Vibes axle location

[Jeepmlc]

Hi everyone I have a question. Can you tell me why the vibe 6500 series trailer axle is so far forward I've been reading articles saying it should be 60-40 the Vibe 6503 is more like 50-50! I have a large storage area and I'd like to use it so I'm going to move the axle back to where it belongs. I'll let you know how it works. 😁

[Greyhawk]

We have a 2013 Vibe 6501.
Don't know why the engineers located the axle where it is. My Vibe has the fresh water tank in from of the axle. It holds 38 gallons. That adds up to 304 lbs. With a total load capacity of 966 lbs. of water, that leaves 662 lbs. to be distributed elsewhere and may have some bearing on the design.
I'll be interested to hear how it works out.
I remember the first trip that we took. I left the fresh water tank empty because of the weight. Our trip took us down the West Virginia Turnpike. I didn't have a WDH at the time and it got scary more than once. I resolved the issue by purchasing an Equalizer Hitch and started putting some water in the front tank.
I hope it works out for you.

[Jeepmlc]

The equalizer hitch was the first thing I purchased before I ever tow my trailer. I knew I was pushing the limits with my jeep as a tow vehicle but it worked great and I did tow mine with the water tank completely full to get enough tongue weight. Of course I had three ice chest in the back compartment along with a small generator and a few tools. My hope is by moving the axle back just a bit I'll be able to tow without adding water and less weight and still have enough tongue weight.

[Jeepmlc]

Went ahead and added another axle to my Vibe 6503. What a big difference it makes towing and loading, (so much easier!)

[Happy Vibe]

I have a 6501 and the axel is not 50/50 there is more space between the hitch to the axel then to rear. I have towed mine with a minivan and now a ram 1500 it it has always towed great. I have always used a e2 WDH. Not sure about the second axel as it was never designed for that. Not sure how you have the bikes attached but I would not even think about doing that on mine. Frame in the rear is just not strong enough. It sure looks like you should have bought a larger trailer to start with.

[Jeepmlc]

Happy Vibe you're probably right! but where's the fun in that!! If you didn't like this mod I'm sure you won't like any of my others. But that's what makes us different.

[Sponge1971]

I'm all ears! list away...

I've been thinking of, at least, moving my 6504 axle back...but, I'm loving your dually mod! (just think how much less stress the tires would be under, load-wise)

I also want to do a bike rack on the back...but it'll require some serious frame beefing. I want to sub-frame from the axle back, and then maybe pin into a top support across the back posts that support the rear wall. Moving the axle back would help keep the pin weight closer to correct.

I want to hang my spare under the nose cone, too.

I know I should have bought a bigger trailer too (32VTSB)...but I don't have a truck and I like how I sometimes 'forget' I have a trailer on...as I nip into a gas station or Tim's. I can imagine being pretty sorry if you don't think about your route when your hauling a 32'er. There is something to be said about maneuverability...

[Jeepmlc]

Sponge Check on my profile and look at the pictures of my modifications. You may see something you like. I did move the axle to the 60/40 location witch was 7'6" from the rear and it was a little heavy on the hitch. I think if I had gone 8' form the back that would have been perfect for the single axle on my model. But I really like how it fells with the dual axle set up. As for my bike rack I did go back the second crossmember in the rear to the back member and added a 3' piece of 2x3 angle iron and bolted to the frame. It holds my tire and my bikes perfectly despite others peoples opinion it's doable And safe.

[Sponge1971]

AWESOME!!

I love the front tank hatch! what a great idea! (what a stoopid idea FR had with those huge cabinet doors) I have got to figure that one out...

storage slide is super cool. I've thought about it, but that damn spare makes things too tight in there...once it's gone, though...

Tell me more about that mattress you have! I'm desperate )-:

Can you add some pics of the frame, for your rack? I agree with you about doable and safe. You just have to do the leverage math and spread it out across the mid-frame. That's why I want to stuff my tire under the nose cone, to shift weight forward. I'm liking your use of the nose con for utilities. I could easily move the tank and battery and pump in there. If I can get the hot water heater in there too, then I could have a full pass-through cargo hold! (I only have a passenger side door, as my utilities take up 3' of driver side cargo hold) and weight distribution would be better, so that I probably wouldn't have to move my axle.

Thanks for the inspiration! now if only I had the time...<sigh>

[Happy Vibe]

They must have change the axle placement since I bought my Vibe. I would not be able to move my axle back because I would have to move the awning as well. On mine I have to undo the handle and move the arm up before I bring the awning all the way out otherwise the handle hits the fender.

[Jeepmlc]

My vibe was built in 2012 when I was underneath my trailer I noticed they had welded what looked like spring purchases and then cut them off and put the torsion axle on I think they were still experimenting back in the beginning.

[Jeepmlc]

Eric I don't think you'd be able to move your water heater and propane bottle to the front of your trailer my trailer had seating upfront so I had a little area to work with. I'm not sure where your tanks are located on your trailer. It kind a looks like you have a lot of weight on the driver side. The mattress I installed in mine weighed 80 pounds, I'm not sure if you want to add that much more weight to the back of your trailer I know your axle can handle it at 4400 pounds but mine was only 3500 so I had to upgrade anyway

[Sponge1971]

Wow that's a heavy mattress, but I bet it's a dream to sleep on...pun intended (:

My nose cone has a bathroom sink counter, not as deep as seating, but higher. I'd have to mock it up...but first I'd have to take the cabinet doors off, since they don't open much due to the toilet. ):
Probably wouldn't be able to do water heater too. Tank is at back drivers corner wuth pump and heater. I have no cargo hatch there, unlike you. 3' of cargo space taken by utilities.

My axle is a good foot ahead of the awning.

(Foot included for reference)




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[Jeepmlc]

Not sure how much room you have but I bet you could get two batteries in the front compartment underneath the sink. I use the Optima Bluetop the biggest I could get, about 60 pounds apiece that's 120 pound of tongue weight. Might help offset that mattress and yes I sleep like a bear ! Lol

[Sponge1971]

I'm in negotiations to maybe buy a little inflatable dinghy, on a small Trailer.

I think rear frame mods may come sooner than expected...

Jeep...What do you think of 'pupping' a dinky little boat, with surge brakes. I'd mod up a rack, on the boat trailer, to carry my bikes.


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[Sponge1971]

We're usually pansy camping, as my wife likes froo-froo stuff like... Electricity or air conditioning...<grin>
It is kinda nice...
Anyway my need for battery capacity is pretty limited, these days. Maybe once the kids get older, i can drag them out into real woods...

I want to hang the spare up front, that would help.... so would a second axle...and a truck


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[Happy Vibe]

Sponge if you are thinking of double towing it is not allowed in Ontario unless the TV is a truck.

[Sponge1971]

oooh...thanks for the warning. I was thinking about it...