Solid axle vs. Hollow Axle w/ drain holes

[bud659]

I need to replace my 61" inch wide axle for my Noreaster trailer that holds my 15' Boston Whaler boat. The parts guy told me a hollow axle is better because it can drain the water through the drain holes. He also said if the solid axle is bent or warped it can cause trailing problem but he admited that less likely. With either axle I need to wash the salt water off.

I went ahead and purchased a galvanized hollow axle since conveniently thats all he sells. I am having second thoughts now. What is more durable and lasts better. I only use the trailer twice a year.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Solid axle vs. Hollow Axle w/ drain holes

you need to get that salt water out of that axle. i try to go solid as much as i can. i have one that is 30 y/o and still rolling.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Solid axle vs. Hollow Axle w/ drain holes

I need to replace my 61" inch wide axle for my Noreaster trailer that holds my 15' Boston Whaler boat. The parts guy told me a hollow axle is better because it can drain the water through the drain holes. He also said if the solid axle is bent or warped it can cause trailing problem but he admited that less likely. With either axle I need to wash the salt water off.

I went ahead and purchased a galvanized hollow axle since conveniently thats all he sells. I am having second thoughts now. What is more durable and lasts better. I only use the trailer twice a year.

Both my 1985 and 1997 trailers have hollow axles. The 1985 axles are both orginals but I had to repalce the rear axle on the 1997 trailer that had rusted out at the end where the axle was welded. I chaulk that failure up to a bad galv job more so than a design flaw of a hollow axle.

 

[clemsonfor]

Re: Solid axle vs. Hollow Axle w/ drain holes

Just a thought for you but how can you wash out a hollow axle with holes without totally sumberging it in fresh water? i think the salt will crystalize because all will not drain and there will be residue when it dries. The ends arent open are they since the spindels will be bolted or welded on so the only way for water to get in/out is through the drain holes. Or an i thinking about this wrong.

-Nate

 

[wire2]

Re: Solid axle vs. Hollow Axle w/ drain holes

My EZ Loader axle (2" square hollow, ?" wall) has the spindles welded on above the axle, (drop axle) so the ends are open, although somewhat obscured by the wheel.
The trailer is galvanized but the axle/springs aren't.

From a purely physics standpoint, a hollow axle is far stronger for a given weight.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Solid axle vs. Hollow Axle w/ drain holes

You would be hard pressed to find a modern trailer of any sort with solid bar axles.