking with a local trailer shop or fabricator to see if one can be made. Another option is something like the Timbren Axle-Less System that will fit any frame width and offers a lot more versatility. I linked these options below that you can look through.

Helpful Links

dept-pg-trailer_axles-sf-rubber_spring_suspension.aspx