Axles: 3200 lb to 5200 lb?
 

7000lbs just isn't enough.

I've had this boat for ten years (1987 Baja, "Oklahoma" trailer).

I took it to the scales a few years back, and there were 6600 lbs on the axles, with no gas and no gear on the boat (still don't know why dealers do this).

The tires ride on the inside edge, wearing the tread down to nothing while the outside looks new.

I've tried "pre-loading" the axles by putting an upward bend in the middle, but no help.

One hub has been giving me trouble all along, going through bearings every two years or so. This past weekend, they let go again, just two miles from home. I drug the thing to my driveway, grinding and smoking the whole way.

It's time to make a change.

I have 3200 lb axles, 2x3 rectangular tube, 4 inch drop.

Can I just drop those out and put 5200 lb in? It seems straight forward.

I found a couple of companies on-line that will make axles to fit.

I called one "major distributor" and told him what I wanted to do.

He told me it can't be done, that I gotta take it to a trailer shop and have them do the conversion.

Except for welding on the spring seat, what am I missing? The only catch I've seen is possible fender clearance, but if I go with a two inch drop, it should fit just fine.

I have the bad one out already, and I can take acurate measurements from it.

I'm looking at axles, hubs, brakes, wheels.

I have quotes for new trailers, but I'm one of those guys that likes doing things myself.

Any thoughts? Anyone done this?

Thanks, all!

For the above-average do-it-yourself person it should be pretty easy. Un-bolt your existing ones, bolt in some new ones provided they are the same/similar size. Make sure they are straight and you should be good to go.

Just make sure you have the clearance between the tires if you go with bigger rims/tires.

The response you got from the distributor is probably their token response, to keep from getting embroiled in a hassle when somebody gets in over their head and can't complete the conversion. And to steer the business to the retail shops.

make sure your spring have the capasity you need next get the spring centers from the old axles and the distance from hub face to hub face

The wheels should have plenty of clearance, I've measured everything four times. I'll just need to go with a 2" drop instead of a 4" drop to ensure fender clearance.

I figure I can take measurements directly off of the old axle for length, spring centers and seats.

Thanks!

If you go to the Dexter axle website there is a whole download on boat axles, dimensions, etc. You definitely want 15' wheels minimum.

Wannabe

Yup. The whole works. 12 in. hub/ drums, 15 inch wheels.

I'm gonna do the springs and shackles while I'm at it.

Whats on there now?

Wannabe

3500 lb drop, 14" 4-wheel drum/ surge.

Took it to the scales a few years back, 6600 lbs on the axles, no gas or gear. Tires wear excessively on the inside edge.