anybody knows about trailer axle configuration? (1 Viewer)

[e9999]

got meself a neat lil' custom made utility trailer. Not sure about axle rating, but seems comparable to what I see advertised as 2000 lbs trailer. Rectangular tube axle, maybe 1.5"-2" across or so. The axle is horizontal across the trailer in the middle, then turns up on the side of the trailer about 3" up and then go out horizontal again for a stub and the wheels.
In other words it's like a wide U with flat tops and most of the axle lower than the wheels centerline.
Sooo, seems that it would be trivial to flip the axle 180 and end up with the body of the trailer 6" higher for much better ground clearance (read trail riding). But I'm wondering about the stability of that arrangement. Wouldn't that put much greater stress on the U-bolts holding the axle to the springs? Safe to do?
waddayathink?
thanks
Eric

 

[hammerhead]

That is called a drop axle. In theory you are correct. Yes, it would raise the trailer. Yes, it would increase the stress at the U-bolts. No, It is not a problem IF the axle isn't pre-arched. That means if it is a standard straight center section and doesn't have a "tweak" in the middle. I have done this on many occasions in my shop and the customers have loved it. Usually done for a dear hunting camptrailer or an ATV hauler. As a matter of fact I have an appointment next week with a customer to do that exact thing to his "Beer hunting trailer" (Yes, I spelled it correctly). If you are not confident that the U-bolts will survive just change them out for the next size thicker.

 

[e9999]

wow, excellent! I was hoping but doubtful.
Any idea how to tell the capacity of the axles somehow?
thanks
Eric

 

[e9999]

well, I did it.
Turned out to be a lengthy job.
First, the tire shop monkey must have put on the wheels with his air wrench set to 500 ftlbs. After I twisted wrenches and leverage tubes into pretzels, I had to resort to heating the nuts with a torch to get them off... I kid you not. Morons!
Then turned out that just flipping the axle upside down didn't work cuz the spring pack has a bolt going through and the axle has a hole to accommodate that bolt only on one side so I had to move the axle to under the spring, meaning removing the springs. Then turned out that just about all the spring bushing bolts that have a zerk fitting in were plugged so had to take all those off to clean them. Etc etc. Then cleaning everything that was rusted and more and more.
Turned out to a full day work.
But yea, trailer must have lifted over 12". Wow! That thing is high now. The 80 looks like it's scraping its belly compared to the trailer.
Excellent for the boonies now.
Still wondering what sort of load I could carry with that thing. Axle is 1.5" solid square. Springs have 5 or 6 leaves.
Eric

 

[Mike S]

You probably can't legally load enough in that trailer (limited by the GVW of the Cruiser) to seriously flex the springs. Assume you have no trailer brakes. I would keep it under 1200 pounds total (inc trailer) and put on tires with strong sidewalls. Run about 10 to 15% of the trailer total loaded weight on the tongue.