determining axle rating

[michaelf]

I believe my axle may be bent and will need to be replaced, but not sure how to find out what size axle to get or where to buy it. Tractor Supply sells axles but not sure if that would be the place to get one. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[sw33ttooth]

Re: determining axle rating

is it bent or bowed? i've seen some axles that have a bow in them from factory. if it really needs replacing. not sure who else sells axles besides TSC tractor supply co. but i would get an accual wieght on the boat and trailer and find an axle that will more then cover it.

take it to a wiegh station or scrap yard or any other scales around you concrete places often have them they sell by tonage not yards. not sure how happy a company would be with you useing there scale, since your not buying anything, but if you drive in first with your car and ask them i am sure they wont care.

 

[Bondo]

Re: determining axle rating

I believe my axle may be bent and will need to be replaced, but not sure how to find out what size axle to get or where to buy it. Tractor Supply sells axles but not sure if that would be the place to get one. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Ayuh,... Measure the wheel bearings, 'n go with the same size...

 

[Silvertip]

Re: determining axle rating

Remove the wheel and check bearing sizes. If the axle requires 1-1/16 inner AND outer bearings it is a 2000# axle. If it has 1-1/16 outer and 1-3/8 inner bearings it is a 3500# axle. If the axle is bowed up slightly in the middle it is a cambered axle. If it is bowed down in the middle then it is either overloaded or bent. Note where the axle sits in relations to the springs. An axle can be oversprung or undersprung. That requires the spring perches be located properly.

 

[michaelf]

Re: determining axle rating

Thanks for the help guys!
My tires are wearing on the insides, so it must be bent, right? I read where I might be able to check it with a straight edge, so I might try that first. The boat is a 1987 18 ft. Chris Craft Scorpion with a 4 cylinder I/O. The trailer is a Shorelander with a single axle. Are the axles at TSC good enough quality or should I go somewhere else?
Thanks again.

 

[michaelf]

Re: determining axle rating

I just checked things out and it is a U-shaped drop axle that is 88 inches long and it is definitely bent. I have a 51" straight edge and laid it across the middle and there is about 3/16 gap. There is a tag on the side of the trailer that gives the weight rating but it is so faded out, its unreadable. I'm going to assume its a 3500 lb. axle. So I guess my next move is to go to TSC and see what they have.
Thanks guys!

 

[a1nowell]

Re: determining axle rating

For more axle info try this website.
www.easternmarine.com

Almost any trailer parts & supply can help you.

Note: Boat trailer axel tend to be shorter than standard trailer axles.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: determining axle rating

Whoa Back sir! Just because the axle is bowed does not mean it is bent. It may be the trailer is OVERLOADED so simply replacing the axle may result in the same thing happening. Weigh the rig and be sure of what you have. Remember, boat weights are usually dry weight so they do no include fuel, fluids, batteries, accessories and any other stuff you normally have aboard -- when traveling or on the water.