What Axle Do I Have?

[Iplayfarmer]

I may be a little late to the thread, but call these guys to see if they can help:

R and P Carriages Trailer Sales, Service, Parts and Rentals

They are very knowledgeable about "all things trailer". And they sell brake kits for just about any axle!

Thanks for chiming in with the suggestion. They were the first place I tried for a brake kit, and Paul said he has nothing for my axle.

 

[mojoinco]

Hope this isn't too much of a hijack -- but I was wondering about the load balancing between the torsion axles vs the walking leaf springs dual axle set up. I noticed when my wife was looking for a new horse trailer last year that NONE of the horse (versus stock type) trailers use anything but the torsion axles.

It seemed obvious to me that there is no load sharing (and subsequent smoother ride) between the axles.

Nice to see someone else (with a better way to say it) notice it too.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Hope this isn't too much of a hijack -- but I was wondering about the load balancing between the torsion axles vs the walking leaf springs dual axle set up. I noticed when my wife was looking for a new horse trailer last year that NONE of the horse (versus stock type) trailers use anything but the torsion axles.

It seemed obvious to me that there is no load sharing (and subsequent smoother ride) between the axles.

Nice to see someone else (with a better way to say it) notice it too.

I think on Horse Trailers the big advantage to torsion axles would be load height. You can get a much more low slung stance with torsion axles. Its probably no that big of a deal on a Horse Trailer from what I have seen. The trailer I use is rated at 7K and say it weighs 2,000# empty and each horse 1,200# you are easily under 5,000# and no where near the 7,000# max load. There would be little chance to overload a axle or a tire.

Chris

 

[Iplayfarmer]

This plan has gone from simply adding brakes on one axle to re-doing both axles, rims, and tires. I picked up my new axles today. These are new 3500 pound Dexter axles. I took my friend up on his offer to buy them for me from his wholesaler. He also traded me a set of rims for a couple of hydraulic rams. I have the order in to my used tire dealer friend to get me a nicer set of used tires. My total cash outlay for this project is going to be under $350.

Now I need to find time to mount the axles. I'm not sure how involved that is going to be. The new axles have a slightly different spring mounting setup than the old axles.

 

[Diamondpilot]

This plan has gone from simply adding brakes on one axle to re-doing both axles, rims, and tires. I picked up my new axles today. These are new 3500 pound Dexter axles. I took my friend up on his offer to buy them for me from his wholesaler. He also traded me a set of rims for a couple of hydraulic rams. I have the order in to my used tire dealer friend to get me a nicer set of used tires. My total cash outlay for this project is going to be under $350.

Now I need to find time to mount the axles. I'm not sure how involved that is going to be. The new axles have a slightly different spring mounting setup than the old axles.

You did good by getting rid of them old head aches you had and getting into some new axles that parts are available for. You will be $$$$$ well spent.

Chris

 

[Iplayfarmer]

You did good by getting rid of them old head aches you had and getting into some new axles that parts are available for. You will be $$$$$ well spent.

Chris

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

Question for you, Chris... How do I tell which side of those axles is which? Does it matter?

Now I have to figure out what to do with the old axles. I don't think I can bring myself to throw them away. I may just list them on Craig's List. I'd think with wheels and tires they should be worth at least $50 each to someone.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

Question for you, Chris... How do I tell which side of those axles is which? Does it matter?

Now I have to figure out what to do with the old axles. I don't think I can bring myself to throw them away. I may just list them on Craig's List. I'd think with wheels and tires they should be worth at least $50 each to someone.

Since they have brakes the backing plates will be marked right and left. Its very important you get them on right. The drums are not marked and interchangeable between sides. Not so with the backing plates. Also the axles should have a slight bow so make sure you get the bow up.

Chris

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Since they have brakes the backing plates will be marked right and left. Its very important you get them on right. The drums are not marked and interchangeable between sides. Not so with the backing plates. Also the axles should have a slight bow so make sure you get the bow up.

Chris

I saw the bow. I'll have to look at the backing plates. The only difference I noticed on first glance is that the wires are routed and spliced on the one side. I had hoped to mount these axles this weekend, but I've realized I need different bolts than I have. At $9 each locally, I can afford to wait and get them shipped from Robin and Paul. I figured I can have all 8 bolts to my doorstep for under $25.

Of course, this will bring my total up above that $350 number I threw out last night. To make the cost matters even worse, I ordered an A-frame coupler so I can re-build the tongue. I'll probably end up replacing the wheel wells too.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I've checked those backing plates all over. They are different, but neither is marked left or right. One side has printing on it and all of the wires are pigtailed to that side. The other side is plain (no printing) and the wires run from the brakes into the axle tube to the other side.

Any guesses which side is which?

The pictures aren't as good as I had hoped. The printing is on the axle in the picture on the left. on the left hand side of the backing plate at the level of the spindle is the dexter logo and some numbers.

 

[hawkeye08]

I've checked those backing plates all over. They are different, but neither is marked left or right. One side has printing on it and all of the wires are pigtailed to that side. The other side is plain (no printing) and the wires run from the brakes into the axle tube to the other side.

Any guesses which side is which?

The pictures aren't as good as I had hoped. The printing is on the axle in the picture on the left. on the left hand side of the backing plate at the level of the spindle is the dexter logo and some numbers.

If not marked you will have to study the brakes and imagine the magnet sticking to the inside of the drum and seeing which way the magnet goes when the wheel is turning forward.

Study the pictures at this website for reference. Trailer Brakes | etrailer.com