Wesco Trailer torsion axle problem

[2pats2]

I have a heavy duty aluminum I beam single torsion axle Wesco trailer, 4200GVW. Axle has a 6000lb tag on it.
Problem is that the axle mounts are twisting and the welds are starting to crack.
I am not the origional owner but there is not more then a couple of thousand miles and the thing still looks new.
I am in the process of contacting the manufacture and was wondering if any one has had a similar problem.
Thank`s if you can help.

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Wesco Trailer torsion axle problem

Deleted

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Wesco Trailer torsion axle problem

Just because you have a 6000 lb. axle doesn't mean you have 6000 lb. springs. And a 4200 lb. GVW trailer really needs tandem axles.

If you're carrying that much weight, consider buying a tandem axle kit with brakes and installing on your trailer. If your load is 3000 lbs., consider tandem axles without brakes--dependent on how demanding your geography is and how far you're towing.

See ChampionTrailers.com for the kits.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Wesco Trailer torsion axle problem

Just because you have a 6000 lb. axle doesn't mean you have 6000 lb. springs.

No springs on a torsion axle... kind of the whole point of having a torsion axle!

Agreed though, a 4200 trailer is USUALLY a tandem but there are some singles out there obviously. Is the axle free to move its entire stroke length? I've seen some torsions that were set up in such a way that it would contact the frame rails on a big bump, and it doesn't take that much of an impact with a load on it to start cracking welds.

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Wesco Trailer torsion axle problem

I deleted my original reply as it did not provide an answer to the OP's question.
Based on the foregoing responses, here's mine!

I find a GVW of 4200#'s and an axle of 6000#'s for an aluminum single axle torsion bar sprung trailer hard to believe. I can only imagine the moment arm about the attachment point for the torsion bars. And, what rating tire would you use on such an axle? [Answered my own question: http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Tires_and_Wheels-hs-Load_Range_D-gw-225|75~15.aspx. Kinda pricey things]

Checking myself I slid over to Wesco's parts site and looked up replacement axles and such. Currently Wesco list only twelve axles with a max. Rating of 3500#s. additionally, they only currently list leaf springs maxing out at 1750#s.

Maybe I'm missing sum'thin but I'm doubting the construction of this trailer.

 

[rbh]

Re: Wesco Trailer torsion axle problem

The issue is it is aluminum, alot of people would disagree, but it does not stand up as well as a steel. (GA for GA)

The best thing I can think of is taking the axles off, weld the crack, then box it and reinforce the mounts.

 

[Outsider]

Re: Wesco Trailer torsion axle problem

Contact the manufacturer with the VIN, follow their lead as to original equipment pertaining to axle rating and brand they used for yours. I think you may learn something that belies the appearance ...

 

[captain zac]

Re: Wesco Trailer torsion axle problem

I work about 1 miles from the WESCO factory.
These guys are great to work with give them a call

803-794-1213