Nyone have a homemade trailer with MH axles?

[brokenot]

So buy wisely for your cheap trailer project.

My point exactly....which is why I keep saying so. Many, (most?), of the threads started on this topic are from people trying to make a decision about what to use. Post after post containing anecdotal information such as, "I made a trailer with mobile home axles and it has hauled lots of hay bales" aren't completely invaluable...but they also shouldn't be treated as hard evidence about the quality of MH axles either.

Here's something to consider in addition to the Dexter stuff I already posted:

We all apparently have internet access. We can all browse the huuuuuge variety of factory-built trailers available that are designed and built for the types of duties people on forums such as this are considering using their proposed trailer project(s) for.

How many of those manufacturers are using MH-style axles? How many choose 14.5 tires? Are they blissfully unaware of the plethora of advantages offered by those readily available, (and cheap!), axles and tires? Nope.

They are cheap. And just like everything else that's cheap.....they're cheap for a reason.

"Buy wisely" indeed.

 

[clemsonfor]

I have a 17' and the MH tires are 7 x 14.5 Load Range D. Got this witha L235 Kubota I bought. The trailer has been used for years without trouble. I want to replace the tires. Anyone have any leads on a decent tire? Any feedback on this type of rig?

Go to TIRESEASY.com. They have severy tires for MH axles including DOT approved ones. They even have Greeball brand which Diamondpiolot speaks so highly of in MH axle sizes.

 

[Car Doc]

I have a 17' and the MH tires are 7 x 14.5 Load Range D. Got this witha L235 Kubota I bought. The trailer has been used for years without trouble. I want to replace the tires. Anyone have any leads on a decent tire? Any feedback on this type of rig?

I can still buy a set of 4 brand new 8x 14.5 takeoffs for $200-250 wheels and all so thats all I do on mine its on set 4 or 5 now maybe 6?

fwtw I have umteen thousands of miles on it mostly hauling cars and tractors under the weight limit of the spring set I put on it.

I have rebuilt the shackles a couple times and repacked the bearings which still looked like new. I honestly can say I dont believe a factory built trailer would have done me a better job than my HM one has for what I do with it. ymmv as always

 

[Bartcephus]

I have one.... Love it because it moves my toys... Hate it because not everyone stocks tires for MH wheels. Had an issue a couple of years ago. Ended up having to order tires. That trailer is heavy, and it moves heavy equipment.

 

[MillWeld]

They are cheap. And just like everything else that's cheap.....they're cheap for a reason.
QUOTE]

...and what is that reason?
What is it about their construction that makes them so cheap? Inferior steel? poor welding? thin wall? I have a set of MHs and a 5200# set of AL-KOs and I can't tell the difference - same weight, same wall thickness (3/16") - they look exactly alike. How can you tell if an axle came off of a mobile home? It can't be just the type of drum; I haven't tried this but I bet my AL-KO drums will fit my MH axle - they have identical bearings.

Someone in this thread said there is a wide range in types of MH axles and they shouldn't be lumped together. Why so many types if cheap and one-way use is the intent?

 

[brokenot]

Perhaps the best thing to do is consult the axle manufacturer. If the axle has an ID tag on it that lists the capacity, (and most of them do because the people that like to use them always tout the tag rating), then shoot the manufacturer listed on the tag an email or give them a call.

The link I posted to Dexter's site above does indeed list some of the differences between their mobile home axle line in comparison to their other stuff. Here's what they say about the product they produce:

The Dexter MH (mobile home) type axle is designed for limited usage in the delivery of manufactured homes and has a one-time limit use. The axle has steel forged spindles that are not precision ground. The brake assembly is welded onto the beam and not intended to be field replaced. Additionally, the bearing package is smaller than the more expensive service type axle. Most MH axles are also equipped with a single leaf spring suspension for very heavy loads. We do not have components that would convert MH axles to serviceable assemblies.

The first question you asked is a little befuddling to me. It seems as if you're acknowledging that the MH axles are indeed cheaper to buy, you're just unconvinced there are actually any real reasons behind it. If they're built the same as non-MH axles, how can they sell them cheaper? If they're built the same and are of the same quality, where are the links to the trailer manufacturers that are sold on their advantages and choose to use them?

