Looking at buying this trailer --- No brakes

[timswi]

Around here they are not allowed. Not sure if you could beat it or not in a court but every MH axle I have ever seen clearly state "MH use only" and then something like "limited use only". That is the nail in the coffin for our law men.

Chris

Agreed chris. There used to be a company around here that did nothing but refurbish MH axles for re-use. Many times these axles were only used from manufacturer to homesite. That's enough to keep me away from them. It seems to me that these are uni-directional use. A trailer is not something to take chances on. If something goes wrong, the outcome can be life changing.

Buy one for it's intended purpose or rent one if you can't.

I've seen too many deaths around here due to taking the cheap way out.

 

[Willl]

Anybody have documentation on "illegal mobile home axles" ?

 

[lostcause]

i've got one of my original mobile home axles left - the two i installed 10+ years ago are still working fine, so the spare is still a spare. i also just dragged home three axles out of a fairly decent sized commercial trailer - the tubes are about two feet long between the hubs and they seem to look slightly heavier, though i have no complaints about my mobile home axles. i hope to get some time to haul them into the shop soon and i'll take pictures of the two side by side.

 

[Bob Ha]

Assuming the axles are not MH axles and just needs brakes: Can brakes be added or does the entire axles need replacing. I've never done this before but guessing brakes can be added with this type of kit. Tie Down 12in. Electric Drum Brake Kit, Model# 82122 | Drum Brakes | Northern Tool + Equipment

Is it difficult or fairly easy to add brakes or should I take it to someone that knows what their doing? If the trailer has MH axles I will move on and continue looking. thanks, Bob

 

[some zilch]

i have looked into the legalities of MH axles, here in NY. i cannot find anything saying they are illegal. i have several axles/tires/rims, and none say anything other than "for MH use only", which does not mean they cant be used on the highway

 

[chopped]

A few I came up with here. But whats to be considered 'official''??

Are mobile home trailer axles and tires legal if reused for a different application? (Laws, Rules, and Regulations Other Colorado)

Mobile home axle and tires - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

Mobile home axles - legality? [Archive] - Pirate4x4.Com Bulletin Board

illegal trailer -wheels /axles? -- Trailers

mobile home axles for non-mobile home trailers - Steel Soldiers::Military Vehicles Supersite

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/trailers-transportation/123480-mobile-home-axles-2.html

 

[Diamondpilot]

Assuming the axles are not MH axles and just needs brakes: Can brakes be added or does the entire axles need replacing. I've never done this before but guessing brakes can be added with this type of kit. Tie Down 12in. Electric Drum Brake Kit, Model# 82122 | Drum Brakes | Northern Tool + Equipment

Is it difficult or fairly easy to add brakes or should I take it to someone that knows what their doing? If the trailer has MH axles I will move on and continue looking. thanks, Bob

The main issue is the brake backing plate mounting tabs first. Does it have them? Second issue is what bearings does it use? You loose the original hubs and now the brake drum is the hub. This now means you need wheels and tires that match its bolt pattern. There is much more that goes into the wiring but anyone who can do it if they follow all the instructions.

I would pass personally. I maintain 70 or so trailers for my customers. I used to mess with these axles and now refuse. Too hard to find parts, they are illegal around here, the tires are a pain to balance and center, ect. Just too many negatives. Yes, it can be done like some on this site have but my time is worth more than the few dollars I can save by messing with them.

Chris

 

[sklunk]

Assuming the axles are not MH axles and just needs brakes: Can brakes be added or does the entire axles need replacing. I've never done this before but guessing brakes can be added with this type of kit. Tie Down 12in. Electric Drum Brake Kit, Model# 82122 | Drum Brakes | Northern Tool + Equipment

Is it difficult or fairly easy to add brakes or should I take it to someone that knows what their doing? If the trailer has MH axles I will move on and continue looking. thanks, Bob

As someone else said, if the axles are from a mobile home then RUN far away quickly ...

It they are actual trailer axles and they have the brackets that are needed then adding brakes is fairly easy. I'm about to do it to my dual-axle trailer myself. Here is a quick tutorial:
installing electric brakes on your trailer

And by the way, the guy at the site I linked to actually seems to have the best prices around. For my 4 brakes, drums, wiring, and breakaway kit he was cheaper than etrailer or northern tool.

 

[BruceWard]

I would pass personally.

I also would pass, due to the likely weight of the trailer, and the possible lack of front to back frame members, not the axles.

It would be possible to mount brakes regardless of the type of axle. If the axles do not have mounting tabs for the brakes then have some welded on.

they are illegal around here
Chris

I would really appreciate it if you would post a link to any document that states that mobile home axles are illegal for use in any state.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I would really appreciate it if you would post a link to any document that states that mobile home axles are illegal for use in any state.

I have no documentation but can tell you I know of dozens of trailers that have been taken off the road for them. I do not understand how you guys keep arguing the fact they say "for MH use only". That means to me and the local law men around there MH use only, not car hauler ect. Clear as can be to me but the argument goes on.

I can not understand why you would want to use them. The bearings and seals are hard to find, the tires are a bastard size and only come in bias, try finding brakes for them, balancing tires are a pain in the butt, the list goes on.

Only folks that get away using them around here are farmers.

Chris