Axle Swap / Upgrade?

[Robert Wesner]

A little off the GORV theme, but maybe not....

Anyone had any experiences with upgrading or swapping trailer axles?

I'm dealing with a cargo trailer that has axles way-underrated for the weight we're hauling.

New axles are really expensive so I'm considering searching for a wrecked 5th wheel or camper that I can scalp from.

Current axles are standard tandem 3500# torsion and we need to go up to much bigger like 7,000#.  We're usually hauling at least 10,000lbs.

New axles means new tires, new brakes, etc.

If y'all got any tips, we'd appreciate 'um.........

[Chuck]

I am a ironworker/welder by trade and know a little about steel. Your trailer was probably engineered to carry so much. Sounds like its being overloaded quite a bit. Just upgrading the axle won't keep the frame bending or cracking over time. If U R hauling that much on a regular basis consider upgrading.

[Robert Wesner]

can't find ANYTHING on the market.

it seems they make equipment haulers but they'll all flat-beds and don't make anything enclosed.

closest I've seen with heavier axles is too big or just way too expensive

[richard nance]

northern tools has a selection of axles and brake accessories.

[Robert Wesner]

saw that - except there are no Northern Tools in the NORTHwest.... so much for NORTHERN Tools... LOL

[Richard Chadwell]

 

Robert, Have you thought about a live stock trailer and converting to what you need, just a thought.

[Robert Wesner]

considered it, but most are way too heavy

[William Martin]

I agree with Chuck - axles are not the only issue.  The construction of the trailer may not be suitable to your use.  And brakes must definitely be upgraded. 

We recently had 3500 lb axles replaced on a '63 because the brake and axle parts were obsolete.  For dual axles with all new electric brakes we paid about $2200.  Tires and new wheels were another $800.  So it's not a cheap job to have done.  The difference is that our axles, by state law in Indiana, had to be replaced with a comparable type axle, so the new ones have 6000 ratings.  I'd still never carry that much because the trailer isn't rated for it in it's construction, but it was quite an upgrade.  

Cindy

[Robert Wesner]

last quote we got was about $3500+

only $500 less than I payed for the whole trailer....

[William Martin]

We once had an axle changed right at the manufacturer's shop.  I don't know where you are getting quotes from.  The ones I mentioned above were done by an RV repair shop that specializes in axles.  I don't know where you are located, but if you can find either of those places the price might be better.  That price seems quote high.

[Robert Wesner]

ya, you're telling me.  we're up in Southern Oregon.

last quotes I got were down in Phoenix, AZ - and every "dealer" or RV shop I talked to said they had to special order the axles taking 4-5 weeks.....

we're on the road but we're starting over when we get back in a few days........

[Robert Wesner]

REALLY?

we haven't seen ONE for sale

LOTS of flat beds for hauling back-hoes but can't find a single enclosed cargo hauler with anything but 3500's

........barring the $20k racing trailers...... WAY out of our budget....

[Lakota Wolf]

I search for Older wrecked TOY HAULER 5th wheels. Even asked local insurance companies about totaled trailers. On average a toy hauler has 12K to 15 K axels and even have brakes with hubs complete for a 1/5 of new. I put 10K axels on my 24 ft for a better ride.

Also,, an 8 K rated toy hauler axel is rated at 8k per side, giving you 16K safe load weight.

I picked mine up for $225. per axel ( times 2 ) and came with wheels and tires ready to bolt on.