ridelots24

Hey Guys - i just picked up this M101-A1 trailer. The axle appears to be a 8 bolt chevy truck type pattern.

As you can see i have the AEV wheels on my Jeep. I wanted to buy matching wheels for the trailer, but to do so would require me to change the axle and is too much $$. So asking everyone if they know of some 8 bolt "look a like" 17" AEV wheels? I dont care if they are steel or alloy - i plan to have them painted to match. cheers and ride lots!

archangelmbc

no input, but nice trailer :-)

Delux2769

You could always buy a solid front axle off someone who did a 2WD to 4WD conversion. That is my plan. Throw my front axle under a trailer so I'll have a couple spare parts if something was to happen in middle of nowhere.

Plus you'll have same bolt pattern as your Jeep.

JC's Unlimited

I bet your local tire store would probably be able to point you in the right direct, real quickly. They sell so many wheels they'd have to know something....or t lest one would think so. Good luck.

ridelots24

You have a good idea - i asked about swapping an axle locally.
If i understand the local mechanic who is doing the trailer inspection; Since the trailer has hydrolic surge brakes i have to keep brakes on the unit. If i did an axle swap, i'd have to convert to electric brakes, w/ controller, and rewire my jeep to an 8 wire. Basically he said even if i get a used axle, i'd have almost a grand+ in cutting the axle down, brakes and wiring.


i was hoping to paint the rig....so I dont have that kind of money to invest at the moment.....so i'll put it on my list. in the mean time i'm keeping any eye on craigs list for 'deals' on wheel/tire combo.

sknahsb

If you've got any connections to a machine shop I bet you could get a set of adapters made to convert from the 8 bolt patter to the 5x5 pattern for pretty cheap.
With a quick search I found these but they have several options that may work out for you. They are a little pricey but still cheaper than the axle swap. You'll need to put a . where it says (dot) when you actually go to their site.

Try airbagit(dot)com and search part # AA-8650-5500-PN20X it is an 8lug to 5x5 adapter

Hope this helps.

Firehound

Congrats on the new trailer! FYI you have an m101a2, has chevy 8 lug hubs and surge brakes, the A1s came with 5 bolt split bud rims. I'm in the same boat as you trying to get the trailer to match the jk lug pattern. Been doing a ton a research as of late to see what my options are. I have found that I can get an axle made for about 300 give or take with shippping with electric brakes from abctrailerparts.com My plan is to use 2" wheel spacers with the new axle to clear the dust cap and run the jk rims without issues. IMO swap to the new axle and ditch the old one, you'll save close to 200lbs by doing that and get an axle with the same lug pattern. I wouldn't listen to your mech. doesnt seem that he knows best... 1000 for a new set up? New axle $300+/- , spacers $65 , 7 pin plug and brake contoller $150-200. Thats if you go with electric brakes, without brakes considerably less. Hope that helps and GL with your new toy

Delux2769

Can also buy a Front axle off someone who's done a 2WD-4WD conversion. Then you'll have spare brakes, hubs, and few other spares. And same lug pattern.

ridelots24

Hey Guys -
I ended up going with some Section 8 wheels and painted them silver myself. also, did the new camo theme on the trailer.
Looking for feeback on how you think the wheels match up?
I'm thinking about adding more gray on the trailer frame and hitch to help match the rig.....Did i use too much fern leaf on the camo theme? things got outta contol....
...either that or camo up the JK!!!

ridelots24

few more shots.