Q: I don’t have my rims yet, but I want to buy my axle, can you help me select the correct axle?
A: Sorry we are unable to help supply the correct axle until we have all the information on the Axle Worksheet. It is very critical that we capture the correct details from the outset otherwise, in most cases, you will end up with the wrong size rim. It is important to step through this process in the correct sequence as there are too many rim offset, tyre and mudguard width variations.
Q: What is the best stud pattern to use and why?
A: Studs are the weakest point of a trailer. Knowing this, we always suggest using the Landcruiser stud pattern if possible. The second suggestion is to use the Ford stud pattern followed by Holden.
The summary below explains stud sizing and how stud corresponds to each pattern:
Landcruiser stud patterns
6 studs 1⁄2-inch studs (12.7mm) – Strongest
Ford stud patterns
5 studs 1⁄2-inch studs (12.7mm) – Strong
Holden stud patterns
5 studs -inch studs (11mm) – Lighter
We would suggest using 4-stud for very light duty work only.
Please be aware that we do not sell brakes to suit.
Q: I want to put the best bolt in my spring hanger should I use a quality high tensile bolt?
No. A high tensile bolt will not flex under shock loads, they are brittle and snap rather than providing the slight flex that is required. If you really want to use a thicker bolt, drill your hanger hole and your nylon bush (if not too worn) to -inch or -inch and use a thicker, non-high tensile bolt – these are
also available in greaseable for 45mm and 60mm springs.
Make sure you can get the right size bolt first – please enquire for further assistance.A: No. A high tensile bolt will not flex under shock loads, they are brittle and snap rather than providing the slight flex required. If you really want to use a thicker bolt, drill your hanger hole and your nylon bush, if not too worn, to 9/16” or 5/8” and use a thicker, non-high tensile bolt – these are also available in greaseable for 45mm and 60mm springs.
Make sure you can get the right size bolt first – we should be able to help.
Q: My trailer and load combination is just over 2 tonne, will that be okay to use with override brakes?
No. The maximum limit for override brakes is 2-tonne. Using these brakes over this limit will void any warranty on your trailer parts.
Q: What can I do, the hub seal has worn a groove where it rubs on the axle?
There are two easy ways you can overcome this problem.
1. Buy a speedy sleeve from your local bearing shop, or,
2. Use a marine seal as the marine seal turns on itself – one half is connected to the axle; the other half is connected to the hub (this is often more cost effective too).
My marine seal pops away from the sealing area on a 39 mm round axle, how do I stop this happening?
A: With a 39mm round axle there is only a 1-2mm lip to stop the seal from popping off. If you want to stop it permanently, change it over to a 40mm square axle – the larger tabs of the square parts of the axle will stop movement, or switch to a standard seal.
Q: When fitting disc brakes do you need to have extra room between the tyre and the spring?
In most cases, yes. Disc brakes and some drums can protrude outside of the rim and if the mudguards or axle is not long or wide enough the brakes can hit your spring making them impossible to fit. Additionally, if your tyres extend past the width of the mudguard, your trailer will be considered unroadworthy and unregisterable.
Q:I have 9-inch mudguards which are mounted directly to the chassis and I want to put disc brakes onto the trailer. Can this combination work?
A: In most cases no, as the minimum mudguard width for using brakes is normally 10-inches. There is a lot that you need to have perfectly aligned to be able to fit discs under 10-inch mudguards.
If the 9-inch mudguards were spaced off the chassis by at least an inch, the tyre was no wider than the mudguard and the rim to tyre offset was the right sizing, this may provide a solution.
Q:What happens if I overload my trailer?
A: Common ramifications will be that couplings, hubs, and brakes start to show signs of damage. Further to this, wheel studs can begin to abnormally fatigue and possibly fail.
A combination of overloading and or corrugated roads are a sure sign of a disaster waiting to happen.
The override coupling can also begin to wear excessively.
The override coupling is designed to be used up to a total of 2000kg. Use over this weight rating can see the body sliding mechanism begin to act like a slide hammer – this is common on overloaded trailers.
It is important to note that this coupling should not be used on an off-road trailer as the brakes will be continuously shunted off and on. This significantly increases the likelihood of premature brake and coupling failure.
We would highly recommend using 10-inch or 12-inch electric drums with an in-car controller for off-road use.
Q: Can I use rocker roller springs for off-road use?
A: No. Rocker roller springs are not suitable for off-road use.
Q:What springs should I use for off road?
A: For light duty, single axle camper trailers and standard single axle trailers our anti-rebound off-road springs are perfect.
For more serious off-road work, we suggest going to a system with independent suspension and no axle.
For heavy duty tandem configurations, we would recommend seeking advice from a suspension specialist.
Q: Should I use grease to stop corrosion inside my boat trailer wheel nuts?
A: No, this is not recommended.
