Trailer Axle ?

konartis

Cadet
Joined
Jun 14, 2008
Messages
13
I am going to replace my trailer axle but I have a question before I do. My axle has a 4 inch drop on it. Can I just put a straight axle on it instead?Thanks
 

Titanium48

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 24, 2008
Messages
303
Re: Trailer Axle ?

I wouldn't. A straight axle would make your boat ride 4 inches higher. To keep the trailer level, you would need to raise your hitch ball the same amount. You would also have to back the trailer 18-36 inches further down the ramp to get the rollers / bunks to the same depth under the water.

One exception might be if your drop axle is mounted under the springs and there is enough clearance to mount the straight axle above the springs, which would make up for the missing axle drop. The axle place I dealt with told me that "enough clearance" meant 3 inches between the axle and the frame with the trailer carrying the maximum expected load.
 
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