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Custom Built vs Pre-Configured Dexter Axles: Which to Order
Southwest Wheel sells Dexter standard spring axle beams two ways. Pre-configured axles are exact Dexter part numbers built to a set hub face and spring center. Custom built axles are made to the measurements and options you choose on the order form. This guide shows what each one includes, where each one fits, and how to decide which to order.
Start with your measurements. If you have not taken them yet, use How to Measure for a Custom Dexter Trailer Axle.
Key takeaway
- Pre-configured: Order one when your capacity, hub face and spring center match a listed Dexter part number and a straight, cambered, underslung beam with welded seats fits your trailer. Pre-configured axles are stocked.
- Custom built: Order one when you need a hub face, spring center, drop, capacity or option that the pre-configured list does not have.
- Both are the beam only: Hubs, springs, hangers and U-bolts are not included with either one.
- Spindles: Pre-configured axles have E-Z Lube spindles. Standard stock axles have a standard spindle. On a custom axle, you choose E-Z Lube spindles or not.
- Returns: Stock axles, pre-configured and standard, are returnable within 30 days. Custom axles are built to spec and cannot be returned. Delivery on a custom axle is 2-3 weeks, and once the order is placed it cannot be altered, changed, cancelled, or returned.
Terms you need
- Hub face: The measurement from the wheel mount on one hub to the same point on the other hub.
- Spring center: The distance from the center of one spring seat to the center of the other spring seat.
- Overhang: The hub face minus the spring center.
- Camber: A set bend built into the axle tube that makes up for the expected deflection under load, so the tire tread meets the road evenly.
- Underslung and overslung: Underslung means the springs mount under the tube, which lowers the frame height. Overslung means the springs mount over the tube, which raises the frame.
What a pre-configured Dexter axle includes
Every listing in Pre-Configured Dexter Trailer Axles is built the same way:
- Exact Dexter part number with a set hub face and spring center
- Stocked: these are stock items, not built to order
- Straight configuration only (no drop)
- Cambered and underslung, with the spring seats pre-welded
- E-Z Lube spindles
- Brake flanges included, so brakes can be added later
- Black paint
- Beam only: hubs, springs, hangers and U-bolts are sold separately
- Returnable within 30 days, like other stock axles
The pre-configured line covers 2,000, 3,500, 5,200, 7,000 and 8,000 lb. capacities.
| Capacity | Tube | E-Z Lube spindle |
|---|---|---|
| 2,000 lb. | 1-3/4" round, 3/16" wall | BT9 |
| 3,500 lb. | 2-3/8" round, 3/16" wall | 84 |
| 5,200 lb. | 3" round, 3/16" wall | 42 |
| 7,000 lb. | 3" round, 1/4" wall | 42 |
| 8,000 lb. | 3.5" round, 1/4" wall | 42 (4-hole brake flanges) |
Pre-configured hub face and spring center sizes
These are the only sizes in the pre-configured line. If your measurements are not on this list, go custom.
| Capacity | Hub face | Spring center | Dexter part number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,000 lb. | 61" | 46" | 12460332 |
| 2,000 lb. | 71" | 58" | 12460340 |
| 3,500 lb. | 61" | 46" | 12460348 |
| 3,500 lb. | 73" | 58" | 12404166 |
| 3,500 lb. | 85" | 70" | 12427928 |
| 3,500 lb. | 89" | 74" | 12460373 |
| 3,500 lb. | 95" | 80" | 12431370 |
| 5,200 lb. | 73" | 58" | 12460384 |
| 5,200 lb. | 85" | 70" | 12412211 |
| 5,200 lb. | 89" | 74" | 12460390 |
| 5,200 lb. | 95" | 80" | 12460393 |
| 7,000 lb. | 75" | 58" | 12460396 |
| 7,000 lb. | 85" | 70" | 12460398 |
| 7,000 lb. | 89" | 70" | 12460401 |
| 7,000 lb. | 89" | 74" | 12545239 |
| 7,000 lb. | 95" | 80" | 12460404 |
| 8,000 lb. | 75" | 56" | 12460412 |
| 8,000 lb. | 95" | 78" | 12460414 |
Every size is also in Pre-Configured Dexter Trailer Axles. The listing page has no build options. You pick the part number and the quantity.
What a custom built Dexter axle includes
A custom beam is built to the choices you make on the order form in Custom Built Dexter Trailer Axles:
- Capacity: 2,000, 3,500, 4,400, 5,200, 6,000, 7,000, 7,200 or 8,000 lb.
- Style: Straight. A 4" drop on most capacities. A 6" drop on the 3,500 lb. beam. A narrow overhang on the 8,000 lb. beam.
- Hub face: 45" to 95".
- Camber and spring seats: Straight with seats loose, straight with seats welded, cambered with seats welded over the axle (overslung), cambered with seats welded under the axle (underslung), or cambered with seats loose.
- Spring center: Enter it only if the seats are welded. Leave it blank and the seats ship loose. Keep the overhang inside the range on the beam's page.
- Spindle: The form asks whether you want E-Z Lube spindles, yes or no. E-Z Lube is an added cost. The 4,400 lb. form does not offer E-Z Lube.
- Other options, when that beam offers them: Tube and wall, a brake flange, and pre-wire. Heavier tubes are an added cost. Not every beam offers every option.
- Built to spec: Delivery is 2-3 weeks after the order. Custom axles cannot be returned.
- Beam only: Hubs, springs, hangers and U-bolts are not included.
Not sure whether you need a drop? Read Drop Axle vs Straight Axle: Deck Height Guide. With the same springs, hangers and tires, the frame sits about 4" lower on a 4" drop axle than on a straight axle.
