Trailer - Dexter Axle Question

fishpick · May 16, 2007

I have the ability to obtain a well used 18' trailer that needs a lot of TLC to get it on the roads legally in NYS...

One of the obstacles I have is the question around the axle brakes... Here are a couple of photos showing the hub, hub removed and brake setup.

Bottom line here is - these Dexter axles are apparently from a trailer (read single use mobile home)... and the brakes are not really supposed to be replaceable... after talking to the Dexter folks (who are AWESOME customer service kind of people) - they tell me I can get most all the replacement components I need - but I would have to grind off the large rivet attachment point at the top of the shoes - and replace with a low profile heat treated bolt.

I'm looking for opinions on the idea of replacing brakes on what is technically a non-replaceable axle (rated 6K for the mobile home - 4500 when used on a utility trailer) - or if I should just buy 2 new 6K trailer axles (the main difference is much larger bearings on the real utility axle and user replaceable brakes).

Cost for replacement parts - around $200 - plus annual bearing replacements at another cost of $200 - year over year

Cost for 2 new axles - $750 - all I need to do here is bolt the existing wheel on after the axle goes on...

Egon · May 16, 2007

Go for the new axles. More capacity and less hassle. No need to replace bearings every year in my opinion.

You also get the choice of buying a replaceable bolt on brake assemby rather than rebuilding the old one. Lots easier.

Even I can do it.

AlanB · May 16, 2007

I would replace the axle assemblies and get to a standard.

On my mowing trailer, if the brakes are shot, I can buy a complete axle with brakes for about the price of all the brake components. Sounds like your set is different, but I would still just look at getting to the standard designed to do what I was doing.

Ductape · May 16, 2007

I too recommend replacing the axles. Be sure you are not re-installing tires that have "mobile home use only" moulded into the sidewalls. The law won't like seeing them on your trailer.

RobJ · May 16, 2007

WEll if Dexter says you can do it and all other stuff is well that is the cheaper way to go. Are the new axles using the same trailer tires? That would up the cost if you switch to a regular rim.

But then we love spending your money!!

Bird · May 16, 2007

I can buy a complete axle with brakes for about the price of all the brake components

On most of Dexter's axles, you don't really need to buy a complete axle, but instead of buyng the individual components, you can buy complete brake assemblies, including the backing plate. That's easier to replace than replacing the axle. One of my brothers lives in a heavy 3 axle fifth-wheel trailer and he replaced all 6 brake assemblies and backing plates early this year.

after talking to the Dexter folks (who are AWESOME customer service kind of people)

I've had a bit of experience with those folks, including buying a few parts in Dallas, as well as going to the factory once and having a couple of custom built axles made, and yep, they're good folks to deal with.

George2615 · May 16, 2007

I went through this a couple years ago too. I had built a trailer using MH axles and used it for many years. Then I heard metal to metal brake action and decided to change the brakes. To my surprise I found the same thing you did with the brakes designed for limited use and parts riveted in place. I called Dexter as well, I priced a complete changeover including backing plates but decided I did not want to put all that money and time into replacing brakes on my 16 yr. old trailer. I needed a longer and wider trailer anyway so rather than redo the entire trailer including brakes I bought a new one that suits my needs. If you can get the trailer really cheap it might be worth a few hundred for brakes.

Renze · May 17, 2007

For me it wouldnt require much thinking... $ 750 for two decent axles, or $ 450 to get new bearings and new brakes, plus a lot of work drilling out the rivets and re-doing the linings, ya might be able to do it, but how much time does it need ? plus, you still have inferior axles under your trailer. Spend those extra $300 dollar, they are earned back in 1,5 year and, knowing that your brand new axles are SAFE and RELIABLE are worth something as well....

