Trailer - Dexter Axle Question

[Renze]

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]

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

 

[CATMAN]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[fishpick]

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]

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]

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.

 

[JnJChase]

Now that was exactly the quote i was trying to recollect !!

Been there, done that...replace the axels.