Trailer needs new axle. Need ideas.

quinnow1

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Aug 8, 2023
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Just bought a Homemade "registered boat trailer, but it needs a new axle. having major issues finding one to match up with it. The one that was on it has outdated hubs and can't find matching ones anywhere. tried every place you can think of including e-trailer etc.
So looking to tuck a new axle under it.
My current dimensions are 85" face-to-face
70" center leaf
roughly 2000–3000# (just using for fishing kayaks and equipment).
The current axle has the leafs ( eye front slipper rear) mounted on top of the axle.
So having a rough time finding one with those dimensions that also take the leafs on top of the axle.
In a bind and hoping someone can help.
I think I'm looking for a straight axle because I won't load it enough to take advantage of the camber built into most curved axles.
Greatly appreciate any ideas.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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What is wrong with your current axle?

Have you looked at a custom axle?
 

quinnow1

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Aug 8, 2023
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What is wrong with your current axle?

Have you looked at a custom axle?
The current one has mismatched hubs and nobody seems to be able to match up a set that will fit. Maybe I need some dial micrometers and take some accurate readings. The pinion has some fair bumps and bruises but if I could find hubs I would be okay. The old ones are so worn that the seals just fall out. And I mean the new ones. Who has custom axles that are good quality? I’ll look into them if price is fair. And thank you.
 

roscoe

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Oct 30, 2002
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Order new frame mounted springs when you order the new axle
 

airshot

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Jul 22, 2008
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Can you cut off and just replace the axle stubs ? Did that on my old trailer years back, just matched the inside dia of the hollow axle and welded in new stubs.
 

quinnow1

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Can you cut off and just replace the axle stubs ? Did that on my old trailer years back, just matched the inside dia of the hollow axle and welded in new stubs.
That's getting beyond my paygrade, lol. If I could find hubs that take bearing number LM67048 for both inner and outer, I would be in good shape. That is my old hubs and they are so worn out that the races are not tight and the oil seal can be pushed in by hand.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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measure your axle stub. length, diameters, etc.

Be accurate. as in use a dial caliper

then talk to your local trailer shop.
 

Lou C

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Nov 10, 2002
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Champion Trailers can make a galvanized axle exactly to your specs. They made 2 for me over the years & both fit perfectly. Latest one is a 6,000 capacity drop axle with a lowered center saddle. With 12” brakes & 5 leaf springs this works great on my single axle trailer.
 

airshot

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That's getting beyond my paygrade, lol. If I could find hubs that take bearing number LM67048 for both inner and outer, I would be in good shape. That is my old hubs and they are so worn out that the races are not tight and the oil seal can be pushed in by hand.
An easy plug and play is probably not an option....your gonna need some professional services along the way. One way or another your gonna need to spend some money....by a new trailer, have a new axle and hubs made, or pay a shop to modify the one you have...life is all about choices !!
 

dingbat

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Nov 20, 2001
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16,063
If I could find hubs that take bearing number LM67048 for both inner and outer, I would be in good shape. That is my old hubs and they are so worn out that the races are not tight and the oil seal can be pushed in by hand.
Like this?

 
Last edited:

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
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Nov 10, 2002
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12,643
The axles I got from Champion might be priced a bit higher but they are fully welded 1/4” thick steel. When I took off the one I had made in 2004 (3500 lb) to replace with the HD one I had made in 2021 (6000 lb), I sold the old one for almost what I paid for it, because it looked like new! The load on that axle is about 4600 lbs, so this is more than strong enough.
 

rolmops

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Feb 24, 2002
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5,419
I had a similar problem a few years ago. In my case it was a 1984 trailer in need of tlc. I googled "trailer axles for sale" Out of the many possibilities I picked the one that told exactly what to measure and came with a phone number with the advice to call in order to prevent misunderstanding. A week later I had a brand spanking new axle delivered. So you should not have a problem at all getting your axle replaced
 

huggyb1972

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 1, 2013
Messages
237
Have you gave northern tool a look. They have most of the stuff for trailers right in their store. As far as putting the spring over the axle there's a couple ways to go about it. I used a spacer plate for the centering pin to reference on. There's also a spring pass you buy that just sits right on the axle it has a little relief cut into it that registers on the axle tube. Magic tilt trailers have them I just got done redoing a trailer this summer made by them.
 
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