Axles & Axle Hardware

SELECTING THE PROPER TRAILER AXLE

When selecting an axle for your application remember to consider the following important specifications:

• LOAD CAPACITY:  the load rating of the axle must support the maximum gross vehicle weight rating. For multiple axle trailers divide the GVWR by the number of axles to determine the minimum load capacity of each axle.

• TRACK LENGTH:  measure your axle track length by determining the distance between the center of one tire to the center of the other tire. A more precise measurement can be made by measuring the distance from one 'HUB FACE' to the other. The hub face is also known as the mounting surface where the wheel studs are located.

• SPRING CENTERS:  measure the distance from the center of one spring to the center of the other.
  NOTE: not required for replacement torsion axles

• OVERALL LENGTH:  measure the distance from the very end of an axle's spindle to the very end of the opposite spindle.

• AXLE STYLE:  important when reusing old mounting hardware and also for proper tire clearance. Includes straight axles (round or square), drop axles with offset spindles, and torsion axles. Also consider spindle size when reusing existing hubs or drums.

• AXLE CAMBER:  Most trailer axles are designed with a “bend” in the tube that will deflect when the load (weight of the trailer) is applied. This will theoretically bring the trailer wheel camber toward a 0 value that is the best setting for most trailer applications. This will allow the tires to wear evenly and allow the longest tread life. Camber can be affected by damage to the axle. For example, if the axle spindle is bent, this will usually cause a negative camber on that side which will cause excess tread wear on the inside of that tire.