Determining Which Axle For Custom Tear Camper Weighing Up To 1500lbs

Question:

Im having a chassis built for a tear camper at a local shop and would like to purchase the axles, springs, and wheels from you. Can you recommend a set up for my particular application? The chassis is 59-1/2inch wide, and 108inch long. The center of the hub needs to be around 40inch from the rear of the chassis. Hopefully a spring will work with those dimensions, if not I know you have other options. I will be running 33inch Toyo AT tires to match the tow vehicle. I have no preference to bolt pattern as I will not be running the same wheels as the tow vehicle. Id prefer a very basic, and common setup so that maintenance will be as easy as possible.Single axle. I think somewhere around 1000lbs with all the camping gear. Maybe 1500 for future roof top tent.

asked by: Shawn W

Expert Reply:

I would be happy to help!

There are a few different options here, with one being a standard axle and one being an axle-less option.

For a standard axle I recommend the Dexter Trailer Idler Axle Beam with EZ-Lube Spindles - 72" Long - 2,200 lbs # T20BTR-EZ-7258 which has a 2200lb rating which will give you plenty of capacity for what you are needing, though since your frame is 59-1/2" wide you will need to cut off the included spring seats and weld two of the # TRSS175 in the correct location.

You will have 6-1/4" between the hub face and the frame which should be plenty for your 33" tires.

For a hub I recommend the Dexter Trailer Idler Hub Assembly for 2,200-lb Axles - 5 on 4-1/2 # 8-258-5UC1 which works with a wheel up to 15", and since the 5 on 4-1/2" bolt pattern is super common there are quite a few options which I linked for you to look through.

To mount the axle to the trailer I recommend the Single-Axle Trailer Hanger Kit # APS4 with two leaf springs # e84SR. This will give you 5-1/2" clearance between the axle and the frame to allow for plenty of suspension travel.

You will also need the # CE23000 to mount the axle to the springs.

Now the option I recommend is the Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System - Spindle w/Brake Flange - Off-Road Tires - 2,200 lbs # ASR1THDS02 which mounts directly to the frame of your trailer and does not use leaf springs as it has built in AEON main springs that offer a much smoother ride than leaf springs.

With this option you will just need the idler hub # AKIHUB-545-35-EZ-K for each side and you will be good to go.

I included videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.