Trailer axle and spring spacing

[marshmaster]

My trailer axle was bent and a buddy gave me one to try but the spring holes were roughly 2in. wider than my trailer. I centerd up the axle and drilled new locator holes fo rthe springs, roughly an inch inside of the original holes. Where the original holes were the hub stub was visible where it had been inserted and welded to the end. The new holes are not over the stub. Will this cause an issue as far as compromising strength and "creasing" and causing a safety issue? Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Trailer axle and spring spacing

Well, obviously you have increased the leverage from the wheel to the spring. Your original axle was bent either from age, impact, or overloading so if this one is the same capacity, you can expect the same results.

If, on the other hand this axle is a much higher capacity, then it will most likely take the extra forces applied to it.

 

[marshmaster]

Re: Trailer axle and spring spacing

Yea the axle was bent due to impact. The old axle was 2in square which I would assume it to be a 2000lb while the replacement was 1.5in square I asume a 1500lb. The boatis an alum. 14ft 1976 starcraft with a 30hp tohatsu. I seriously doubt the boat and trailer weigh 1500lb even with a bag of duck decoys in it. Increasing the leverage from whel to spring was exactly what I am concerned about I just couldn't figure out how to say it. I may just spend the 60 bucks and get a new axle since I deffinately dont need any problems at 4a.m. headin to the duck hole.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Trailer axle and spring spacing

Wise decision