trailer tires bent inwards

tinkma

Cadet
Joined
Oct 24, 2012
Messages
26
hello,
I have a 16ft bowrider that I just bought. The trailer tires bow inward and is especially prevalent when the boat is actively being towed. I just changed the tires, but I am including a pic of the treadwear on the old tire. The axle does not appear to be bent. Can anyone recommend a a good starting point to troubleshoot from?
thanks
 

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ahicks

Captain
Joined
Sep 16, 2013
Messages
3,957
That axle SHOULD have a very noticeable upward arc in the middle of it. It would appear somebody straightened that one, overloaded the hell out of it now or in the past, or it's rusted so thin it's getting ready to let go. In any case, it looks like you are up for a new axle. Not that big a deal. They aren't that expensive, and you could get it with a new pair of hubs at a pretty good discount.
 

JimS123

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Jul 27, 2007
Messages
8,196
What is bent inwards? The top or the bottom? If the tire wear is on the inside, the trailer was overloaded. If the tire wear is on the outside, the load was insufficient for the rating of the trailer. Regardless, that rusty mess needs to be replaced with an axle that meets the requirements of the trailer and the load.
 

Lowlysubaruguy

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 3, 2012
Messages
514
When I expand that picture it looks like the axle tube has been spliced in the middle with a short sleeve? Is that what I’m seeing. Myself I’d be thinking I’d price a complete axle loaded with brakes and new springs. In some cases there fairly affordable and you have a pretty basic axle and spring assembly.
 
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