stainless steel shackle bolts

[elkhunter338]

I am putting new axles, springs, hubs, tires on my boat trailer.
I use it 100% in salt water.
Are stainless steel bolts strong enough to use for the springs and shackle bolts?
How about the center piviot bolt on the tandem axles walking eye beam?

I think stainless is considered a grade 2 bolt.
Most galvanized bolts have not grade rating so they are about a grade 2.

Does anyone have stainless bolts on their trailer and it came that way from the factory.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: stainless steel shackle bolts

Pretty sure all SS bolts are "unrated" or as you said real close to Grade 2, slightlly above.

But you might be limited to your choices anyways.

Do you require the 9/16" diameter with the anti-rotation serations under the head?

Even if just plain 9/16" dia. will reduce your choices.

They also make greasable shackle bolts. However some will say there is no point in useing those if you have the nylon bushings in the spring eyes and equalizer.
I use the greasable anyways as I figure if there is grease in, water, sand, etc. stays out.
And the grease that oozes out prevents corrosion.

 

[mfgniagara]

Re: stainless steel shackle bolts

I've never seen stainless shackle bolts, I doubt that SS would be a viable option in that application. All I do is grease the bolts and bushings with Never Seize compound, I've yet to have a bolt fail or get stuck since.
The bolts with the grease fittings are nice but I always was leery about the hollow or drilled bolts. Plus, the grease fittings on those are usually plain steel and rust even faster than the bolts.
The trailer springs and hardware are simply a maintenance item, something you just have to keep up on every year or so.

 

[handyguy]

Re: stainless steel shackle bolts

My "Performance" brand trailer made on the west coast of Florida had SS bolts from the manufacturer. Was a great trailer for all the years I had it.