Upgrading Mobile Home Axles??????

[LD1]

A little background:

Our trailer is a 18' and has two mobile home axles under it. One is a brake axle that doesn't work. It is a heavy built trailer that was homemade in 1984.

It is a seldom used trailer. Maybe 8-10 times per year @ less than 10miles each way, and maybe one longer trip per year @ ~50mi one way.

The tires are getting pretty bad. Dry-rotting, leaking, bald, etc. We have put tubes in a couple due to the leaks.

The main thing that gets towed is my tractor @ 4500lbs MAX, sometimes less depending on loader/attachment configuration.

So we are weighing out our options on wether to buy tires and maybe fix the brakes on the brake axle, or to just buy new axles and tires. So I would like to here all the suggestions TBN members have. Here is what I have come up with so far:

New brake axles are $235 locally and $135 for non-brake axles.
New rims+tires are $75 each
New rim and used tire are $25 each.

So two new axles (1each) with new tires/rims would run me $670, or $470 with the used tires.

Some concerns are, I have heard that MH axles are 4500lb rated. Which I like better than 3500lb. But, is there any bolt on conversions that would work to convert to newer style wheel/tires. I am not really worried about the brakes, they haven worked since I owned the trailer, but I may fix anyway.

Sorry for the long winded post, but basically this trailer cost me $400 5 years ago and I havent had to do anything to it yet. I really dont want to sink anymore money into it than I have too given that we don't use it much. So is it worth it to buy new axles??? or just get new tires and fix the brakes???or are there any other options I have not came up with??????

 

[Diamondpilot]

I know you are not concerned with brakes but the law states in Ohio any trailer over 2,000# must have brakes, does not say how many axles, and they must have a brake-away kit that will hold the brake for 15 minutes.

If it were my trailer I would put a set of 5,200# axles on it with 6 lug wheels and 225/75/15 tires.

State Towing Laws

Chris

 

[Soundguy]

I agree.. even if I just put dexter axles with one of them as a brake axle.. I'd do it.

and tires? NEW.. used ones are already half way to letting you down.

I've had 3 bad tire issues in the last 2 months.. could have been bad situations when they decided to let go..

soundguy

 

[Diamondpilot]

Here is some more info on the trailer laws in Ohio. I got it from one of my online sources I get from being in the marine business.

Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles - Trailers: 614-752-7568
Maximum Speed Limit: 65
Maximum Dimensions for trailer:40'L x 8'6"W x 13'6"H
Maximum Length with Trailer:65'
Minimum Weight requiring Separate Trailer Brakes:2000
Safety Chains:Y
Brakelights:Y
Taillights:Y
Clearance Lights:Y
License Light:Y
Turn Signals:Y
Reflectors:Y
Flares:N/A
Breakaway Brakes:Y
Tiedowns:N/A
Two Trailers:Y
Insurance:N/A
Wide Trailer Permit Phone Number: 440-351-2300 Tpke: 440-234-2081

Chris

 

[LD1]

Yes I am aware of the laws and yes only one axle needs brakes which it has.

They just need rebuilt as they dont work properly.

IF I were to get new axles, one WOULD have brakes.

IF I keep these axles, the brakes will eventually get rebuild.

What I ment about not being worried about the brakes is IF I can find a kit to convert the hub, I would leave the MH style brakes. IE I am not worried about converting them.

5200lbs is overkill and is more than I am going to want to soend unless they are cheaper than 3500lb axles which I doubt. I only own a 1/2 on and a little tractor. If I ever have a need for bigger, I will cross that bridge when the time comes. For now, I want to do this as cost effectively as I can.

I have red on a couple of websites that MH axles have a 1 3/4 inner bearing diameter and an 1 1/4 outer which is common on a lot of 6 and 8 lug hubs that go on 6k axles and that some of these hubs will work. I was wondering if anyone can confirm or deny this??? Has anyone on here ever done this before?? I will have to reasure the distance between axles to see if I could even accomodate larger tires, but around here, junkyard 8 lug 3/4ton axles and tires are cheap.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

So two new axles (1each) with new tires/rims would run me $670, or $470 with the used tires.

You're most of the cost of a factory built used trailer at that amount. I don't disagree with the others that the new stuff is better than the used stuff, but you have to be careful throwing good money after bad.

Every region is different, but around here I can find a good used 2-horse trailer any week of the year for about $500. Some show up for less if they're rusty or dented up. You might look around for a used trailer of some sort that you could poach the axles off of.

I have a trailer with mobile home axles that were adapted to fit conventional rims. The tabs were ground off the hub and an adapter plate was mounted that fit regular rims.

