Axle Hubs and Custom Trailers

[Boaring1961]

I'm interested in either buying a custom utility trailer or building one myself that has axle hubs that fit the rims and tires from my 2005 2500. I'd love to have a trailer for hunting trips that has the same rims and tires as my truck so I don't have to bring so many different size tires with me.



Is this possible? Do they make axles for trailers with hubs that our rims and tires will fit?



If there's a manufacturer out there that makes production utility trailers or that can customize one please let me know. If not can someone point me to a supplier of an axle I can buy to build my own?



Thanks

 

[HBarlow]

http://www.dexteraxle.com/

http://al-kousa.com/

These are the two primary manufacturers of quality trailer axle, spring, and brake assemblies. I think there are now Asian companies entering the market. I believe some low end trailer brands use China substitutes - not for quality.

I don't know if either company offers hubs that match Dodge wheels. You might browse their websites and find them or contact the companies.

 

[NIsaacs]

Your '05 Dodge has the standard 8 bolt wheel pattern that the 7k trailer axles use. However, the back space of your wheels prevent the tire from mounting on the trailer, the wheel/tire will hit the springs/frame. If you had the trailer custom built or build it yourself, clearance could be built in to allow the wheels to fit. Keep in mind, the more overhang you have (hub face from spring mount) the less capacity the axle has. Depending on what your weight needs are will determine the individual axle capacity. Example; you may need an 8k axle in place of a 7k or multiple 7k axles.



Nick

 

[HBarlow]

Nick,

That's good information. I did not know the bolt pattern is the same but as you explained, our Dodge wheels are not interchangeable because of offset.

 

[Bob4x4]

I have built a number of trailers to use matching wheel/tire combinations. 5,6,and 8 lug configurations are readily available. Especially helpful when you are using larger than stock size tires where storage can be an issue

 

[Boaring1961]

NIsaacs,

It would likely be a custom trailer so I guess I could increase the clearance. I don't ever expect to haul more than 6,000 lbs in the trailer, but maybe I should consider a tandem axle set up.

Some may say that these heavier axles aren't needed and I know that, but I'm trying to create some convenience of having the same size rim and tire for both the truck and trailer. I'd love to have a trailer built that will have a tire mounted vertically on each side of the trailers in front of the fender wells.

 

[TLane]

I've purchased from these guys and been satisfied with them:

www.southwestwheel.com

Their trailer parts are sold under a sister web site:

http://www.trailerpart.com/

You can get the axles made up in the length you want and with the hubs you want.

I haven't checked, but is it possible to get a spacer to move the wheels out on the trailer axles and avoid the offset issue? The trailer bearings are expecting the load to be between the bearings, so the offset affects the bearings as well as the axle.