Cart axle for small trailer?

SuperTroye

Hi all, I’m building a 3x5 trailer for around the house tasks (mulch, dirt, gravel, firewood) and to the point where I need to design the axle. The thought crossed my mind to consider a golf cart axle. My question is what is the load rating of, say, a Club Car DS tear axle? My thought is at least 1000lbs? Also, what is the top speed it could handle? Would it be limited to 55mph with the stock wheels.

Any insight is appreciated.

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BGW

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scottyb

I think the cart axle will fail - Better off buying a trailer axle and hwy tires for this in my opinion

Swan

weight will be controlled by the springs and tire size you choose

SuperTroye

Thanks so much for the reply... there aren't any off the shelf full axles that will fit such a small width (37"). The smallest I've seen are 60" wide.

What I was planning on doing is buying the spindle, hub, bearings, wheels & tires and make my own axle. I just thought if a cart axle can handle the load then find one and make mounts it. Would make it a whole lot easier.

SuperTroye

Ok... if I don't use springs and choose a tire rated at 600lbs, would the axle hold 1200 lbs? That was more of my question. It seems like it would.

scottyb

Golf Cart rearend is built for 14-19 mph.
I'd be worried about the axle bearings

SuperTroye

Roger that... it's the feedback I was looking for. Thanks a bunch. I could theoretically still use one but limit it to just yard use.

Rooster59

Making your own axle for around the yard use and at even modified golf cart speeds is doable. If you also expect that axle to work at highway speeds you will need to use a specialized jig to make sure you have the axle spindles welded perfectly straight. And you need to be an extremely competent welder. Remember, if you are not perfect the liability can be horrendous in the event of a failure/accident.

If the trailer wheels/tires are not perfectly aligned you will experience handling issues even at speeds of 20-25mph much less at 55mph.

DannyAbear

I would just buy a harbor freight/northern hydralice 42" x 48" trailer kit when on sale around $200

Tractor supply sells several axles, I would buy the smallest one and cut it in the center to make the width you want

dundeebarnbuggy

Also enjoyed the pics of your frame. One thought, If you intend it to haul gravel which weighs about a ton to the yard, you better get some frame rails [sills] under your pipe frame. Unless it is schedule 80 pipe, [and even then], it will not hold much especially when you hit bumps or a pothole at road speeds.