Jeep JK wheels on trailer axle?

[AndyY]

So, I'm starting to get a head of steam up to build a trailer. I have some 2013 Jeep JK wheels to work with. In spite of doing the google thing and lurking around here, I still am unsure about my options. The JK wheel hole is just under 2" (1.93) and I understand the Dexter axle is thicker than that. A spacer might work from what I read. Is there another option? I don't want to machine the wheel hole bigger so I can use the spare from the Jeep on the trailer. Finally, does anyone have an engineering drawing of the dexter brake and hub for a 5 on 5 pattern? Are other axle brands thinner?
Thanks

 

[highlandercj-7]

You need a spacer or adapter. I am doing the same. 2.5" thick adapter to go from a 5 on 4.5" trailer hub to a 5 on 5" JK 17" wheel. If you get your trailer axle in a 5 on 5" then you just need a spacer. Just make sure the center hole is large enough to go over the trailer hub. Also some use a different wheel stud, I am ordering mine with 1/2" to match the JK and CJ lug nuts.

Here's the company I'm ordering from.

http://adaptitusa.com/5x450to5x500wheeladapter.aspx

 

[AndyY]

Thanks for the quick response. Are you using the 2.5" adapter in order to clear the grease cap too? What axle are you using? Length?

 

[nnnnnate]

If you want to use JK wheels you need to get a dexter 3500# hub, the smaller ones won't come in a 5x5 pattern. You can clear the center of the hub with a 1.75" spacer, some go 2", and others go 2.5". Spidertrax spacers don't have a center hole big enough to clear the hub without boring it out which is what I did.

The width of the axle will be determined by how you design your trailer. I'm building one now and am using a 65" WMS to WMS axle thats going on a 48" outside width frame.

 

[highlandercj-7]

I also have a Dexter 3500LB axle with 5 on 4.5" hubs. I think it's 72" wm to wm. The deck will be aprox 5' wide 10' long.

 

[Hilldweller]

Or get different wheels for both the Jeep and trailer.
Hit 4WheelParts during a sale and you can score decent wheels with 4.5" backspacing for ~$100 each.
Most of the aftermarket wheels have a bigger hole.

 

[SamM]

Both my 2013 Jeep Wrangler and my Schutt Military trailer build use Jeep JK Rubicon wheels. The 2" wheel spacers were purchased from Adaptit.com. The trailer uses the Timbren suspension system and fine tuning the width will be a simple matter.

SamM

 

[dmc1]

I use the same set up on my trailers as SamM.

Both my 2013 Jeep Wrangler and my Schutt Military trailer build use Jeep JK Rubicon wheels. The 2" wheel spacers were purchased from Adaptit.com. The trailer uses the Timbren suspension system and fine tuning the width will be a simple matter.

SamM

 

[SamM]

Nice dmc1,
After rechecking an old thread, I believe my adapters are 1.8" thick instead of 2". Once I finish the frame on my trailer the Timbren parts will be mocked up. There is an event that I would like to attend in June. The trailer needs to be rolling before then, so I can add the body.

The Adaptit.com spacers make this process much easier. No cutting the center out of wheels or smashing the grease caps to get the wheels to fit.

SamM

 

[AndyY]

Okay. I've got that question licked. Thanks to everyone. Next- brakes or not? I'm thinking gross weight under 2k# and not required in my state. Worth $275? Thoughts? How advantageous are they off road? If I go with brakes they would be electric and w/ parking brake option. That part seems a no-brainer.

 

[dmc1]

I chose not to use electric brakes. I just did not want the extra weight and for the way I use my trailer it just was not worth it to me personally. I think it all comes down to personal preference. I do like them on bigger trailers and I have a set I could use. Just decided against the extra weight at this time.

Okay. I've got that question licked. Thanks to everyone. Next- brakes or not? I'm thinking gross weight under 2k# and not required in my state. Worth $275? Thoughts? How advantageous are they off road? If I go with brakes they would be electric and w/ parking brake option. That part seems a no-brainer.

 

[whatevah]

It'll be hard to find somebody who regretted having trailer brakes, even for non-mountain highway use. It does depend on your tow vehicle, a 1ton pickup likely won't see a difference, but a Samurai or a Wrangler would be different. I've spec'ed my trailer (under 2000lbs, like yours) with brakes but likely won't get the brake controller until the fall when I go out west. I-70 is no joke crossing the Rockies and I'll be taking it on a few easier trails.

 

[kojackJKU]

Bringing this up top for a question, I have a line on two JK rims for my trailer, POP up with spring over and a small shackle lift. What size tires should I get. I don't need anything massive, just want a good at tire to fit in the wells. Also, Where would I go to spec some shocks to control the bounce. I have a set of pro comps sitting in my garage, but they are really long. I was thinking about canting them from each corner of the axle forward but they maybe to stiff.

 

[Thelgord]

Ideally, at least IMHO, you should use the same wheels and tires as your tow vehicle. Makes carrying spares easier and in a pinch, you can drop the trailer use it's wheels. If you have two spares you can set up a tire rotation so when it gets time to buy new tires you only need to buy two at a time. Just an idea though.

 

[Mayhem-6]

^^agreed. If you can fit the same size tire, go with it so everything is interchangable.