Torsion axle question

[ranger481vs]

I have an ‘03 Boatmate dual torsion axle trailer. There’s a recessed area at the top center of each axle where water will collect and stay even after driving home. Front axle is starting to rust in that spot (SEE PIC), so, I’m planning to clean it up and repaint.

Just seems strange to have a design where the axle will retain water for long periods like this, with the potential to start rusting out. Repainting and keeping an eye on it is fine, but wondering if there’s anything else I can do to eliminate this problem. Some type of drain would be nice, if there was such a thing...

 

[poconojoe]

That's strange.
Why would a manufacturer produce something like that?
I don't know much about axles, but could it have been installed upside down? Is that even possible?
Is the other side flat?

 

[Alumarine]

Could you drill a drain hole for it?

 

[TyeeMan]

If the axles are bent purposely in that location, the manufacturer likely had to make that recess in order to bend the axle other wise the square tubing would likely kink during the bending process. It probably adds some structural rigidity as well.
Feel or look at the bottom of the axle in that location, see if there is a drain hole. If so, you could probably drill a hole in the top of the axle in the same location. The water would then drain out.

 

[ranger481vs]

Could you drill a drain hole for it?

That was my first thought.

If the axles are bent purposely in that location, the manufacturer likely had to make that recess in order to bend the axle other wise the square tubing would likely kink during the bending process. It probably adds some structural rigidity as well.
Feel or look at the bottom of the axle in that location, see if there is a drain hole. If so, you could probably drill a hole in the top of the axle in the same location. The water would then drain out.

Yes, they are bent purposely, but no there's no drain holes. I did email Boatmate to get their opinion too.

 

[Horigan]

How about after you clean and paint it, fill the void with some form of epoxy putty, like Marine-tex?

 

[jhande]

I'm thinking if you drill a hole it'll start rusting inside the channel. I vote for filling the void.

 

[ranger481vs]

I might consider filling with silicone, since it’s flexible.

Or even simpler, maybe I’ll just use a long stick with a rag on the end to dry up the standing water. I’ll just add that to my after boating, clean-up routine.