Trailer Proble

[marcalew]

I took my boat out this weekend, and after I launched I noticed that my front tires on both sides of my dual axle trailer were in the air.

Does this mean my axle is broken?

I was able to drive it home, but once I got it to the storage I had t park on a slight hill and the front tires where in the air slightly again.

Any help would be great.

Thanks.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer Proble

sounds more like a suspension problem. or load balance problem.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer Proble

No - the axle is not broken. The front or back axle can be raised off the ground under only two conditions. 1) When the trailer tongue is raised so high or lowered so far that the equalizer cannot compensate for the angle, or 2) The equalizers or the shackles are too tight/rusted/pinched, or otherwise being obstructed. The equalizers and shakles must pivot freely. The equalizers are the device that the back end of the front springs and the front end of the rear springs connect to with the spring shakles. Check, clean, and lubricate them.

 

[marcalew]

Re: Trailer Proble

How much does that normally cost?

 

[marcalew]

Re: Trailer Proble

I called my mechanic and he said that something popped up from driving to fast and hit a bump when the trailer did not have the boat.

 

[Splat]

Re: Trailer Proble

Sounds like a seized shackle. Try soaking it down in blaster to free up, then grease by hand.

Bill

 

[j_martin]

Re: Trailer Proble

If the spacing on the equalizer isn't just right, the shackle can invert, either go on top if it was installed downward, or the other way around.

It usually happens when an empty trailer goes airborn over a bump.

The trailer can be tilted, and the shackles pry bar'd back into position for a temporary fix. Replacing worn parts in the suspension, or maybe even cutting it loose and welding it on right is the permanent fix.

As is, the entire load is essentially on one axle. Don't run it that way.

hope it helps
John