Homemade Trailer U bolts

[isis]

I have a homemade trailer. It has a square axles on it but has round U bolts. Does it matter if you have round bolts instead of square on a square axle?
Thanks

 

[kjsAZ]

it all depends on how over-rated the U-bolts are. You will only hold the axle at two pints instead of a full width. This could allow the axle tube to twist inside the clamp. I wouldn't do it even if it may hold up. These U-bolts are so cheap that it's not worth to go the risk. If your axle goes bye-bye it's a lot more money......

 

[isis]

It a two axle trailer and the guy used square and round u bolts on it. One of the square u bolts broke. So maybe that had something to do with it breaking.

 

[kjsAZ]

could well be if that was on one axle. The round bolt allowed the axle to move/twist and the square one had to hold all the torque to keep it in place.....

 

[Mi duckdown]

Got Pics?

 

[smokeonthewater]

ummm NOOOOO you NEED the correct ubolts.... ABSOLUTELY purchase the correct ubolts before using it again.

 

[MikDee]

Look around, you should be able to find square u-bolts.

 

[airshot]

Our local tractor supply store carries both round and square U bolts, should not be a problem finding them and they cost little when compared to a breakdown on the highway.

 

[Okieboatguy]

Will it work, yes... Should you use round "U" bolts on square axle, NO. All the above points; twisting and axle rotation, creating tension points where the bolts touch the axle are all accidents waiting to happen. A quick search shows that a pair of 3" square "U" bolts on Amazon are less than $9.00. Sounds like cheap insurance to do it right, and have them delivered to your house for free to boot.

 

[isis]

No Title

I took a better look and one side has 5 springs and the other side has 4 spring. Three u bolts and the one square that broke. The axle is 1.5 and the spring are 1.75. I think i need 1.75 square u bolts or it really screw up? Thanks for the help.

 

[kjsAZ]

plus you need the same springs on both sides....... Looks like time to secure a DIY project gone wrong. With these obvious and bad flaws in design you better check where else the PO has cut corners in a dangerous manner.

 

[Bubbasboat]

Doesn't sound like a lot of attention to consistency or detail. I'd go over it with a fine tooth comb. Check the hitch arrangement good! Wouldn't want that to slide off.

 

[smokeonthewater]

the U bolts NEED to fit the axle correctly... the width of the springs only affects the hole spacing on the spring plate... IE 1.5" axle takes 1.5" U bolts

 

[isis]

So a 1 1/2 square u bolts will fit over the 1 3/4 spring? Also i will take out the one spring on each. The leaf spring mounted are under the axle. What the easy way to change the u bolts and remove one spring? The boat is on the trailer and hate to remove it if possible.Try to post pic but either to big or to small.Thanks guys

 

[smokeonthewater]

Well now this all depends on HOW the axle and springs are assembled.. On some the U bolts go BESIDE the spring and not around it and on those the Ubolts would be sized to fit the axle but on others the u bolts go around the springs and beside the axle so on that one they would be sized for the springs (pics below)........ you don't need to remove the boat, just attach the trailer to your truck and set the parking brake / chock the tires, jack up the trailer and support it with 2 quality jack stands under the frame just behind the spring shackles

 

[isis]

Thanks Kevin and everyone for the help.

 

[smokeonthewater]

ALSO when you jack up the trailer DO NOT put the jack in under the center of the axle beam... ONLY put it directly below the point where the axle and spring meat OR under the frame just behind where you will be putting the jack stand