Parts Needed to Replace Dexter 3500-lbs Axle With Electric Brakes With a Timbren Axle-Less System

Question:

The trailer is a 5 x 8 enclosed utility trailer. I have completed adding cabinets and other ammenities to the trailer. The current empty weight is 1360 pounds .I am replacing my 205/75r15 tires with 235/85r16 tires. The ground clearance with the axles is approximawly 16 inches. I will be doing a lot of overland driving and boondocking in the future. Now I want to install the timbren axle-less suspension and electric brakes. Do you think their axle with the new tires will provide sufficient gound clearance or should I go with the straight spindle? I do want adequate ground clerance without creating a top heavy situation by raising the cg to much. I would also like to be able to use my existing hubs and brakes if thats possible. I do not want to sacrifice safety however so I am willing to buy all new ones too if necessary. Any recomendations you have will be appreciated.

asked by: JOHN N

Expert Reply:

If the ultimate goal with this is ground clearance then the Timbren Axle-Less Suspension systems in general are a great option because they automatically take the axle out of the equation. This means you're really just limited to how tall the trailer is off the ground with your tires.

The Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System w Electric Brake Hubs - Straight Spindle - 3,500 lbs # A35RS545E would be a good choice that comes with hubs that have a 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern and electric brakes included. This is a complete system, but you're limited to the 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern with this setup so you would want to verify that your existing wheels have that bolt pattern.

If you wanted to get an extra 4" of lift then the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System - 4" Lift Spindle - Regular Tires - 3,500 lbs # ASR3500S06 you were looking at are the way to go. For hubs, you would want to add the # AKHD-545-35-EZ-K for a 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern or the # AKHD-550-35-EZ-K for a 5 on 5" bolt pattern; this choice will be dependent on your existing wheel bolt pattern. For brakes I recommend using the Electric Trailer Brake Kit - Self-Adjusting - 10" - Left and Right Hand Assemblies - 3,500 lbs # AKEBRK-35-SA because they are a self adjusting brake that will minimize maintenance after installation.

I've linked some review videos of these parts for you to have a look at, as well.