Trailer Axle and Tires

[rah6965]

I need some help with determining which type trailer springs are best. I have decided to replace the mobile home axles on a used trailer I bought with some Dexter axles from a local trailer mfg. I plan to replace axles, springs and mounting bolts. I also plan on replacing the center equalizer hanger, since the old one has a lot of wear on it. Basically I plan on replacing everything but the welded-on hanger plates. The old trailer has tandem slipper springs now. The new axles will be dual 6,000 lb. dexter brake axles. Is there any real difference in double eye springs and slipper springs. What are the advantages or disadvantages to each type of spring. I will also replace the old wedge bolt M/H tires with some 8 bolt wheels and tires. I found some 8 X 14.5 load range G tires and 8 bolt wheels made by LoadStar. Does anyone have any comments on this type or brand of tire. I was thinking about using these because they are the same size as the existing M/H tires on my trailer. I'm afraid I may have clearance issues with 235/80/R16 tires on this trailer. Thanks for any input.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I do not like slipper set-ups with equalizers. So that being said I would go with the dual eye springs. Now, are you sure the 6.0K axles are 8 lug. All 5.2K and 6.0K axles I see are 6 lug. You have to go to 7.0K and 8.0K before you get into 8 lug. The Loadstar tire seems ok but I have never used them. I really like GreenBall Tow Masters. Norther Tool is a big retailer for them.

Chris

 

[rah6965]

They could be 6 lug wheels. I will have to ask again to make sure. So, you recommend the double eye type springs over slipper springs. Thanks for the input Chris.

 

[Diamondpilot]

They could be 6 lug wheels. I will have to ask again to make sure. So, you recommend the double eye type springs over slipper springs. Thanks for the input Chris.

Not really recommending them, just that is what I usually see. I would ask a spring shop that works on trailers suspensions.

Chris

 

[Hematite]

I would definitely recommend bias ST tires over radial ST tires. Radial may roll easier but contribute to sway because of the weak sidewalls and are very easily damaged by curbing. If overloaded or curbed, the radials are VERY prone to blowouts. When used for heavy load carrying trailer service, bias ST tires are the way to go.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I would definitely recommend bias ST tires over radial ST tires. Radial may roll easier but contribute to sway because of the weak sidewalls and are very easily damaged by curbing. If overloaded or curbed, the radials are VERY prone to blowouts. When used for heavy load carrying trailer service, bias ST tires are the way to go.

That is funny you say that. I have never had any luck with bias tires. I guess its a Ford Cheby fight, I am a Ford Guy.

Chris

 

[rah6965]

Thanks for the input. The 8 X 14.5 are load range G (14 ply rated) and they are bias-ply tires. I worked at a Michelin aircraft tire plant for 11 years and all our aircraft tires were bias-ply. They were really heavy duty and had super stiff sidewalls. They would make great trailer tires, but you would need a split rim wheel to mount them. Back to my spring question; What do most new equipment trailer mfg. companies use (slipper or double eye) springs? I've looked at several trailer websites, but you can't determine their axle spring type without giving them a call.

 

[DIRTROAD]

My experience is with slipper type springs and the 8-14.5 bias tires. I have not had any problems in the 12 years owning this trailer. I estimate the trailer has at least 35k miles on it and the usual load weighs around 12k pounds.

 

[Hematite]

That is funny you say that. I have never had any luck with bias tires. I guess its a Ford Cheby fight, I am a Ford Guy.

Chris

Nah, there's no fight, I'm a Ford guy through and through! I really am basing what I say on what I learned on RV.net and ST tire manufacturer websites.

I think that a lot of the disatisfaction that I see with ST tires of one type or another really stems from the quality, or should I say lack of it.

 

[Builder]

I'm also partial and more experienced with slipper springs and 275/17.5" tires.

Believe it or not, most tire failures outside of physical damage from curbs, etc. is AGE. I have noticed some tires are made more cheaply than others.

Old tires are dangerous read HERE:
The Hidden Danger - New Old Tires | The Consumer Warning Network

 

[Builder]

Thanks for the input. The 8 X 14.5 are load range G (14 ply rated) and they are bias-ply tires. I worked at a Michelin aircraft tire plant for 11 years and all our aircraft tires were bias-ply. They were really heavy duty and had super stiff sidewalls. They would make great trailer tires, but you would need a split rim wheel to mount them. Back to my spring question; What do most new equipment trailer mfg. companies use (slipper or double eye) springs? I've looked at several trailer websites, but you can't determine their axle spring type without giving them a call.

Seems like most use slipper type.

Is the reason you ask because of the noise from slipper springs when the trailer is empty?

 

[pat32rf]

If you are sticking with 14 1/2" tires, I don't see why you want to swap out the wedge bolt rims. Dexter makes both style hubs with the same weight rating.
I would go with the double eye springs though, just in case you ever break a main leaf.
I would go with the metal spring bushings no matter what the sales rep says about the benefits of plastic ones. Just my own preference....

 

[tlbuser]

My experience is with slipper type springs and the 8-14.5 bias tires. I have not had any problems in the 12 years owning this trailer. I estimate the trailer has at least 35k miles on it and the usual load weighs around 12k pounds.

View attachment 135830

According to most everyone here, you've got a horrible problem with your trailer. The dreaded "mobile home axles". How in the world does your setup even work ?

 

[rah6965]

The reason I am changing out the wedge bolt tires is because I need to repair/upgrade the axels. The existing axles only have brakes on one axle and they aren't working. I would like to add brakes to both, so considering the cost to repair brakes on one axle and upgrade the second axle, I thought it would be smarter to replace the old M/H axles with new braking axles that have lug bolts, replaceable brake parts and new springs. So, that is why I will need new wheels. I may be able to use my existing tires, but they have seen better days. I thought I might keep the best of them for use as a spare.

 

[whateg0]

I do not like slipper set-ups with equalizers. So that being said I would go with the dual eye springs. Now, are you sure the 6.0K axles are 8 lug. All 5.2K and 6.0K axles I see are 6 lug. You have to go to 7.0K and 8.0K before you get into 8 lug. The Loadstar tire seems ok but I have never used them. I really like GreenBall Tow Masters. Norther Tool is a big retailer for them.

Chris

IIRC, from when I was doing research for a trailer I built, the 6k and 7k are close to the same, with the differences being in the tube wall thickness and brake drum size. Both were 8 lug. The 5200# axles were smaller and could be had with either 6 lug or 8 lug hubs. 3500# were all 5 lug or 6 lug.

That's just what I remember.

Dave