Replacing axle assembly on my boat trailer?

[MarkNY]

hi, i have an EZ loader roller trailer for my 16' Starcraft Jupiter. the trailer has been rebuilt except for the axle assembly. this trailer seems to be a medium duty trailer and fits the boat perfectly. i dont have any specs on the trailer. it has 12" tires right now and id like to put 13 or 14" tires on it. would it be a good idea to just replace the entire axle assembly? and if so, how do i determine what size i need? im thinking that i want an axle in the 3500# capacity range. right now i think i have room under the fender for 13" tires but i dont know if that clearance will change with a new axle. id appreciate your suggestions. thanks, mark

 

[Bondo]

Re: Replacing axle assembly on my boat trailer?

Ayuh,... I'd Guess you've got the 1 ton axle, with 1" bearings...
Just swapping wheels,+ tires will fix the tire size issue...

Going to the 3500lb. axle, will require changing EVERYTHING,... Axles, hubs,+ Springs...

 

[MarkNY]

Re: Replacing axle assembly on my boat trailer?

hi bondo, thanks for the reply. the prices for the entire axle assemblies didnt seem too bad thats why i was considering that option but just dont know what size will fit my trailer and fenders. ill keep researching. thanks, mark

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Replacing axle assembly on my boat trailer?

If you are going through the bother of increasing tire size, that does not increase the load capacity of the trailer if the axle capacity is less than the tire capacity. Replacing a straight axle of one capacity with a straight axle of another capacity also does not change clearance. The center of the axle is still in the same place. As mentioned, if you go to a 3500# axle you will need to change hubs & beariings as the spindles are different. If the boat is well within the load limits of the 12 inch tires you certainly don't need to make any changes. It is the Load Range (B, C, D, E etc.) that determines what weight the tire can carry. Simply upgrading your existing 12 inch tires to the next higher load range will provide an extra margin of safety. Rotational speed on 12 inchers is not an issue.

 

[MarkNY]

Re: Replacing axle assembly on my boat trailer?

thanks silvertip, my original thinking was that i wanted larger tires for highway travel and that they would ride smoother and take more abuse,. i havent checked the condition of my current axle assembly and figured that if i change my tires/wheels i might as well change everything. im planning a very long trip for the fall and would like some piece of mind trailer wise. best, mark

 

[tallcanadian]

Re: Replacing axle assembly on my boat trailer?

I just ordered all new axle, springs, tires, wheels, etc from kmtparts for my trailer. Perhaps they can assist you in what your looking for.