If your current setup has been working for you, I'd say fix the brakes and replace the tires. The magnets for those mobile home axles can be found on e-bay. I think R&P sells them sometimes. They're around $50 if I remember correctly.

 

[BruceWard]

I have not seen mobile home axles rated for less than 6,000 pounds.

We have a similar vintage trailer that refurbished last year. I replaced the mobile home axles with newer mobile home axles with brakes on both axles. The mobile home axles cost $75 each including brakes. I can buy all the used tires I want for $25 each including the wheeld.

The mobile home axles needed to be cut in the middle and welded to be the correct length. Replacing the axle was cheaper and easier than rebuilding the brakes.

 

[LD1]

I have not seen mobile home axles rated for less than 6,000 pounds.

We have a similar vintage trailer that refurbished last year. I replaced the mobile home axles with newer mobile home axles with brakes on both axles. The mobile home axles cost $75 each including brakes. I can buy all the used tires I want for $25 each including the wheeld.

The mobile home axles needed to be cut in the middle and welded to be the correct length. Replacing the axle was cheaper and easier than rebuilding the brakes.

Where are you buying axles and tires at.

Around here, people are selling MH axles with marginal tires for $100 a pop with no guarentee that the brakes even work.

No more than we tow, I cannot justify buying new tires. They dry-rot before even half the tread is worn. A used but not dry-rotted set is the way I think I am going to try to go.

Used trailers around here also bring a premimum. $1500 for factory build car trailers is about the norm. People are selling homemade peices of junk with rotten decks for ~$800.

 

[Diamondpilot]

We have a 2 horse trailer with tandem axles for sale at the end of my road for $500. Have not looked at it but there has to be $500 worth of steel, axles, wheels, tires, brakes, ect there.

Chris

 

[BruceWard]

I buy axles and tires from a mobile home dealer. They use them until they are worn out and then sell them to a refurbisher who I assume pays less than they charge me. I was able to look at their inventory and cherry pick the axles and tires I wanted. The axles and tires I purchased had plenty of life left in them. I did not test the brakes before buying but was able to see that plenty of pad remained and everything moved slowly. I did have to replace one of the brake magnets after the wires pulled out of it which cost about $25.

 

[crazyal]

Around here moble home dealers use the axles once (since every MH comes with them) then pull the axles after it's set up and then sell the axles for $75. They sell the tires and wheels for $25. For tat kind of money it doesn't make sense to repair anything. I would suggest calling a few MH dealers.

 

[slowzuki]

You can convert many MH axles to 8 lug rims with new brake drums. Take a look at Bill Vista's article on pirate and some of the other threads. There is a range of types of MH axles.

 

[Soundguy]

I buy axles and tires from a mobile home dealer. They use them until they are worn out and then sell them to a refurbisher who I assume pays less than they charge me. I was able to look at their inventory and cherry pick the axles and tires I wanted. The axles and tires I purchased had plenty of life left in them. I did not test the brakes before buying but was able to see that plenty of pad remained and everything moved slowly. I did have to replace one of the brake magnets after the wires pulled out of it which cost about $25.

as far as i know in florida, we can't make new homade trailers with MH axles on them. can't remember what the cutoff year was.. by maybee 2000.. however any homade trailer that had MH axles on it was grandfathered. guess you could still repair those types by putting mh axles back under one that was already grandfathered.

just interjecting that.. didn't know if any other staqtes had outlawed them?

soundguy

 

[LD1]

as far as i know in florida, we can't make new homade trailers with MH axles on them. can't remember what the cutoff year was.. by maybee 2000.. however any homade trailer that had MH axles on it was grandfathered. guess you could still repair those types by putting mh axles back under one that was already grandfathered.

just interjecting that.. didn't know if any other staqtes had outlawed them?

soundguy

That is how I thought it was here too, but upon further diging, I cant find any fact to back that up. Just a bunch of hear-say and "I heard frm so and so" type articles. I cant find anything on the "law".

The nearest I could find was a guy in colorado who has heard the same rumors about them not being legal and all. He called his DMV and said the only thing illegal about them is the MH only use tires. With appropriate tires, they are just as legal as anything else.

This is just one case and only in colorado. Ohio and other states may be different. I'll have to do some more digging. I have however talked to a few different trailer builders in my area. One of them told me that they were absolutly illegal no matter how old the trailer, and that if I got caught driving the trailer, I would be cited. He also told me tht there is absolutly no way to convert anything, that I would have to get a whole new axle, wheels, and tires. Another builder told me the same as the guy in colorado found out, that they are legal with the right tires. So who knows. I guess a call to the DMV is in order here.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I think MH axles are legal with the right tires but just more trouble than they are worth in my eyes. To each his own.

