Thread: Changing trailer wheels/stud pattern

Hi Ian

Where can I get some good advice regarding putting D3 rims on a camper trailer I am building? I want to use independant suspension from Vehicle Components in Qld, but they have told me it is not possible. As I am starting from scratch I can specify which ever hubs I want even if I then have to modify them, I just need to know which ones to start with. I don't want to run different rims on the trailer and 4WD. BTW are spacers legal in Australia?

Thanks
Angus

Where can I get some good advice regarding putting D3 rims on a camper trailer I am building?

Right here I would think.
AFAIK D3 has the same PCD as Commodore,X5 and a few others so you can specify commodore hubs. You may have to then have them redrilled for larger studs with metric threads to suit D3 nuts..

The main issue is the size of the centre bearing spigot on the hub not being bigger than the wheel hole, although IMHO you could modify the wheel hole if necessary and for occasional spare use on the car.

If the hole on the hub is smaller it doesn't matter as AFAIK there is no requirement FOR TRAILERS to have the wheel located by the hub centre as there is with cars.
AFAIK there is no ADR etc that applies to spacers on trailers and it would be very unlikely that this would cause a problem ( unless of course the trailer /suspension supplier wants to make it difficult) .

Even I f the suspension supplier make sit difficult, it is not that expensive to have hubs redrilled , just make sure you get 5 stud so that new holes can be drilled equidistant to the originals.
I would suggest if this is the case , get it on Commodore or other rims and do the changes yourself,as IMHO it would be very unlikely to be picked on by a green slip provider.
Regards Philip A

Thanks PhillipA

You can buy a set of universal wheel spacers from Autobarn for about $40 which should suffice.

There are several posts on here regarding the detailed SEPARATE requirements for Disco 1 vs 2 wrt PCD dimensions. The PCD for Disco 2 /RR P38 is the same as that of late model Holdens including stud diameter/thread etc. However the thickness of the drum is a lot less than a ventilated disc and so the Holden studs are a fraction long, requiring spacers to accommodate the 'genuine' LR wheel nuts...
Also for the D2/P38, no machining of the centre hole in the rim is needed to accommodate the stub axle.

The $$$ numbers you quoted for the parts seem very high...I'd shop around.
Good luck

EDIT...went through this building a 'different' light weight camper to tow behind the P38... http://www.aulro.com/afvb/camping-tu...set-up-23.html scroll down

I have checked out the ALKO site and they appear to have electric brake setups and drums etc for defender 6.5" PCD but the trick is finding a dealer in Qld. Having not dealt with trailer parts suppliers, do they all have access to ALKO?

Thanks

Goose,
I have not layed hands on a d3 but from a quick search of images,
I hazard a guess that it would not be too taxing for a competent fabricator to adapt a D3 unit bearing assembly to the bolt flange of the brand suspension you are looking at.

Or better still, fabricate a proper axle under your trailer and utilize D3 unit bearings and if brakes are needed go hunting at a wrecker for D3 knuckles and calipers?

Seems in my opinion the best way to match the hatch as they say :-)

Steve

Originally Posted by PumaPete

I have checked out the ALKO site and they appear to have electric brake setups and drums etc for defender 6.5" PCD but the trick is finding a dealer in Qld. Having not dealt with trailer parts suppliers, do they all have access to ALKO?

Thanks

They have a factory in Yatala qld . Which has a sales counter

I went there and bought my stuff for my trailer direct of them.

FWIW I was reading this thread with some interest and I noticed that no one had mentioned blank (undrilled hubs) so far.

I looked up the ALKO site and notice that both blank and various LR pitch centre hubs with various bearing combinations appear to be available.

AL-KO Website » Trailer Hubs (standard and galv. finish)

Perhaps it is a matter of dealing with them directly or finding a trailer service that is willing to do a little extra ?

I think it may suit a lot of retailers to stick with a favourite supplier and if it's not in his catalogue then it's just not available.