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[Chains]

Came across a guy in South Dakota that took an older Bushtec and altered the suspension to run 4.80 x 12 wheels and tires.  Cut off 5/8 bolt axle and welded on standard trailer axles. Still working on getting the ride correct.  Looks good to me. Told me it added about 40 pounds to the trailer, so it did compromise the handling somewhat. He is still working on that.

Certainly gives him a vast option on where to buy tires.  Nice looking older model in my opinion.

[Chains]

Another photo

[Twolanerider]

I've never butchered the suspension on a Bushtec.  But I can't say the thought hasn't crossed my mind.  Having some different wheel and tire options would be great.  Never was wild about their proprietary tires, the difficulty in mounting them nor the exorbitant prices they get for the few decent looking wheels they offer.

Even when the idea has crossed my mind have been hesitant though.  Their suspension does work well.  Should be able to fab/change hubs or axle ends without significant other suspension alteration.  But never got interested enough to really work through the options.  If I had a rough old donor trailer I'd strongly consider it though.

[Chains]

I agree with you Don. What I failed to mention is he bought the trailer for $150.00 with bad tires so I guess he had nothing to lose. I am curious to see how he cures the handling issues. I agree Bushtec's handle well and that can be proved by the amount of them on the road many which are well over twenty years old.  If I was still working I would turn up a sleeve to go over the original axle and use a custom Harley 16 inch chrome wheel on one.  That would allow me to maintain the original suspension.  The only other thing I would need t do would be turn up some custom hubcaps out of stainless steel.

Maybe some day I will make an attempt at it as I really like the thought of being able to use regular size tires.

[Twolanerider]

I agree with you Don. What I failed to mention is he bought the trailer for $150.00 with bad tires so I guess he had nothing to lose. I am curious to see how he cures the handling issues. I agree Bushtec's handle well and that can be proved by the amount of them on the road many which are well over twenty years old.  If I was still working I would turn up a sleeve to go over the original axle and use a custom Harley 16 inch chrome wheel on one.  That would allow me to maintain the original suspension.  The only other thing I would need t do would be turn up some custom hubcaps out of stainless steel.

Maybe some day I will make an attempt at it as I really like the thought of being able to use regular size tires.

In the "great (or warped) minds think alike" machining a sleeve was my first thought the one time I ever gave it much thought also.  Remember sitting there one rainy Saturday afternoon with the wheel off the trailer thinking "this probably wouldn't be that hard."  But it was a nice trailer, and I didn't have a spare set of wheels, and I was too lazy to do any more than sit there with a cold beer in my hand on a rainy summer Saturday.  At the time it seemed like enough... 

[Chains]

Gave it more thought, found some 5/8 id x 1.00 od steel sleeves 6 inches long. They are 1018 cars would be good for a experiment but for long term use I wouldwant them heat treated. Now I need a donor trailer and some wheels. This may be a long term project as I collect the items.  Will check into bushing manufactures if it works, they can hold the id and od concentric and provide a ground bearing surface.

Ordered the sleeves so at least I will have them laying around if I round up other items.

[Twolanerider]

Gave it more thought, found some 5/8 id x 1.00 od steel sleeves 6 inches long. They are 1018 cars would be good for a experiment but for long term use I wouldwant them heat treated. Now I need a donor trailer and some wheels. This may be a long term project as I collect the items.  Will check into bushing manufactures if it works, they can hold the id and od concentric and provide a ground bearing surface.

Ordered the sleeves so at least I will have them laying around if I round up other items.

Cool.  Interesting idea.  If the fit is right would be no bid deal to some end threads and whatever is appropriate length the, voila, a surprisingly easy retrofit.  Hmmmm, now I'm playing with it in my head too.

Tell you what, if you see a cheap donor trailer in my neck of the woods let me know.  I'll do the same. 


Wonder what Bushtec would sell just an OE axle for?  Could use that for mock ups then when satisfied transition to an existing trailer.....

[Chains]

May need a flange of some style at the inside of the wheel well but that is what the mock up would prove out.  Bushtec axle is just a 5/8 bolt so one could be had at a hardware store or online.

Will keep my eyes open for trailers if one pops up in your area I will let you know.

[Twolanerider]

May need a flange of some style at the inside of the wheel well but that is what the mock up would prove out.  Bushtec axle is just a 5/8 bolt so one could be had at a hardware store or online.

Will keep my eyes open for trailers if one pops up in your area I will let you know.

Cool.  Thanks.  Now I'll have to  yank a wheel off mine to get some spacing specs and see what little would be needed to do a mock up.  Just what I needed, another project to think about....   

[Chains]

Mine is at the painters so can't do anything till I get it back. Other one went to California. I am feeling trailer poor.