The Journal of the Wandering Engineer

Swapping the Axle

Now for something completely different: swapping the axle and adding electric brakes.

The original axle was a "drop" axle, meaning the spindles (the bit the wheels bolt on to) are about 4" higher than the axle beam. This is a good thing for normal cargo trailers because it's easier to get heavy stuff into a lower trailer.

I, however, plan on taking this thing on rough off-pavement roads, and don't like the idea of scraping my back end on rocks every time I take a little dip. So I bought a straight axle, as well as some brakes, and swapped them out yesterday.

 Jack the trailer up onto jack stands. (Use a real jack to lift it, not the stands themselves!)

 Jack the trailer up onto jack stands. (Use a real jack to lift it, not the stands themselves!)

Pop the old u-bolts off. You can see the "drop" in the axle.

Pop the old u-bolts off. You can see the "drop" in the axle.

Pop the new axle on, with new u-bolt kit. Hit everything with some paint.

Pop the new axle on, with new u-bolt kit. Hit everything with some paint.

Follow the instructions (aka youtube videos) to install the brakes.

Follow the instructions (aka youtube videos) to install the brakes.

Pop the wheels back on and admire the new ride height. 

Pop the wheels back on and admire the new ride height. 

 

 

Installing a brake controller

Done with the walls