Spring Over Axle swap help.

[LaOutbackTrail]

Ok, I have a well built 4x8 utility trailer which i use for transporting my motorcycles. It is actually a custom built trailer, made to pull behind a guy's crown victoria to haul custom cabinets. That being said, it is very low. When attatched to my vehicle, even with a drop hitch, it still has an odd angle to it. I'm hoping swapping the axle to under the springs will raise the trailer up and allow me to fit larger wheel's tires (second question).

So, can the trailer gurus help me out by looking at these photos to tell me what im working with/what i need to do?

What does it look like I ned to do?


Now for the wheels. Let me start by saying that the axles are 1500lbs and the wheels are 12" and i've upgraded the tires Load range C.

Maximum weight on the trailer would be around 800lbs.

What I'd like to do is put 15" wheels on it, but not sure if the hubs are the right size.... how do I measure???

Thanks for the help.:coffeedrink:

 

[Martyn]

You can work out your bolt pattern here http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/techpage.jsp?techid=92

I smallest common trailer 5 bolt pattern is 5 on 4.5

Start out by looking at the axle. Is it straight or does it have an upward arch to it?

If it's straight it can be rotated so the spring purchases are on the top of the axle instead of underneath. If it's arched you will need to have the purchases welded onto the top.

The spring should have a locating studs top and bottom that will correspond with a hole on the purchase and a hole in the plate on the U bolts. (or some combination of stud and hole)

I'd recommend replacing the U bolts and nuts.

A spring over should be simple, if the rust is just surface.

Replacement axles are inexpensive and in the long run may be a better bet for you. You can specify spring over, bolt pattern, weight capacity, and have all new bearings.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

Thanks for the info.

As far as the Ubolts, will the run of the mill ones at the hardware store work?

I went and sprayed the nuts/bolts down with a healthy dose of PB Blaster.

Oh, and im going to grind off all the rust (just surface) and re-paint.

 

[Martyn]

Thanks for the info.

As far as the Ubolts, will the run of the mill ones at the hardware store work?

I went and sprayed the nuts/bolts down with a healthy dose of PB Blaster.

Oh, and im going to grind off all the rust (just surface) and re-paint.

If it was me I'd get some from a trailer supply store.

The bolt stretch after they are torqued down, so don't forget to go back and re tighten them.

 

[highlandercj-7]

I did that conversion to my friends 4x6 version of that trailer. Looks like a TSC or lowes special. His was so light I flipped it over by hand and took one wheel off, then the u bolts and slid the axle out and stuck it back on the bottom of the springs. bolted everystuff back on and rooled it back to it's wheels. You may want to get another set of ubolts. I broke one and had to replace them. It sets nice now but the axle is still to narrow and the fenders are too small for larger tires. If it's like this one then you will need larger fenders and a wider axle to fit big tires on it. I orginally wanted to bolt factory YJ wheels to this one.
The axle was straight on this one so there were no issues. but if it's bent in the middle as Martyn is asking you will need to weld on new spring perches too.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

It is a straight axle. I'll likely get a heavier axle sooner or later too. I'm actually thinking to do the hub, wheel and tire combo to fit the same tires as my vehicle.

 

[highlandercj-7]

Lookin at your sig I take it you have 6 lug wheels on your trucks. When your ready to do that, You cna get a axle with them already installed in what ever width you would need.

You can SOA the current set up for less than $20.00 if you need u-bolts and free if you can manage to save them It works just fine with the lil 12" wheels.

 

[wely]

I have a 4'x6' utility trailer i'm planning on doing an axle flip on. I am also planning on building a removable box similar to one of the outback trailers. I'm always looking for new ideas and answers.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

I have a 4'x6' utility trailer i'm planning on doing an axle flip on. I am also planning on building a removable box similar to one of the outback trailers. I'm always looking for new ideas and answers.

I'm glad I'm not the only one.

I just bought the trailer and replaced the tires and even went with a better brand. I can already see significant wear at about 4000 miles... bigger tires should last longer I think.

 

[wely]

I'm thinking of going to a 3500 lbs. axle when i do my axle flip. I'm also planing on moving up to 33" tires to match my truck.

 

[highlandercj-7]

That's the way to go.