6K Axle Tube Strength verses Tube Thickness

**geotex1** · 02-23-2023, 08:30 PM

Originally Posted by powerscol

An update. I went with the 3.5" tube 0.5 thick wall axle with the 6K hub fixings to fit my 6 on 5.5 rims Springs are the matching 3500lb. The initial compression rate is the same as the springs I have.

Your outer bearing will definitely fail before you do anything to those tubes! Those tubes are what GD uses for 8K axles with standard drums so that they can use the same 12"x2" brakes.

**powerscol** · 02-23-2023, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by geotex1

Your outer bearing will definitely fail before you do anything to those tubes! Those tubes are what GD uses for 8K axles with standard drums so that they can use the same 12"x2" brakes.

Thanks for the kind thoughts - I know it is a bit of overkill, but don't want to worry about bending a tube again.

Dexter considers them 7K tubes down rated to 6K for my application, but I suspect the same tubes go to 8K or even more?
Whats good is the bearing and brake parts are easily available, unlike the smaller 10 by 2.5 or is it 2.25 on the 4400lb axles. I always travel with at least one complete set of bearings (cones and race) and several rear hub seals.

**powerscol** · 03-19-2023, 03:21 PM

Update
The axles arrived. I used Iron Bear. https://ironbeartrailer.com/ Talk to to Brad - he really knows his stuff. Dexter referred me to him.

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**geotex1** · 03-19-2023, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by powerscol

Update
The axles arrived. I used Iron Bear. https://ironbeartrailer.com/ Talk to to Brad - he really knows his stuff. Dexter referred me to him.

And now the wrestling begins! Good luck with the install!!

**powerscol** · 03-19-2023, 04:28 PM

You want to come help? I have my pallet forks for my tractor and a couple of HF dolly's I plan to make cradles for the axles to sit on to get in position. https://www.harborfreight.com/30-in-...t=58316&store=

I am building cribbing for a secure work situation to lift the trailer. If I get the cradles at the right height, I am hoping I can just swing the springs into position. I am also replacing the E-Z-Flex center sections with new.

Now if the weather would cooperate - snow tomorrow and lasting a few days.

**geotex1** · 03-19-2023, 09:00 PM

Originally Posted by powerscol

You want to come help? I have my pallet forks for my tractor and a couple of HF dolly's I plan to make cradles for the axles to sit on to get in position. https://www.harborfreight.com/30-in-...t=58316&store=

I am building cribbing for a secure work situation to lift the trailer. If I get the cradles at the right height, I am hoping I can just swing the springs into position. I am also replacing the E-Z-Flex center sections with new.

Now if the weather would cooperate - snow tomorrow and lasting a few days.

If you're going to try to rotate them on the dollies, tie the two together. Fighting the weather myself as I need to get into the underbelly to pull some wires and I want to get the custom springs in before we start the season with traveling for Easter.

**Grandesigner** · 03-21-2023, 08:11 AM

Great information!

**powerscol** · 04-12-2023, 08:45 AM

Trailer is now up on the cribbing. I will need to jack the axles a bit to remove the tires.

**goducks14** · 04-12-2023, 09:22 AM

I would be concerned that with the light weight of the 5er that the axle will never get to the level point so the tires will wear on the outside. RV trailer axles flex with a load so the tires wear down the center.

**powerscol** · 04-12-2023, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by goducks14

I would be concerned that with the light weight of the 5er that the axle will never get to the level point so the tires will wear on the outside. RV trailer axles flex with a load so the tires wear down the center.

Should not be a problem. The weight was taken into consideration in the axle design (AKA tubing bend). Theses are not stock off the shelf axles.