What tires?

[handirifle]

OK doing this on tight budget. Gonna swap out the old mobile home 3" round axle, for a straight 3500lb with NORMAL bolt pattern, like a 5 on 4.5. I am planning on 15" wheels, but am wondering about load rating on tires. Are tires rated for 1850lb suitable for this? The total exceeds the axle that way, so they should be good, right?

Also, have toyed with the idea of a 4" drop axle swap. Having never swapped a drop axle before, can the drop axle be mounted on the bottom of the leaf spring. I know more drop comes if it's on top of the spring, but that would limit spring travel a lot too, it seems.

Do you have to do anything special to mount them (drop axle) under the springs? I ask, thinking of the drop causing a front to back rocking motion, or is that not an issue? I am thinking drop, mainly to make it easier to load roll on equipment, like riding mower, small tractor, rental equipment, etc.

 

[handirifle]

Another question, when loaded heavy, there is noticeable increase in braking power required. I am wondering if you guys think I should invest the extra $150-160 for electric brakes?
I am on a tight budget, but safety is a concern as well. There a currently no brakes on it, but my truck is fully wired for them, since I use them on my 5,000lb 5th wheel.

 

[rasimmo]

If the 2 tires combined capacity is greater than the axle capacity you will be fine.

If you want the drop axle below the springs you will have to get the spring perches on the top of the axle. If the axle is currently below the springs and you put a straight axle above the springs the ride height will be close to putting a 4" drop axle below springs.

If this is a single axle I wold probable not worry about brakes. It may be required in some states though. I have heard some places require brakes on anything from 3500 lbs and up. I am not sure about that, just heard it mentioned before.

 

[handirifle]

OK thanks, on the tire info. That was what I was hoping, but wasn't sure about "margins".

The current axle IS on the bottom, but I do not see enough room for travel between the frame and the top of where the axle would ride. This setup does not hang the spring pivot points much below the frame at all. The setup has worked well for heavy loads, but only with the spring over.

OK when I order the axle, I will specify spring over mount.

The trailer is registered as 3,000lb home built IIRC, so they are not required, just thought they might help on the heavy loads.