Brad,

When I put a 3rd axle on my trailer the manufacturer mentioned to me if the new axle tires did not line up with the existing tires, ie the older axle tires tip in at top (negative camber) they told me the axles would need replaced. I would imagine the axle could be straightened, but I would question its strength after that, as you would be rebending the axle and correcting the bend that had occurred over time, subsequently that axle would have been bent back and forth a couple times to get back to true. So I would not. May be time for a replacement. If the one tire on that axle is wearing like that, may be the spindle on that one side. Maybe an axle shop can put a new one on. I would suggest you call an axle shop like Dexter or something and ask, as I’m not sure. That’s what I would do.

Hope that helps,

Chris

A few good curb checks will bend an axle. I’ve always been told you need to replace a bent trailer axle. I’ve had to replace the front axle on my previous two triple axle trailers due to irregular wear on the inside of the front tires.

Axles are cheap. I doubt it is worth doing anything else than replacing.

that is the issue. axles can be bent back and I dont see any real issue with strength but at what cost. you can not just change shims or adjust a bolt like a car front end, you have to have some one with the equipment to hold every thing and force it into shape, then check it, bend it, etc. for the time it would take you could replace the axles with a heavier duty one. as to why it happened? trailers take a lot of abuse with dragging them to turn in tight areas and the curbs and pot holes as well as like in Dan's case, drop axles that now have another place to bend. it is just the nature of the beast especially with many trailers having axles that are boarder line for the weight they are asked to carry. my car trailer has two 6k lbs axles even though it rarely sees more than half that total on it.

Rob,

To my knowledge, no curbs have ever been hit, nor have any real potholes. But….

As stated in the initial post, there was an unfortunate incident in the parking lot at the ramp…..



I’m running on the theory that when this happened, the wheel/hub was hit, and that’s when the bending occurred, and it’s only this one wheel that was affected. Investigation will come soon. I need to call Heritage and find out exactly which axle I need to get, if that’s actually what I’m in store for, which it appears is the case.

I’m guessing I’ll install my wheel hubs to the axle…? Or do they come complete only? This is, in fact, my first rodeo in the arena.

Thanks. Brad.

Axles are cheap. Replace axle. Trying to straighten them is complete waste of time.
I don`t know how much trailering you do but it`s pretty impossible not to hit a pot hole or curb at some point.

I upgraded everything else on mine with greasable cushioned parts. Trailer rides much quieter and smoother.
replaced bunks with composite so I don`t have to worry about wood rot and carpet.

I dont really know of a good way to check for a bent axle short of a good quality digital angle finder poking around in multiple spots. If I see the inside of the tire wore and the bearings are good, I assume the axle is bent.

Dan,

Yup. I’m getting the memo. I’m gonna call Heritage in the morning and find out exactly which axle to buy and replace them both.

Thanks. Brad.

Ryan,

I’m assuming a descent sized carpenter’s square and a positive way of ensuring parallel between the two axles is sufficient…? I’d also have to assume parallel between the axles is far more important than square to the centerline of the trailer.

Thanks. Brad.

You want your spindles side to side to be parallel to each other/ground. Your axle could be bent and instead of being straight across it looks more like a smiley face.