Why do home-builders love them so much? Because they're cheap or free and readily available. I've used them myself a couple of times, but that doesn't mean I feel compelled to convince others trying to make a choice that they're "as good" and don't offer disadvantages.

After asking the axle manufacturer what they have to say about the axle they built, go to a tire dealer that deals with trailer tires every day and ask them what their opinion about the 14.5 tires is. Tell them you're considering buying or building an equipment trailer and are trying to decide between the 14.5 and anything else. See what they say.

After all that, tow a trailer you own down to your local dealer and tell them you're looking to upgrade and want to know what yours is worth. If it has mobile home axles under it, they will take note of that....and it will affect the quote you'll receive about it's current value and how easy it will be to re-sell.

 

[Dargo]

My point exactly....which is why I keep saying so. Many, (most?), of the threads started on this topic are from people trying to make a decision about what to use. Post after post containing anecdotal information such as, "I made a trailer with mobile home axles and it has hauled lots of hay bales" aren't completely invaluable...but they also shouldn't be treated as hard evidence about the quality of MH axles either.

Here's something to consider in addition to the Dexter stuff I already posted:

We all apparently have internet access. We can all browse the huuuuuge variety of factory-built trailers available that are designed and built for the types of duties people on forums such as this are considering using their proposed trailer project(s) for.

How many of those manufacturers are using MH-style axles? How many choose 14.5 tires? Are they blissfully unaware of the plethora of advantages offered by those readily available, (and cheap!), axles and tires? Nope.

They are cheap. And just like everything else that's cheap.....they're cheap for a reason.

"Buy wisely" indeed.

That would be my point as well. Why throw good money after bad??? These are, undebatable, purpose built axles. That purpose is to move something a very short distance and be a cheap as possible. What part of putting my 80k piece of equipment on a jackleg incorrectly built trailer with parts that I know for a fact were never designed to do what I'm trying to do with them sounds intelligent? My equipment is purpose built. My truck to pull the trailer is purpose built. I'm not going to put all that, along with others on the road, at risk just to save a couple hundred bucks to use incorrect axles that were never designed to last any amount of time. If you're time is worth nothing; build it. That is, of course, only if what you're planning to haul on it is worth nothing as well. Ever wonder why people say there is a right tool for every job? In this case; wrong tool (part).

 

[lostcause]

They are cheap. And just like everything else that's cheap.....they're cheap for a reason.

the big reason they are "cheap" is that manufactured housing is abundant. i'd be willing to bet that if you compared the wholesale that the manufactured home companies pay for those axles and tires you would find that they are fairly expensive. it's the secondary market where those axles and tires are "cheap". every time a new home is built, there are several axles underneath it. many of those end up in private hands and get sold for a few bucks rather than rotting away in the woods.

 

[MillWeld]

The first question you asked is a little befuddling to me. It seems as if you're acknowledging that the MH axles are indeed cheaper to buy, you're just unconvinced there are actually any real reasons behind it.

It's because I am befuddled: my MH axle has the identical replaceable parts as my AL-KO yet I got the MH axle for $30 and the AL-KO for $150. (see my earlier post in this thread for details on that one.) The spindles look identical except for the tag on AL-KO showing specs. (I have read Dexter's warning about MH axles and frankly don't understand the importance of precision ground spindles if they have races as mine does). Is that the only difference in axles - precision ground spindles? I'm not trying to be a gadfly - I am really trying to learn why they differ so much in price as commercial ones. There is no indication of manufacturer of my MH axles but the drums are Dexter. Should that convince me the axles are also Dexter?
Bob

 

[Diamondpilot]

Other than the obvious reasons that MH axles are cheaper the main reason may be liability. They are selling a product that they are not liable for. They give stern warning that they are limited use. If you decide to use them later on then they are free of liability where as with a regular consumer axle the manufactures have to stand behind them.

I personally do not like them and will not use them. When ever we dealt with them there was always a issue. The only time I tried to work on one the brakes were not bolted on, they were welded and non serviceable. The bearings could not be found either though NAPA or other resources locally. Then there is the tires and wheels.:confused2:

Chris