Chris

 

[Soundguy]

considering how much a dexter axle with hubs cost.. and you know they are legal..

soundguy

 

[clemsonfor]

A little background:

Our trailer is a 18' and has two mobile home axles under it. One is a brake axle that doesn't work. It is a heavy built trailer that was homemade in 1984.

It is a seldom used trailer. Maybe 8-10 times per year @ less than 10miles each way, and maybe one longer trip per year @ ~50mi one way.

The tires are getting pretty bad. Dry-rotting, leaking, bald, etc. We have put tubes in a couple due to the leaks.

The main thing that gets towed is my tractor @ 4500lbs MAX, sometimes less depending on loader/attachment configuration.

So we are weighing out our options on wether to buy tires and maybe fix the brakes on the brake axle, or to just buy new axles and tires. So I would like to here all the suggestions TBN members have. Here is what I have come up with so far:



New brake axles are $235 locally and $135 for non-brake axles.
New rims+tires are $75 each
New rim and used tire are $25 each.

So two new axles (1each) with new tires/rims would run me $670, or $470 with the used tires.

Some concerns are, I have heard that MH axles are 4500lb rated. Which I like better than 3500lb. But, is there any bolt on conversions that would work to convert to newer style wheel/tires. I am not really worried about the brakes, they haven worked since I owned the trailer, but I may fix anyway.

Sorry for the long winded post, but basically this trailer cost me $400 5 years ago and I havent had to do anything to it yet. I really dont want to sink anymore money into it than I have too given that we don't use it much. So is it worth it to buy new axles??? or just get new tires and fix the brakes???or are there any other options I have not came up with??????

Here is what i would do. Buy a used trailer if you can get away with a 16ft car hauler it will be easier to find them. I see them all the time in good shape for $900 and in rougher shape for around $700. This is what you are looking to pay for a new set of axles. This is of couse for a production trailer with brakes and real tires.

I would then list the trailer you have for sale on CL for $500-600 and see what you get on offers.

 

[clemsonfor]

I buy axles and tires from a mobile home dealer. They use them until they are worn out and then sell them to a refurbisher who I assume pays less than they charge me. I was able to look at their inventory and cherry pick the axles and tires I wanted. The axles and tires I purchased had plenty of life left in them. I did not test the brakes before buying but was able to see that plenty of pad remained and everything moved slowly. I did have to replace one of the brake magnets after the wires pulled out of it which cost about $25.

Those things are only leagal for one - time use, hope that trailer MH place dosent get caught doing this, if so you may have a lot more axles in better shape to choose from, but the price may go up as they would have to buy a lot more of them.

 

[clemsonfor]

Where are you buying axles and tires at.

Around here, people are selling MH axles with marginal tires for $100 a pop with no guarentee that the brakes even work.

No more than we tow, I cannot justify buying new tires. They dry-rot before even half the tread is worn. A used but not dry-rotted set is the way I think I am going to try to go.

Used trailers around here also bring a premimum. $1500 for factory build car trailers is about the norm. People are selling homemade peices of junk with rotten decks for ~$800.

Ouch i only paid $1200 for my new car hauler trailer a year ago, they now went up to $1475 but thats still what your used ones cost? Granted i do not have brakes but i can change that for less than $200 so my new trailer with brakes will be less than a used one like it where you live? Why dont yall just get trailers from the same supplier folks around here do, you could sell new ones for less than used.

 

[clemsonfor]

That is how I thought it was here too, but upon further diging, I cant find any fact to back that up. Just a bunch of hear-say and "I heard frm so and so" type articles. I cant find anything on the "law".

The nearest I could find was a guy in colorado who has heard the same rumors about them not being legal and all. He called his DMV and said the only thing illegal about them is the MH only use tires. With appropriate tires, they are just as legal as anything else.

This is just one case and only in colorado. Ohio and other states may be different. I'll have to do some more digging. I have however talked to a few different trailer builders in my area. One of them told me that they were absolutly illegal no matter how old the trailer, and that if I got caught driving the trailer, I would be cited. He also told me tht there is absolutly no way to convert anything, that I would have to get a whole new axle, wheels, and tires. Another builder told me the same as the guy in colorado found out, that they are legal with the right tires. So who knows. I guess a call to the DMV is in order here.

It would take an educated cop to tell that it was a MH axle and not just a repaid axle if you had put other tires on it to make them "legal " tires