Pre-configured vs custom built at a glance
| Feature | Pre-configured | Custom built |
|---|---|---|
| Capacities | 2,000, 3,500, 5,200, 7,000, 8,000 lb. | 2,000, 3,500, 4,400, 5,200, 6,000, 7,000, 7,200, 8,000 lb. |
| Style | Straight only | Straight, 4" drop on most capacities, 6" drop on 3,500 lb., narrow overhang on 8,000 lb. |
| Hub face and spring center | Set sizes only (18 listings) | Hub face 45" to 95", spring center you enter |
| Camber | Cambered | Straight or cambered, your choice |
| Spring seats | Pre-welded, underslung | Loose, or welded over or under the axle |
| Spindle | E-Z Lube | Your choice: E-Z Lube (an added cost) or not. Not offered on the 4,400 lb. beam. |
| Brake flanges | Included | On the form when that beam offers it |
| Hubs, springs, hangers, U-bolts | Not included | Not included |
| Lead time | Stocked | Built to spec, 2-3 weeks delivery |
| Returns | Returnable within 30 days (see Returns) | Built to spec, cannot be altered, changed, cancelled, or returned |
Which spindle comes on which axle
| Axle type | Spindle | Returns |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-configured | E-Z Lube | Stock axle, returnable within 30 days |
| Standard stock axle (beam only or complete axle) | Standard spindle | Stock axle, returnable within 30 days |
| Custom built | E-Z Lube or not, your choice on the form (no E-Z Lube option on the 4,400 lb. beam) | Built to spec, cannot be returned |
When to order pre-configured
- Your capacity is 2,000, 3,500, 5,200, 7,000 or 8,000 lb.
- Your measured hub face and spring center both match a size in the table above.
- You want a straight, cambered beam with the springs under the axle and the seats already welded.
- You want E-Z Lube spindles and brake flanges without choosing options.
- You want a stocked axle that is returnable within 30 days.
- You are replacing an axle with the same Dexter part number.
When to order custom built
- Your hub face or spring center is not on the pre-configured list.
- You need a 4" or 6" drop, or the narrow overhang 8,000 lb. beam.
- You need 4,400, 6,000 or 7,200 lb. capacity.
- You want the springs over the axle (overslung), a straight beam, or seats that ship loose.
- You need pre-wire or another option from the order form.
Matching capacity matters as much as matching size. If you are not sure what capacity you need, read How to Measure for a Custom Dexter Trailer Axle.
A third option: stock axles by capacity
Each capacity also has its own category of stock Dexter axles. In 3,500 lbs. Straight Dexter Trailer Axles, for example, you can order a beam only, an idler axle with hubs, a brake axle with backing plates and hub-drums, or a DeeMaxx hydraulic disc axle. DeeMaxx Hydraulic Disc Brakes are built for shorter stops than drum brakes. On these standard axles you enter the hub face, the beam is straight (not cambered), the spindle is a standard spindle, and the axle seats come loose with the axle. Springs, hangers and U-bolts are not included. Like pre-configured axles, standard axles are stock axles and are returnable within 30 days.
Pre-configured or custom checklist
- Measure the hub face and spring center
- Work out the overhang (hub face minus spring center) and check it against the range on the beam's page
- Confirm the capacity your trailer needs
- Decide straight or drop
- Decide cambered or straight, and springs under or over the axle
- Check the pre-configured table for an exact match on capacity, hub face and spring center
- Exact match: order the pre-configured part number. No match: build a custom beam.
- Add hubs, springs, hangers and U-bolts rated for the same capacity
Not sure which beam fits? Verify fitment before ordering or call 1-800-866-3336.
Frequently asked questions
What is a pre-configured Dexter axle?
A stocked, exact Dexter part number built to a set hub face and spring center. It is straight, cambered and underslung, with spring seats pre-welded, E-Z Lube spindles and brake flanges.
Does a pre-configured axle come with hubs?
No. The listing is the axle beam only. Hubs, springs, hangers and U-bolts are sold separately.
Can I get a pre-configured drop axle?
No. The pre-configured line is straight only. Drop axles are available as custom built beams.
My hub face is between two pre-configured sizes. What should I order?
Order a custom built beam set to your measured hub face. Hub face on a custom beam can be set from 45" to 95".
How long does a custom Dexter axle take?
Custom beams are built to spec. Delivery is 2-3 weeks after the order.
Are pre-configured axles in stock?
Yes. Pre-configured axles are stocked.
Can I return a pre-configured axle?
Yes. Stock axles, pre-configured and standard, are returnable within 30 days. See Returns.
Can I change or return a custom axle?
No. Custom axles are built to spec and cannot be returned. Once the order is placed it cannot be altered, changed, cancelled, or returned.
How is shipping charged on a custom axle?
Shipping is one charge for the entire order.
Picked your beam? Add the hubs, brakes and suspension with Build a Complete Dexter Trailer Axle.
Setting up the springs? Hanger Spacing for Single and Tandem Leaf Spring Axles gives the hanger spacing for single and tandem axles.
Ready to order your Dexter axle?
Shop Pre-Configured Dexter Trailer Axles
Need a different size? Build one in Custom Built Dexter Trailer Axles or call Southwest Wheel at 1-800-866-3336.
Southwest Wheel - Your Trailers Best Friend Since 1919.
References
- LIT-008-00, Dexter Axle applications guide, page 3 (Definition of Terms: Camber), page 9 (Running Gear Systems: Leaf spring), page 10 (Running Gear Systems: Specifying Axles).
