New trailer.... to me anyway.

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

I got this on some work trade, and was wondering about the axles/wheels/tires. They are mobile home axles with trailer brakes, and 14.5 inch rims. Is there anything I should be worried about with these? In other words, am I going to regret rehabbing these vs. swapping something else in?

 

[titanpat57]

You're using as a vehicle flatbed/transport?

I think the only thing with the mobile home tires/rims were they weren't really designed for daily, longterm usage.

Looks to be a pretty heavy duty unit though.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Yes, I'm planning on using it to haul my 85 4Runner around. The trailer and the axles seem pretty beefy. I will be looking at getting better tires though...

 

[Ebag333]

That sucker is pretty massive. Gonna shed some weight to lighten it up?

3500 lb axles are pretty cheap. Last time I looked they were a little over $100.

 

[fj40charles]

I look at the spindle and axle tube to see if you have an axle stronger than 3.5K axles. See if the spindle is a type 42. If you have this spindle, you should be able to buy new bearing/brake hubs. No idea how cost effective this option is, but would certainly be worthwhile looking into.

Just read part of this article. Looks like you're better off just buying new axles. Spend the extra $25 and get some 5,200 or 6,000 axles.
http://pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Trailer/Trailer.htm

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Awesome link, thank you Charles!!!

 

[Ebag333]

Just read part of this article. Looks like you're better off just buying new axles. Spend the extra $25 and get some 5,200 or 6,000 axles.

Funny. I was looking at R&Ring the axle on my trailer (unknown origin). By the time I bought all the componants, would be about $25 more to buy a whole new one (3,500 lb).

 

[fj40charles]

Funny. I was looking at R&Ring the axle on my trailer (unknown origin). By the time I bought all the componants, would be about $25 more to buy a whole new one (3,500 lb).

Complete axle assembly is very reasonable in price. The price difference between 3500# and 5200/6000# axles is very little. Same with adding brakes.

The rims and tires they (trailer supply shops) sell are very reasonable in price too.

 

[fj40charles]

Awesome link, thank you Charles!!!

Have fun reading. It is only time and money..

 

[Granite Grinder]

Around these parts, mobile home assemblies are not allowed for car hauling. I believe you need different insurance if your hauling cars as well. Of course, that will vary state to state, country to country. I used to haul my 40 from BC to Rubicon in the late 90's every year. On occasion a State Trooper would haul me into a scale, I was really happy I had all my ducks in a row, CA inspections are tough. I have two 5000# axles on my car hauler and it's insured as such, trailer usually weighed in at 7,500lbs. When I purchased the trailer it had mobile home axles, I couldn't pass inspection until they were replaced.

 

[Ebag333]

Complete axle assembly is very reasonable in price. The price difference between 3500# and 5200/6000# axles is very little. Same with adding brakes.

The rims and tires they (trailer supply shops) sell are very reasonable in price too.

Do you think a 5200/6000 lb axle is necessary for the trailer above? Seems dual 3500 lb axles would suffice (though I guess a lot depends on the weight of the trailer, might be bumping up against the limit).

 

[Brian in Oregon]

Some mobile home axles are considered disposable - one time use only. Parts are not readily available for them, deliberately.