How should I buy an axle?

[Country Dirt Kid]

I have a trailer from the 70's that needs a new axle, hubs bearings etc. How should I go about buying a new one? Should I take the axle off and bring it to a trailer shop and have them measure it and find a suitable match or should I order one my self. I have a good pair of calipers and I don't mind getting dirty. What are people doing these days? Thank you

 

[Tassie 1]

As you mention,
take it to a trailer parts place.

 

[Scott Danforth]

or measure hub to hub per the guides on trailer axle sellling sites

 

[ahicks]

You need to know the distance between the spring centers, and the distance from one hub face to the other (track).

Everything you ever wanted to know about axles: dexteraxle.com

 

[jimmbo]

Consider getting a Torsion Axle if the current one requires springs.

 

[MTboatguy]

If possible I would order a torsion axle, much nicer to deal with, call dexter or one of the other axle companies with your measurements as well as the weight range and they can tell you exactly what you need, they are not difficult to change out, pretty straight forward affair.

 

[ahicks]

Torsion axle may be a better plan long term, but I would want to beef up the frame in the area that bracket fits. Not that big a deal, just something to keep in mind as part of a conversion like that.