great trailer axle

[willysworker]

I built a trailer and found a Dodge Grand caravan rear axle was just right. flipped it upside down.

 

[sseaman]

thanks for the idea, bet you could get one cheap too

 

[Brian in Oregon]

Great idea. A good use for a crappy vehicle.

 

[willysworker]

thanks for the idea, bet you could get one cheap too

YEP! The local Pull & Save always has a dozen Caravans in the yard. Drum to drum including the leave springs and bolt on mounts $58.

 

[MANUCHAO]

I like that idea too...could you post more pics of the whole set up and measurements....
Thanks

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

I like the idea, but I'm wondering if the axle has any camber or bow in it by design. Flipping it over might not be too nice to your tires. Something to check at least.

Otherwise, nice work!

 

[450 DUDE]

Looks like a great trailer axel!

2 questions , do you think there will be any camber/caster issue?

It look like the entire weight is on the U bolt holes , do you think the threads are strong enough and is the load bering material thick/strong enough where the U bolt is?

Thanks ,
ken

 

[Niner]

Looks like a great trailer axel!

It look like the entire weight is on the U bolt holes , do you think the threads are strong enough and is the load bering material thick/strong enough where the U bolt is?

Thanks ,
ken

The FJ 40 has been a spring under vehicle for years much more weight than you would normally load a trailer.

 

[Cube Dweller]

What's the bolt pattern for the Caravan wheels?

 

[RockDoc]

What's the bolt pattern for the Caravan wheels?

A quick google search says 5X114.3 mm, or 5x4.5".

 

[450 DUDE]

The FJ 40 has been a spring under vehicle for years much more weight than you would normally load a trailer.

Ya,
But isnt the weight supported by a U bolt going around/on top of the axel tube?

ken

 

[Niner]

Ya,
But isnt the weight supported by a U bolt going around/on top of the axel tube?

ken

All the weight is still on the threads regardless.

 

[450 DUDE]

All the weight is still on the threads regardless.

Ok , but there is still a load issue, on the bolt boss.
Since there is no U bolt that is transferring load over the axel housing you get all the load to the thickness of material that the bolt is hanging on.



ken

 

[ntsqd]

Looks like a set of square type u-bolts could be used if there is concern about the axle's mounting flange not being strong enough. Straddle the axle and poke them thru the flange's holes.

 

[cruzzer]

Camber should not be an issue,, caravans are set up with a very neutral camber.. Should have almost zero and they can be aligned if out,, A decent amount of camber is allowable on a trailer.. but if you put enough weight on one of these to see the camber change you should get a heavier axle..

 

[tltaylor22]

How much weight can one of these axle hold? I like the idea, but would be concerned with durability.

 

[cruzzer]

The caravans they came on weighed close to 4k# and were rated to tow3500# I think? should handle a 2k# adv trailer,, but I'd love to put one thru the torture test.. small trailer axle flipped and way too much weight on washboard roads,, just to see the carnage..

 

[sseaman]

What is the measurement from outside drum to drum?