Spacers? or no....

[Fujak]

Here's my dilemma. I have a week of vacation coming up and am chomping at the bit to take my new (to me) trailer out for a test run. My axles are worn (too low) and that combined with the fact that the wheel wells have developed a bow in them has left all four tires rubbing. I have new axles on the way with a steeper down angle and another 1/4 of clearance on both sides that together will alleviate the rubbing issue. But here's the thing- Due to a delay at the factory I don't know if they will make it in time and so I may reinstall the old axle that i have out and put some 1/4 wheel spacers on to keep the tires from rubbing. I'm not going too far, probably just to a state park and then to the beach (about an hour from home) but I was curious, has anyone tried to use aluminum disc brake spacers between the wheels and the hubs and how has that worked out? any problems?

Dorman/AutoGrade 1/4 in. thick 5 1/2 in. bolt circle 5 and 6 lug wheel spacer (711-912) | Disc Brake Wheel Spacer | AutoZone.com

[Phoenix]

I have absolutely no experience with axles, but your description of a temporary fix to correct tire rubbing sounds like an accident waiting to happen. I understand your being anxious to hit the road; but if it were me, I'd wait and do the job right. Just an opinion to be taken with a grain of salt. However, I am sure others with experience will provide better advice.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Fujak

Here's my dilemma. I have a week of vacation coming up and am chomping at the bit to take my new (to me) trailer out for a test run. My axles are worn (too low) and that combined with the fact that the wheel wells have developed a bow in them has left all four tires rubbing. I have new axles on the way with a steeper down angle and another 1/4 of clearance on both sides that together will alleviate the rubbing issue. But here's the thing- Due to a delay at the factory I don't know if they will make it in time and so I may reinstall the old axle that i have out and put some 1/4 wheel spacers on to keep the tires from rubbing. I'm not going too far, probably just to a state park and then to the beach (about an hour from home) but I was curious, has anyone tried to use aluminum disc brake spacers between the wheels and the hubs and how has that worked out? any problems?

Dorman/AutoGrade 1/4 in. thick 5 1/2 in. bolt circle 5 and 6 lug wheel spacer (711-912) | Disc Brake Wheel Spacer | AutoZone.com

Your inviting and begging for many troubles, "FIRST CLASS".

Don't do it.

Andy

[Jim Foster]

Originally Posted by Fujak

Here's my dilemma. I have a week of vacation coming up and am chomping at the bit to take my new (to me) trailer out for a test run. My axles are worn (too low) and that combined with the fact that the wheel wells have developed a bow in them has left all four tires rubbing. I have new axles on the way with a steeper down angle and another 1/4 of clearance on both sides that together will alleviate the rubbing issue. But here's the thing- Due to a delay at the factory I don't know if they will make it in time and so I may reinstall the old axle that i have out and put some 1/4 wheel spacers on to keep the tires from rubbing. I'm not going too far, probably just to a state park and then to the beach (about an hour from home) but I was curious, has anyone tried to use aluminum disc brake spacers between the wheels and the hubs and how has that worked out? any problems?

Dorman/AutoGrade 1/4 in. thick 5 1/2 in. bolt circle 5 and 6 lug wheel spacer (711-912) | Disc Brake Wheel Spacer | AutoZone.com

I have used that type of spacer to make a wheel sit in exactly the correct place inside the wheel well of Street Rods with no problem at all. The important thing is to make sure the studs are long enough to allow the nuts to go completely onto the stud. In all cases, I have had to replace the original studs with longer studs.

As far as putting your old axles back on your trailer, I wouldn't do that. I know that you are anxious to get on the road, but damage done by bad axles could delay you more than this one trip.

Be patient, wait for your new axles, do the job right, and enjoy your trailer.

[BIGED52]

I think for safety sake I would try to change my time off to a later date! Rather than chance a temp fix that could go wrong and cause an accident or injury to the trailer and/or people including yourself! If you cannot change the vacation dates then do yourself and everyone on the road a big favor and camp in your trailer at home. Just sayin'... Happy Trails, Ed

[ROBERT CROSS]

Do some "pad camping" with mental visualization....adult beverages help.

[azflycaster]

I would not install the old axles again. I would also determine why the wheel wells have developed a bend in them before I installed the new ones.

[Fujak]

Thanks all. I just needed to hear the voice of reason. I shall wait and do it right. Besides, there is still a week for the parts to arrive!