Need Help, bent 4' galvanized axle

[charkbait]

I have a small boat trailer that I am getting ready for state inspection. I replaced the tires and was working on rewiring it last night and noticed wear on the new tires the same as the ones I just took off, they were almost ruined by a 30 mile tow. Upon further review the axle is bent which angles the wheels towards each other slightly and is causing the wear, funny thing is that it tows really well.

I don't know how these things are structured, is it possible to bend it back or rotate it to get rid of the wear.

Also, I looked last night and didn't find a provider online for a galvanized replacement. If I go with a utility type non galvanized trailer am I screwing myself in a couple years?

oh, it's 1.5"

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Need Help, bent 4' galvanized axle

these guys gave the best deal on and axle. call them.
http://www.trailerpart.com/traileraxles.htm

although, you may want try a local trailer shop, so you can match your hubs, and bearings.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Need Help, bent 4' galvanized axle

When you say the wheels are angled towards each other do you mean at the top (cambered toward each other) or at the front (towed in towards each other). Realize that some axles are cambered during manufacture which means they have an upward bend in the middle. That makes the wheels tilt in towards each other on the bottom. The theory is that when the trailer is loaded, the axle flexes and the wheels then straighten up. It is possible someone replaced that axle and installed it incorrectly. It all depends on which way the axle is bent (or cambered if was originally cambered). If it truely is bent, then it can be straightened but but unless reinforced, it will only bend again.

 

[charkbait]

Re: Need Help, bent 4' galvanized axle

it looks like they hit something under tow. The wheels are toed in towards the front.

I believe I'm going with a new axle and suspension setup. Is there anything I can to before mounting to a non galvanized axle/springs/hardware setup to limit the corrosion? It will come painted, but with saltwater use I'd like to take the opportunity before installing to set myself right.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Need Help, bent 4' galvanized axle

Coat it with the roll on truck bed liner material.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Need Help, bent 4' galvanized axle

IF the axle is relatively new and the bend not excessive, I would loosen the brackets, rotate the axle 90 degrees so the bend faces down and carefully put a jack in the middle with the trailer loaded and remove the bend. If it bends again in the slightest, replace it. Just my 2 cents.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Need Help, bent 4' galvanized axle

I have never used bedliner coating for salt proofing, does it work well?

 

[fuzzeywiggler]

Re: Need Help, bent 4' galvanized axle

I have never used bedliner coating for salt proofing, does it work well?

It works fairly well but like anything dosen't last forever.

Fuzzey

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Need Help, bent 4' galvanized axle

My Brother-in-Law had trouble keeping paint on his step bars on his truck. Being from Wisconsiin where tons of road salt are used he had those bars coated with bed liner material and they have not shown one bit of deterioration. As long as there are no voids in the material and the metal is clean when the material is applied, I would think it would work well on a trailer.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Need Help, bent 4' galvanized axle

Bed liner paint, the new duct tape.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: Need Help, bent 4' galvanized axle

Also works awesome as a floor topping over fiberglass or plywood. Good traction, hose clean-up, deadens sound and completely seals deck.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Need Help, bent 4' galvanized axle

it looks like they hit something under tow. The wheels are toed in towards the front.

If it hit something hard enough to bend the axle then there should be marks, a gouge, good nick, etc. at the impact point.

If it does not have welded on spring pads, you could entertain just rotating the axle 90 degrees. So that the tires are closer to each other at the bottom.
The tires will still wear more on one side but will last longer cause the tread is not being scubbed off.