Dexter Axles: Input needed, please

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

First, you can CLICK HERE for my trailer build thread for full details.

Dexter Axle seems to be the brand to go with based on what I have seen here on the forum. I thought they were local to my old "stomping grounds" (Elkhart, Indiana), but found out this morning that they closed that plant. I hoped to give a "local" company my business.

I'm leaning most heavily toward a Torflex 3500-lb. axle to get the heavier-duty, and may also ask about having the axle "de-tuned" to ~2300 lbs. to ride better. I know you "hardcore" expedition guys will scoff at the Torflex, but mine will see 95% road use, and what offroad it will see will be 2-track/mild. I considered (and still will) a leaf-sprung axle, but by the time I add in the cost of longer springs/hangers/shackles (I'd probably use CJ-7 leaf springs), it bumps my build budget considerably higher. The Torflex is a simple install, ans as I mentioned, I think it'll fit my needs just fine.

SO, I talked with an engineer at Dexter this morning...<sarcasm>quite a treat</sarcasm>, as she was very much the stereotype "engineer-type" - unfortunately, not very customer-friendly. I hoped she'd help me understand my design/compatility questions & considerations, but I'm sure liability forces her to put everything back on me. She did give me a couple things to think about, though...

The facts:

• I want to use OEM Jeep Ravine wheels (circa 2005, 5x4.5" BP, 5.25" BS); I already have two of these wheels ready to go.
• Per the Dexter engineer, she would need 3-D drawings of the Jeep Ravine wheel to address compatibility. She did say the pilot hole for the hub has to be slightly larger than 2.6" to fit through the center; I don't think the Jeep wheel hole is that big. I'll have to measure tonight.
• The Dexter engineer couldn't confirm if the 5.25" backspacing would work with their axle.
• I asked about the option of a shock mount for the Torflex, but was told that is not an option.
• She insisted I'd need brakes on a 3500-lb. axle for Michigan (brakes required for loads over 3K lbs.), even though I told her my trailer would be small, and that I was only looking at the 3500-lb. axle for the bigger hubs.

My questions:

• Many of the "big" Expedition trailer manufacturers offer OEM automotive wheels as an option. Are wheel spacers/adapters used for this wheel compatibility? I'm not a fan of spacers if it can be avoided.
• Has anyone used 15" aluminum (Jeep) wheels with 5.25" of backspacing on a Torflex axle?
• Will the wheel/tire clear the "trailing arm" portion of the Torflex axle when using a wheel with this much backspacing?

I have read through all the Torflex specs & installation information. It appears straightforward. I just don't know about my wheel compatibility.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks,
Craig

[ntsqd]

FWIW The shock mounts on the Torflex under my TrailBlazer were added after delivery of the axle.

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

FWIW The shock mounts on the Torflex under my TrailBlazer were added after delivery of the axle.

Pics? I remember seeing you reference them in another post.

Craig

[Martyn]

Craig

Read this article http://www.adventuretrailers.com/suspension.html

There is a section on The Independent Rubber Torsion axle

My advice would be to stay away from this style of axle for off-road use.

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

I know you "hardcore" expedition guys will scoff at the Torflex, but mine will see 95% road use, and what offroad it will see will be 2-track/mild. I considered (and still will) a leaf-sprung axle, but by the time I add in the cost of longer springs/hangers/shackles (I'd probably use CJ-7 leaf springs), it bumps my build budget considerably higher.

Craig

Read this article http://www.adventuretrailers.com/suspension.html

There is a section on The Independent Rubber Torsion axle

My advice would be to stay away from this style of axle for off-road use.

Thanks Martyn. I have actually read through that article (good write-up, BTW), but since I plan on mostly using the trailer mostly on-road, I though the Torflex would work pretty well for me. However, I suppose a leaf-sprung axle would probably be more flexible (no pun intended), but due to cost considerations, I'd use standard trailer springs; I think the distributor mentioned that they're 24 1/4" long.

So, am I hearing that a traditional spring axle with standard trailer springs (and shocks) would probably be a better option? If so, I'm on-board with that.

