Tapered or parallel trailer bearings.

Submitted: Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 21:59
ThreadID: 54247 Views:13926 Replies:7 FollowUps:8
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Was thinking of beefing up the camper trailer undersides with larger axle, cruiser hubs, more spring leaves etc. Does anyone know if tapered bearings are better than parallel bearings or vicy versa.
Cheers,
Bros.
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Reply By: Frankp - Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 22:07

Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 22:07
Well, I think you need bearings that can take sideways thrust, as when you go around corners, etc. So I'm thinking you need tapered bearings because as far as I know parallel bearings cannot deal with sideways thrust, but tapers can.

You can get ball bearing races that will take thrust, but I don't know the pros and cons between them and conventional tapered roller thrust races.

Frank
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Follow Up By: Bros 1 - Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 23:27

Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 23:27
Frankp,
I have not seen a parellel bearing as of this time , but am assuming that they are both the same size instead of i big and 1 small per side as stated further down the thread.
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Bros.
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Reply By: Wayne (NSW) - Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 22:09

Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 22:09
Bros,

Wheel bearing are usually tapered bearings. One inner and one outer.

The reason that they are tapered is so that they can take side thrust and can locate the hub on the stub axle. They are also roller bearings.

The parallel bearings are use for pulleys etc where they have to spin at high speed with little or no side thrust. They usually have ball bearings.

If you do beef up the bearings make sure they are a popular bearing that can be sourced just about ever where.

Wayne
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Follow Up By: Richard Kovac - Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 22:17

Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 22:17
Wayne

Maybe I think he means Parallel shaft all bearings the same size?

instead of 2 big (inner) 2 small (outer)

Maybe

Cheers

Richard
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Follow Up By: Bros 1 - Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 23:30

Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 23:30
Wayne,
Will endeavour to get popular make. As Richard says, i think they are both the same size. Purported to increase carry by 500kg.
Cheers,
Bros
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Reply By: Steve from Top End Explorer Tours - Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 22:11

Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 22:11
Bros 1

I just did this same mod, I used 1400kg rated springs with a 2.2 tonne rated axle and tapered bearings.

The trailer only weighs 1 tonne but it stood up to 1200 straight km of dirt road from the Strzelekei desert to the Oodnadatta track.

I have towed trailers from Arnhemland to the Kimberley using the same axle, you won't break the stub axle and those bearings will take the bigger 4wd rim without stressing them.

Cheers Steve.
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Follow Up By: Bros 1 - Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 23:36

Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 23:36
Steve,
Thanks for the reply.
The trailer is being beefed up to carry some of the junk (essential)that i carry when going up north fishing and to also put the 12 ft tinny on top. I have taken the C/T to Bathurst Bay and done the far west of Qld with 45ml round axle and 4 leaf spring with no major drama, but that is only with the camper on top.
cheers,
Bros
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Reply By: Member - shane (SA) - Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 22:14

Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 22:14
i have parallel bearings on my caravan, came that way from new.
i think that term is used for same bearing inside and out. they are also tapered.
im no mechanic, just what i noticed when repacking them.
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Follow Up By: Bros 1 - Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 23:37

Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 23:37
shane,
That is what i am hoping they are, thanks.
Cheers,
Bros.
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Reply By: GerryP - Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 22:45

Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 22:45
I would be careful beefing up the springs too much. Going too far will give you a much harsher ride which in turn will bounce everything in the trailer around and also increase stress on the trailer itself. Properly rated springs are designed to absorb the shocks from the road and track conditions, thus relieving undue stress on the trailer and contents.
Cheers
Gerry
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Follow Up By: Bros 1 - Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 23:40

Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 23:40
GerryP,
Thanks for your input. Will have to take all this into account. No good beefing up under and then have something else fail due to undue stress.
Cheers,
Bros.
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Reply By: Notso - Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 22:48

Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 22:48
The heaviest duty bearings the caravan makers use are parallel Landcruiser bearings, they use the Larger Inner Bearings for both inside and out.

You can also get em with parallel Ford pattern bearings as well.
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Follow Up By: Bros 1 - Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 23:47

Monday, Feb 04, 2008 at 23:47
Notso,
Thanks for the input bloke.
Cheers,
Bros.
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Reply By: Outnabout David (SA) - Tuesday, Feb 05, 2008 at 07:36

Tuesday, Feb 05, 2008 at 07:36
As others have said,

If you are upgrading to a heavier set up then the use of bearings of the same size are the go. Each bearing itself is a tapered bearing but the two bearings are of the same size. If you want I have a set of these brake drum/hubs with bearings that are six stud to get rid off. They came of a camper that was converted to 5 stud.
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Follow Up By: Bros 1 - Tuesday, Feb 05, 2008 at 11:48

Tuesday, Feb 05, 2008 at 11:48
David,
Thanks for the verification of the bearing structure.
Unfortunately i have ordered and paid for the new axle, hubs etc and will not be able to take you up on your offer. Someone else on the forum may see the offer and give you a call.
Cheers,
Bros.
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