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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Location
    Rubyvale Qld Australia
    Age
    60
    Posts
    35

    Default Utility trailer axle

    Hi Folks,
    I'm building a 6 x 8 foot motorcycle and water tank cartage trailer and the trailer I'm modifying is a brand new unfinished flat bed type that I've purchased very cheap.
    I'm making the trailer a little narrower and am using 15 x 6'' rims instead of the 13 x 5'' rims and now I suppose I have 2 options for the axle.
    First up the maximum load weight will be 1070 kgs and the current springs are rated to 1500 kgs.
    Number one axle option would be to buy a new ready machined solid beam axle to the required length and number 2 option would be altering the current axle.
    As per the picture I'm wondering would cutting a piece out of the square hollow section axle and sleeving it internally and welding back together be allowable.

    With the maximum load weight being 1070 kgs and with it being towed by a 2.5L Subaru Outback and a 4.0L Ford RTV ute would having the trailer drum braked be a good idea, its so I can ask for the correct axle.
    I've checked out YouTube and I see there's weld on flanges available to mount the drum brakes to my current axle and I suppose if I go buy a new axle they'd be available with the flanges already welded on.

    What are your thoughts on modifying my axle?

    Cheers

    1. tRAILER aXLE.jpg 1a. Utility Trailer - 2400mm x 1800mm.jpg
    Attached Images Attached Images

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Millmerran,QLD
    Age
    73
    Posts
    139

    Default

    I think you will find that legally the maximum weight of trailer and load unbraked is 750Kg. A motorcycle is unlikely to exceed that all up weight, but two motorcycles (and the trailer ) will and a 1000litre "bulky bin," for example, certainly will. To do what you have outlined you may be better off purchasing the ready made axle set up including brakes. You will also have to choose between cable and hydraulic brakes. Even with hydraulic brakes the maximum gross weight is two tonnes. For more than that you require electric brakes.

    As it sounds as though you still have to get the trailer registered, you may have no alternative but to go with brakes. With the checker plate floor I am guessing that the trailer is already quite weighty. You will need suitable tyres too. Most people use light truck tyres to achieve the necessary weight rating.

    Regards
    Paul
    Bushmiller;

    "Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power corrupts, absolutely!"

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    South Australia
    Posts
    1,656

    Default

    By the time you have some one weld the axle and supply a compliance certificate (which as far as I am aware will be a requirement in all states if you want register)
    you may as just purchase axle to suit

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Location
    Rubyvale Qld Australia
    Age
    60
    Posts
    35

    Default

    Thanks for the help guys, I'm now thinking it will be safest to buy a ready made axle with a brake setup.

    I'll have to YouTube drums and rotors and cable vs hydraulics.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Murray Bridge S Aust.
    Age
    71
    Posts
    5,942

    Default

    I'd go the Hydraulics and Drum brakes. They've been around for a long time and don't seem to give much trouble, (provided they're looked after). I'd suggest using a synthetic brake fluid as the petroleum based one has a hydroscopic tendency (draws in moisture) causing the brake master cylinder to seize.
    Another suggestion is to place a Jam Tin with a cut out to go over the reservoir to save UV damage on the lid.
    For interest, I'm currently helping a place build trailers and the brake ratio numbers are about 90% Electric Drums on all axles. 9% Hydraulic Override on one axle, and 1% Cable on Disc Rotors on one axle.
    HTH
    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

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