Using VW wheels on a trailer

[HunterTheBusHunter]

Ok, I ordered the steel to build the frame for a teardrop trailer I will be building. (Ill post a build log) The dilemma Im running into is the wheels. I dont want to use the cheesy 12in wheels, I want to use OG VW 4-lug wheels so it will match my car. (Im also gonna use bug rear fenders) The issue with this is I cant find a hub with the 4x130 bolt pattern and I cant find a adapter to that will adapt to the common trailer hub bolt patterns. Someone said that since Im thinking about using trailer brakes I should use a stock VW front drum. Thats the other thing, should I use trailer brakes or upgrade the brakes on the car? The trailer is gonna weigh around 750lbs. I know my 71 bug is rated at towing 880lbs but its not about pulling, its stopping. But I dont think the bearings are the same size as the spindles on the axle. The axle Im looking at getting has removable spindles, but the ones it includes requires a 1 1/16" bearing. Im not sure how they measure bearings so I couldnt find out if its the same as a VW bearing. If you have any ideas please let me know. Ive seen people do it with 5 lug wheels but not 4.
Also sorry if this is in the wrong section. I wasnt sure where to put it.
Thanks Hunter
_________________
"This is air. Air is for breathing and for cooling car engines. Air won't freeze up, air won't boil over. Ask any Volkswagen." (o\_!_/o)

[[email protected]]

Looks pretty easy to get a 4 bolt spindle and drill 4 more holes to accommodate the different pattern.

Considering all the effort you put into building this trailer, and the beloved bug towing it, it seems cheap insurance to add brakes.

[HunterTheBusHunter]

[[email protected]]

A machine shop can drill them. I would use a drill press and can drill accurately enough with that.

[MonT3]

Have you thought about using or incorporating a late type 3 sub-frame without the trans and axles (they're IRS)? You could have the rear drums (4x130) with the brake set up. You'd just have to figure out how to get the brakes set up for your needs. Just a thought.
_________________
MonT3
67 Squareback
64 Squareback
63 Squareback
Engine rebuild
Trailer rebuild

[HunterTheBusHunter]

[eyetzr]

Adapter Kings. I had a set of adapters made for my trailer, nice product. I am running 5 X 130 pattern on the trailer to match the car. This also allows me to carry 1 spare tire on the trailer for the car & trailer.
_________________
I think he meant "rare", as in "not well-done"

[KTPhil]

Late Type 3 rear drums have the separate hub and drum, and the small hub is threaded to fit the wheel. You may need a spacer or special lug nuts to accommodate the lack of the thickness of the drum, and you may be able to use the stub axles and bearings, too.

[Danpa]

Will 4 bolt Bug rims fit on a early Rabbit/Jetta/Caddy rear drum?

If it would, you could get a rear axle setup from one in your local junkyard probably pretty cheap. Toss the struts and incorporate leaf springs or short coils for suspension. Plus you would have brakes.

Dan
_________________
67 Beetle (gone)
68 Bay Window Double Cab (gone) sob, sob!
64 Beetle (gone)
77 Scirocco (gone)
73 Squareback (scrapped)
70 Beetle (current, in pieces)

[KalgoorlieGreg]

Just get a set of common trailer hubs and get a machining shop to redrill them to your desired PCD. This will keep the weight down and give you common bearings and a choice of cable or hydraulic brakes.

[cdennisg]