Replacing TeeNee Trailer Axle

[RavenWatcher]

I have a 1979 TeeNee trailer for my 15' Thindercraft boat. As I was heading to the lake today, I hit a pot hole and snapped the axle, lost the 4 lug hub and wheel, and spent $170 for the tow-ride home. All in all I give thanks that I was not injured and little noticeable damage has been found (I may have twisted the tongue of the trailer as the ball and hitch are tight). I need some help in how to replace the axle - an estimate should I go to 4.80 x 12 (5 lug) wheels. Total weight capacity is 1650 lbs. Any thoughts on where to find the right parts cheap?

 

[1BadTitan]

Re: Replacing TeeNee Trailer Axle

Etrailers, west marine, eastern marine, TSC or any local trailer shop will have parts for an easy repair. For the axle to snap, I would think something else went wrong. The suspension should have suppressed most of that shock. Was the trailer overloaded? What size wheels and what leafs are you currently running? How much does the boat and trailer weigh?

 

[RavenWatcher]

Re: Replacing TeeNee Trailer Axle

Thanks to 1BadTitan. Everything appears to be within proper weight limits for this trailer. It is rated for 1200 lbs; the boat (700lbs) and the Honda 10hp motor (77lbs) come to under 800lbs. There was not enough "gear" onboard to change that weight by even 50lbs (fishing equipment, two anchors and a 12 pack of root beer, PFD's and rope). As for tires, I have 4.80 X 12 inch tires: overall a lightweight setup. I don't know about the leaf spring rating. All I can say is that the tow truck operator was impressed as he has never seen such a clean "snap" of an axle. He said he has seen some fail because of neglect; but not this one. I can also say that this was a deep and sharply severe pot hole.

 

[1BadTitan]

Re: Replacing TeeNee Trailer Axle

The weight limit on those tires (providing they are class B) is 780lbs each. So you should be set at 1500 lbs max. You dont want to be closer than 80% of that max rating, but it doesnt seem that you are close to that anyway. Could've been a freak thing, s#it happens, you know?!? I think a new axle and you'll be right back in business. If you go to westmarine's website, they have a complete axle put together already, its the axle, hubs, bearings, etc, all the way to the lugnuts for about $165. Just need to measure your spring centers, hub face to hub face distance and overall length. match that up and your good to go.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Replacing TeeNee Trailer Axle

hey Raven , I am down close to huntington. You should be able to look in the yellow pages and find a sorce , or if you cant find any thing local let me know thier are several trailer supply stores around here. Tractor Supply may have something also. Places that sell trailers keep parts.,I go out to beachfork lake and yea some of the pot holes around here and more like bomb craters.

 

[RavenWatcher]

Re: Replacing TeeNee Trailer Axle

Thanks Hawker. I am north in Cameron... no for from the new Cabelas store. I have spent more time going into OHiio for their small lakes and next year I won't waste my money on the WV Fishing license. I can still fish the Ohio River and its small streams with the OH permit. There are no lakes worth driving to around me (that will accept 10 hp) as they are all electric motor only.

1BadTitan has some good information and I spent some time shopping last night. Tractor Supply's website was not too helpful, but I am sure their stores will do much better in helping me make the right choice. There is also a local place that has helped a friend that lost his axle / hub due to neglect - failed to put grease covers back on the hub - what was he thinking? Ten miles from home - poof! there go the bearings etc.

 

[RavenWatcher]

Re: Replacing TeeNee Trailer Axle

Thanks again 1BadTitan! You gave me some good information and the kit at Westmarine you are referring to is now $135 (54" - I will measure when it quits raining). Throw in some hardware and the U-bolts, bearing buddies and I am going deep into my pocket. I will also have to buy two (or three for a spare) 5 lug tires, so I will keep an eye on the rating. That will cost another $150 even thru TSC or Wal-Mart. I appreciate your help - Happy Boating!

Some have suggested I send an invoice to WV DOH for the repairs. Haha - like they give a crap!

 

[1BadTitan]

Re: Replacing TeeNee Trailer Axle

For the 54" axle, that was about the best price I found on it. Complete... If you piece it together anywhere else, its alot more $$$. Glad I could help.