Forum Discussion

talonhead's avatar
talonhead
Explorer
Sep 06, 2014

Shocks- which is mounting is normal

I have an older 5er w/5 lug 15" rims/tires and a new truck. Took some pics and measurements today on way into work. I noticed hat the shocks were outboard of the frame. I remember seeing pics of several trailers with he shocks inboard. Which is normal? Does it really matter on a small trailer like this one? I am considering a suspension overhaul and flipping the axle to get some height to match my truck('14 Ram 3500 DRW).
Ha-ha, yeah I know it's a lot of truck for this trailer, but I've had the trailer for a while and we only use it once in a while. Do plan to move up though.

Some other Q's: Will I be able to move up to 16's? Axle hub spacing is 31"
Current tire size is ST205/75/15 with about 4" between tires.
MikeH
  • C_Schomer's avatar
    C_Schomer
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2014
    My current 5er w/enclosed belly has the shocks out. All the others w/open bottom were in. I think you're SOL on the 16" if you have 5 lugs. There are a few 15" LTs if you can find the weight range you need. Craig
  • Jerry_and_Glori's avatar
    Jerry_and_Glori
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2014
    Some other Q's: Will I be able to move up to 16's? Axle hub spacing is 31"
    Current tire size is ST205/75/15 with about 4" between tires.
    MikeH

    Are you sure about the 31" axle spacing? Its going to be hard to find 16" tires that will give you the 1" min. between tires. I don't know of any trailer wheel in 16" and 5 lug so I believe new hubs would be in order if you can find then to fit your axle.I know its a lot ifs, may be a lot easier to go with 225/75x15 at about 28.5" in height.

    Jerry
  • johntank's avatar
    johntank
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2014
    I think if this were me I would check first if a 16" rim & tire could be run on trailer, if it can I would check the price of complete axles with 6 lug hubs would be compared to price to changing just hubs and maybe backing plates and brakes too, might be able to work some type of trade-in on old axles as you plan to do a axle flip anyway. JMHO
  • RCMAN46's avatar
    RCMAN46
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2014
    Ford claims outboard is better. The newer Fords are mounted outboard of the frame.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Sep 06, 2014
    talonhead wrote:
    I figured that I could move them inboard to give me more tire/wheel room, but switching from 15" to 16" wheels will require new hubs won't it?


    Not if you already have six lug hubs then you can easily get 16" wheels for them. If you have 5 luggers then that's a different story.
  • talonhead's avatar
    talonhead
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2014
    I figured that I could move them inboard to give me more tire/wheel room, but switching from 15" to 16" wheels will require new hubs won't it?
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Sep 06, 2014
    Mine are outboard of frame.

    At least yours has shocks......:B

    Axle flip....
    That will give you more wheel wheel room. Just need to check axle spacing and see if it can accommodate different size tires/wheels (minimum of 1" between mounted/loaded tires)
    Definitely get you closer to towing level.
  • banjo's avatar
    banjo
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2014
    Inboard or outboard, I believe, would be determined by the trailer.
    My Carriage Cameo has the shocks mounted inboard. There is no room to mount them outboard.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Sep 06, 2014
    Doesn't matter, either position will work fine and they build them both ways.
    Good luck on your project!

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