It seems you can get these axles pretty cheap, at our company we buy quality Knott axles, rubber torsion axles 1800kg capacity, for about 450 Euro each. Lower quality Al-Ko axles (equal/better suspension, less quality brakes) are only a little bit cheaper. Even if i had to buy 2 nw Knott axles for $1000 i would go with new ones that are suitable for the duty.

fishpick · May 17, 2007

Thanks all -

Trailer - $0
New Axles, tires, and lights - $850

The ability to safely and with sound mind move tractors around to job sites - Priceless

Renze · May 17, 2007

fishpick said:
Trailer - $0
New Axles, tires, and lights - $850

The ability to safely and with sound mind move tractors around to job sites - Priceless

Now that was exactly the quote i was trying to recollect

!!

Renze · May 17, 2007

fishpick said:
Trailer - $0
New Axles, tires, and lights - $850

The ability to safely and with sound mind move tractors around to job sites - Priceless

Now that was exactly the quote i was trying to recollect

!!

RobJ · May 18, 2007

Well obtaining the trailer for zero dollars does make it easier!!

CATMAN · May 18, 2007

I agree with one another post ,that says to also upgrade your rims to a standard 8 bolt design when you buy 6000 lbs axles. You should be able to find used rims/tires. When I built my first trailer, I used dexter 6000 lbs axles and purchased used 3/4 ton pickup wheels(8 bolt) and tires from a guy who put on bigger, wider rims and tires on his new truck (take-offs). Price $100 for a set of 4 in the year 1990. The new axles came unassembled back then, I put them together and packed the bearings and installed backing plates/brakes etc. I don't know if they are assembled nowadays. You do have to decide on axle width/track. You may need new u-bolts. Good
Luck.

fishpick · May 21, 2007

catman and all - I was thinking about getting different bolt configurations on the new axles - provided I can with clearance and don't need to change the spring setup... The hub-less wheels look cool - but you can't change the tires yourself - and they are an odd size... If I'm replacing the axles for brand new ones... I might as well make the tires standard too!

Thanks for the input - I have a Dexter reseller locally that offered to look at the trailer this morning and measure and make recommendations! I'll post updates!

fishpick · May 29, 2007

So - Dexter Axle are great people to work with... Their local re-sellers... Um... still waiting for that quote... (yawn)...
I'll post an update when I actually have something to update!

BTDT · Jun 6, 2007

If the present axles are Dexter's, see if they will take them in trade for an upgrade. Couldn't hurt to ask.

fishpick · Jun 6, 2007

Did - answer is no...

Still mucking around - found a good place to buy from - re-measuring this weekend... will post price and decisions as soon as I have them...

Soon - my tractor will be highly mobile!

tommu56 · Jun 6, 2007

fishpick

I don't understand new bearings every year keep them packed, seals good. and correct tightness and they should last awhile (same as front wheel on cars and trucks) mine have been on my single axle trailer (old mobile homeaxel) 30 or so years (knock on wood) other than lugbolts coming loose and eating rim once no other problems.

I do use bearing buddies n them to keep them greased.
tommu

fishpick · Jun 7, 2007

tommu56 said:
fishpick

I don't understand new bearings every year keep them packed, seals good. and correct tightness and they should last awhile (same as front wheel on cars and trucks) mine have been on my single axle trailer (old mobile homeaxel) 30 or so years (knock on wood) other than lugbolts coming loose and eating rim once no other problems.

I do use bearing buddies n them to keep them greased.
tommu

The small bearings are the most minor of the issues... both axles need the entire brake unit replaced... but the mobile home axle design is single use - no replaceable parts for the brakes... The Dexter rep told me how I could "rig it up" - but the disclaimer was - inspections may or may no fly... and the cost of the parts to "rig" the existing set is about 75% of 2 new ones.

Also the current axles are the UTG type - so replacing tires is always more expensive...

I have finally found a place that sells Dexter axles - what I need - 6000# variety - 6 lugs - standard hub... for $218 each - everything included + EZLube bearings!

Saturday I'm taking final measurements - Monday I'm faxing in my order.