What kind of axle are you using on your offroad trailer?

[Expedition Key]

I've got a little free time on my hands and I'm thinking of building a trailer. It will be roughly a 4'x7' box similar to a Horizon. I'm going to do a leaf spring 3500# axle. My question is are all axles about the same quality? Any favorite suppliers? I'm looking at http://abctrailerparts.com/axles.html

Thanks in advance for your input, I've started a Sketchup, I'll post later today.

Kye

 

[StumpXJ]

Personally I run a Dexter 3500#, w/10" electric brakes.... but only because I got a great deal on it on Craigslist. I was going to use ABC before I found the deal.

~ James

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

I just placed an order for the same axle from ABC this week. Randy was extremely helpful, an I was very impressed with the service. I talked previously to someone at Dexter, and was very turned off by her arrogant attitude (just my personal experience with Dexter, despite them being a popular axle choice here).

Can't wait to get my ABC axle...

Craig

 

[TrailTrackers]

I didn't use axles. I built my own trailing arms with airbags and shocks. Similar to how AT does it. The trailer rides smooth as smooth can get and I have gobs of clearance.

I also don't have to worry about traversing rocks and such, as the trailing arms act like ramps (or slides), and I can simply drag the trailer over the rocks.

Additionally, when only one wheel goes over a bump or drops into a hole, my trailer doesn't shift violently to one side and throw its contents around.

 

[Expedition Key]

I didn't use axles. I built my own trailing arms with airbags and shocks. Similar to how AT does it. The trailer rides smooth as smooth can get and I have gobs of clearance.

I also don't have to worry about traversing rocks and such, as the trailing arms act like ramps (or slides), and I can simply drag the trailer over the rocks.

Additionally, when only one wheel goes over a bump or drops into a hole, my trailer doesn't shift violently to one side and throw its contents around.

I've thought about doing a similar setup, but I'm leaning (no pun intended) towards longer springs, looking at 62" Chevy and shocks.

Here's a rough Sketchup of the trailer plan

 

[jdholder]

That's a good looking trailer! Nice job on the sketchup!

 

[Box Rocket]

Super basic 3500# axle (no brakes) from Henderson in SLC, Utah on my trailer. I might add brakes in the future but so far it hasn't been an issue at all. Been quite happy with it and with springs and hangers/perches, custom hubs etc to match the tow rig it was ~$130 so I can't complain about the price either.

 

[zornff]

trailing arms

I didn't use axles. I built my own trailing arms with airbags and shocks. Similar to how AT does it. The trailer rides smooth as smooth can get and I have gobs of clearance.

I also don't have to worry about traversing rocks and such, as the trailing arms act like ramps (or slides), and I can simply drag the trailer over the rocks.

Additionally, when only one wheel goes over a bump or drops into a hole, my trailer doesn't shift violently to one side and throw its contents around.

You got any pics or specs ? I am getting parts together for my scratch build and trailing arms are the way to go. Any help would be awesome.

Mike