I just wish I wouldn't have scrapped all the Jeep springs I had accumulated over several years.

Craig

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

The facts:

• I want to use OEM Jeep Ravine wheels (circa 2005, 5x4.5" BP, 5.25" BS); I already have two of these wheels ready to go.
• Per the Dexter engineer, she would need 3-D drawings of the Jeep Ravine wheel to address compatibility. She did say the pilot hole for the hub has to be slightly larger than 2.6" to fit through the center; I don't think the Jeep wheel hole is that big. I'll have to measure tonight.

My questions:

• Many of the "big" Expedition trailer manufacturers offer OEM automotive wheels as an option. Are wheel spacers/adapters used for this wheel compatibility? I'm not a fan of spacers if it can be avoided.
• Has anyone used 15" aluminum (Jeep) wheels with 5.25" of backspacing on a Torflex axle?

I quickly measured the center hole on my Jeep Ravine wheel this morning, and the diameter is only ~2 1/8"...too small for the Dexter hubs. So how are people handling this on their trailers with OEM aluminum wheels?

[UNI]

1x1_Speed_Craig,

Just my 2 cents worth, we have a Tentrax trailer and they use Dexter Axles on their trailers. We have had zero problems with the 3500lb. Dexter Axle with a 4" lift. You might want to give "George" at Tentrax a call, I'm sure he could give you some suggestions.

Click Here: Tentrax Contact Info

Hope this helps

[flick]

I'm not familar with the Dexter Axles, Torflex, but it does give me another option to something that I am looking at. I just found a link that might give you what you need, http://www.tjtrailers.com/store/axle...b-5-on-45.html.

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

1x1_Speed_Craig,

Just my 2 cents worth, we have a Tentrax trailer and they use Dexter Axles on their trailers. We have had zero problems with the 3500lb. Dexter Axle with a 4" lift. You might want to give "George" at Tentrax a call, I'm sure he could give you some suggestions.

Click Here: Tentrax Contact Info

Hope this helps

Thanks YouAndI. I'll definitely keep it in mind, but I struggle with the idea of "mining" information from a business with whom I don't plan on spending money. Their time is valuable, and I don't want to waste it. They look like cool trailers, just not something I'm planning on buying.

Martyn from AT has been very helpful to me and others here, but I have spent (and will continue to spend) money on parts from AT.

I'm not familar with the Dexter Axles, Torflex, but it does give me another option to something that I am looking at. I just found a link that might give you what you need, http://www.tjtrailers.com/store/axle...b-5-on-45.html.

Thanks flick. I'm all set with the correct bolt pattern; it's the backspacing & clearance with the center hole of the wheel that's in question. I can't seem to find out how this is addressed when using OEM aluminum wheels on trailer axles.

[Martyn]

Thanks Martyn. I have actually read through that article (good write-up, BTW), but since I plan on mostly using the trailer mostly on-road, I though the Torflex would work pretty well for me. However, I suppose a leaf-sprung axle would probably be more flexible (no pun intended), but due to cost considerations, I'd use standard trailer springs; I think the distributor mentioned that they're 24 1/4" long.

So, am I hearing that a traditional spring axle with standard trailer springs (and shocks) would probably be a better option? If so, I'm on-board with that.

I just wish I wouldn't have scrapped all the Jeep springs I had accumulated over several years.

Craig

Craig

My own experience with Independent Rubber Torsion Axles is that their ride on and off road is sub-par. If the axle fails there is no way to repair it. The best that can be done is a gusset welded in place to extract you from whatever remote location you are in. The only pluses I can see with this system is that it's inexpensive and easy to install.

A regular solid axle with the right leaf spring would be my choice for a homebuilder. People have had very good success using leaf spring from Suzuki Samurai’s and CJ5's, they are long enough eye to eye, and have good flexibility. Paired up with a good shock it work out to be a good system.

Trailer leaf spring are abysmal, the quality of materials is poor, they are extremely stiff, and too short for your application.