Axle

bonz_d

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Re: Axle

Don't bother with taking it to a shop.... Get the correct length axle and mount it axle UNDER the springs instead of over them.

I suspect that will solve your issues.

Great response! Didn't solve anything as to that trailer is supposed to have a cambered or straight axle under it. The OP has already stated they have had 4 different axles under it. Which to me sounds as if they were ALL the incorrect axle. Aside from that who knows that else has been FUBAR'd under there.

Sorry but if it were my trailer it would be going to a shop that knows what they are doing before I or it kills somebody.
 

smokeonthewater

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Re: Axle

Sounds like you took offense for some reason... My opinion differs from yours.... Not the end of the world...

a single axle leaf spring trailer suspension isn't exactly complicated....

He has already figured out the correct length axle....

One end of each spring attaches to the trailer with one bolt.... The other end with two bolts and two shackle plates...... Then the axle needs the perch lined up w the center bolt in the spring and a couple u-bolts and a plate on each side.... Done

BTW cambered or straight is a function of axle design.... Not an option to be selected specific to the trailer....
If the tube is such that it will flex under the rated load then some camber is usually built into the axle.
 
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bonz_d

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Re: Axle

Sounds like you took offense for some reason... My opinion differs from yours.... Not the end of the world...

a single axle leaf spring trailer suspension isn't exactly complicated....

He has already figured out the correct length axle....


BTW cambered or straight is a function of axle design.... Not an option to be selected specific to the trailer....
If the tube is such that it will flex under the rated load then some camber is usually built into the axle.

You are correct. It isn't the end of the world for me. Somewhere along the line that trailer has been butchered! 4 axles, now going on 5. Why? No, that does not look like a homebuilt trailer either. I completely understand the design and purpose of a cambered axle.

So again. 4 axles now going to the 5th one, if it was so easy then why such a hassle replacing an axle? An axle replacement w/o brakes should only be a few hour job and it's done. Finished. Ready to use. Someone, somewhere really messed that trailer suspension up.

Sure the easy way would be to but the correct axle under it to begin with, whether that be a straight or cambered axle. But again what else was done to it? I don't know I wasn't there and I didn't do the work.
 

oldjeep

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smokeonthewater

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Re: Axle

Eh sorta..... If the axle springs and tires are all rated for 3500 lbs then 10-15% tongue weight would technically get the axle weigh within spec.... Not exactly the best way to go but could be a workable deal.....

Personally I prefer to have some margian if at all possible but I wouldn't get terribly worried as long as the axle didn' carry more than it was rated for.
 

bruceb58

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Re: Axle

I guess my thoughts are that if you are going through the trouble of getting a new axle and springs, why not get the heavier duty axle/springs with a little margin?
 

bonz_d

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Re: Axle

Not a problem smoke, never took it as an attack ot insult! I also understand your disagreement but after 4 axle changes already I can feel the OP's frustration level rising.

My question remains why wasn't the correct axle used in the 1st place. As it is in my opinion that trailer is just unsafe! The camber also looks wrong. Trailer loaded those tires should look square and not tilted as they are.

So far everyone is onboard that this is the wrong axle!
 

smokeonthewater

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Re: Axle

Agree.... He already has new springs tho....

Honestly he is VERY close to me just suggesting a different trailer.
 

MRS

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Re: Axle

Eh sorta..... If the axle springs and tires are all rated for 3500 lbs then 10-15% tongue weight would technically get the axle weigh within spec.... Not exactly the best way to go but could be a workable deal.....

Personally I prefer to have some margian if at all possible but I wouldn't get terribly worried as long as the axle didn' carry more than it was rated for.

That is what I have been told by a couple axle places I am looking for a duel axle but will not be able to buy till next year.
Tires are rated for 1850 lb.s at 50#
The axle was on the trailer that came with the boat that is why I was going with the length that was on it but now I know it is not the right one for the trailer.
And yes the other post was mine I did weigh the trailer and boat full of fuel and loaded a little extra stuff 3900# I was not getting to much response from that post so started this one.
I really like all the replies so far just need to fix for a years use.
When I do long trips I do not fill fuel tank till I get where I am going to launch and tool boxes go in the back of the truck.
One more thing this is the first round axle I tried on this trailer and does not seem as strong has the square axles so will go with the straight galvanized square axle this go around.
And like smoke said mount springs on top that should give me the tire and fender clearance that I need.
What do you think and new spring packs are 1750 each so total 3500# Thanks for all the replies.
 

mla2ofus

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Dec 30, 2008
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571
Re: Axle

Check to what it would cost to have tandems installed on the tlr. Yeah, you'd have some repainting to do, so what.
Mike
 

bonz_d

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Re: Axle

The axle was on the trailer that came with the boat that is why I was going with the length that was on it but now I know it is not the right one for the trailer.

I really like all the replies so far just need to fix for a years use.

I kind of suspected such that the trailer was purchased that way just didn't want to push it. Everything can be fixed, it's just a matter of where do you draw the line. I get disturbed when people get taken advantage of when they have limited knowlage by someone that knows what they are selling is pure funk. I think fraud but that to is not always the case. In this case I think it purely was.

No one on this forum can convince me that the seller didn't know this thing had a bad axle under it or at the very least the wrong axle.
 

sublauxation

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Oct 13, 2008
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Re: Axle

YMaybe I will have to raise the boat so wheels and fenders will clear so I can run the shorter axle on it.

Sounds like you've been having lots of problems and I haven't read them all (and maybe I'm missing something) but instead of raising the boat why not just mount the axle under the springs instead of on top? Clearly this axle is to long but it wouldn't take long to put it under the spring perches and see what it looks like. If the tires still bow out I'd say you need a heavier axle. If you're going to buy a shorter axle you'll likely have to do that (mount it under the perches) anyways and it'd be a heck of a lot easier than raising the boat.
 

bonz_d

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Re: Axle

And to think the answer has been sitting here right under our perches this whole time!!!! Who would have guessed.
 

MRS

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Ok in the process of tearing the old axle apart and making it 88" face to face unstead of 95" face to face 88" should be the length I need. Will then mount on top of the axle and measure everything (check fit) before I buy next axle I really need to get out on the water :fish2: fish are calling me.
 
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