Questions Regarding Trailer Axles

[Diamondpilot]

I sell trailers and what the other say, go Dexter. This is going to cost you nearly $2000 to do though. You are going from 5 lug wheels to 6 or 8 lug wheels so you will need 5 new wheels at $75 each. You then will need 5 new 8 ply tires minimum that will run you $100 each. Your old brakes will not fit the new axles so it will need all new brakes, about $200 per axle. Now the axles are about the same price for 5,200# and 6,000# so just get the new 6,000# axles at around $200 each. You will also need to replace some of the hardware like U bolts due to the larger axle diameter and bottom plates plus probably springs since it will be cheaper to just get all new spring kits than source the parts.

So anyway you will be into $400 for axles, $400 for brakes, $500 for tires, $375 for wheels, and then the springs and hardware will run you another $200-$400 dollars depending on what you have. You are already at $1800+ and I am sure there are some other odds and ends.

As you can see it adds up. Just sell it and call it a learning experience and buy a bigger heavier trailer. This is why we tell people to buy a bigger trailer than what they think they need. 9 times out of 10 the wish they had the bigger one a year later. I know I wish I had a 20' car hauler instead of my 18' one.

Chris

 

[tlbuser]

Yes, I have...these guys have been really helpful for me. I use the Pa. location. Can't hurt to call and check the prices.

Redneck Trailer Supplies - Branch 18 - Round Lake, NY

 

[LoneCowboy]

I sell trailers ....

As you can see it adds up. Just sell it and call it a learning experience and buy a bigger heavier trailer. This is why we tell people to buy a bigger trailer than what they think they need. 9 times out of 10 the wish they had the bigger one a year later. I know I wish I had a 20' car hauler instead of my 18' one.

Chris

THIS
I tell everyone that asks me for advice (I dont' sell trailers), buy slightly bigger and they don't and they all regret it a year later.
No one ever wished for LESS weight capacity.

it will be much cheaper to sell it and start over and the resale on the different trailer will be higher. If you go to sell the one you changed out, it's not going to be worth much, who's going to believe it or pay for it?

 

[AKwelder]

I learn after a long and painful couple of projects that buying is cheaper. What no one has gotten into is the fenders and the clearance.

You have either fenders or a deck over trailer. If your dump trailer is like the ones around here, the fenders are welded to the body, witch makes it complicated to switch. If you have a deck over trailer, you might need special hardware, axles, or tires to fit under the deck.

You might look closely at what you have, some trailers have mixed combinations of axle parts. As an example you could have all dexter parts, with a 6000# axle, with smaller hub, and tires to match, with 3500# springs.

All kinds of things are possible, i just recommend doing an inventory before you start.

If you like to build things and have the tools, Good luck, have fun, and post us pictures.

if you are trying to save money, look into a trade-in.

If you need a larger trailer twice a year, rent it