So coming in as a noob but wanting to build a trailer. I tend to see a lot of the drop axles vs straight axles. Is one preferred over the other or something to look out for with issues?
Drop axle for offroad trailer?
- Thread starter Art
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Pathfinder I
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- Ralph
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- Peters
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0460
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I did a drop to gain clearance and so my Kitchen and RTT would be at the right height. It does bring your center of gravity up. But if you keep heavy items low, batteries, generators, water, fuel etc I have not had an issue. But you can always roll one over if you get too crazy with your angles.
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So with a drop would you fully flip it to gain clearance? So from _---_ to -__- if that makes sense.
This is similar to what I was thinking:
I found a good explanation about it here. This is the quote:
I found a good explanation about it here. This is the quote:
Pathfinder I
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- First Name
- Ralph
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- Peters
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0460
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- US Army
I had my axle built. Therefore I have camber in mine. It also allowed me to have the spacing of the wheels the same as my rig along with same bolt pattern. So I only carry one spare. The axle was not that expensive, maybe around $500, that includes electric brakes. I would get electric brakes, makes for safer towing but to me more important give me better control on the trail especially going down a hill
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I think that would be referred to as a rise axle. Typically a drop axle has the center tube lower than the hubs a typical boat trailer axle is a prime example.
If you flip a typical drop axle the camber will be incorrect and result with increased tire wear.
this explains it:
https://www.etrailer.com/question-30768.html
If you flip a typical drop axle the camber will be incorrect and result with increased tire wear.
this explains it:
https://www.etrailer.com/question-30768.html
Pathfinder I
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- First Name
- Ralph
- Last Name
- Peters
- Member #
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0460
- Service Branch
- US Army
Mine looks as your picture. Not sure what you call it. Can kind of see it in this picture. I would put shocks in it. I had a little sway when I hit large bumps at highway speed. This shock set up stopped that.
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Aww ok thanks! I was looking back through builds and realized yours is the inspiration for this one I'm looking to buy! Do you have any pictures of the interior of yours?
Pathfinder I
- 2,268
- First Name
- Ralph
- Last Name
- Peters
- Member #
-
0460
- Service Branch
- US Army
Pathfinder I
- 2,268
- First Name
- Ralph
- Last Name
- Peters
- Member #
-
0460
- Service Branch
- US Army
Pathfinder I
- 2,268
- First Name
- Ralph
- Last Name
- Peters
- Member #
-
0460
- Service Branch
- US Army
I look forward to seeing the rebuild. Would love to see the progress if you feel like posting it.
Pathfinder I
- 2,268
- First Name
- Ralph
- Last Name
- Peters
- Member #
-
0460
- Service Branch
- US Army
Pathfinder I
- 2,268
- First Name
- Ralph
- Last Name
- Peters
- Member #
-
0460
- Service Branch
- US Army
I am also using an upside down drop axle on my trailer with short stiff trailer springs. With 35" tires I have plenty of clearance under the axle and have only rarely hung it up.
Pathfinder I
- 2,268
- First Name
- Ralph
- Last Name
- Peters
- Member #
-
0460
- Service Branch
- US Army
