Trailer Axle

[LefroyFisherman]

Guys,

I'm looking at replacing the trailer axle on my boat trailer, few questions. Anyone know the weight of a 16 foot sylvan fishing boat with a 40 Merc? Would a 3500 pound axle be good enough? Where else do I get the axle except Princess Auto?

 

 

[OhioFisherman]

I think a 3500 lb axle should be more than enough for that boat motor and trailer.

[misfish]

Give B&I a call

705-737-3200

[DanD]

Looking at a few charts I found on line and not knowing what you have added to the boat; I'd say the boat itself is anywhere between 900-1100 pounds. A 40 Merc (2 stroke) is under Approx 200 pounds. If that is the approx. weight then a 3500 pound axle should work fine. Yes Princess Auto does have some questionable quality items; but there's nothing wrong with a Rockwell axle assembly.

Dan.  

[Hack_Fisherman]

Cerka in Milton. Better than PA, You will get a slight discount from the list price showing on their website. They also build to spec.

[DanD]

Sorry for the double post. 

If you're replacing the axle, I would suggest going one step further and replace the leaf springs as well. For 50 bucks each, it would be a good thing having all the suspension new and working together. Yeah I know it's not my money I'm spending; but fixed right the first time; will or could save some grief later?. At the very least make sure the spring's eyelet bushings, shackles and the spring's center locating pins are in good shape. The last thing you want is for the trailer to be dog tracking behind the tow vehicle.

Dan.

Springs

 

[LefroyFisherman]

Just now, DanD said:

Sorry for the double post. 

If you're replacing the axle, I would suggest going one step further and replace the leaf springs as well. For 50 bucks each, it would be a good thing having all the suspension new and working together. Yeah I know it's not my money I'm spending; but fixed right the first time; will or could save some grief later?. At the very least make sure the spring's eyelet bushings, shackles and the spring's center locating pins are in good shape. The last thing you want is for the trailer to be dog tracking behind the tow vehicle.

Dan.

Springs

 

Thanks for the tip 

[glen]

If you can get the one that’s center drilled for grease fitting.  Grease goes in behind inside bearing 

[Hack_Fisherman]

2 minutes ago, glen said:

If you can get the one that’s center drilled for grease fitting.  Grease goes in behind inside bearing 

Yup, commonly referred to as EZ lube axle I believe

[Dara]

1 hour ago, LefroyFisherman said:

Guys,

I'm looking at replacing the trailer axle on my boat trailer, few questions. Anyone know the weight of a 16 foot sylvan fishing boat with a 40 Merc? Would a 3500 pound axle be good enough? Where else do I get the axle except Princess Auto?

 

 

Can I ask why you are replacing the axle?

and 3500 would be fine

[LefroyFisherman]

28 minutes ago, Dara said:

Can I ask why you are replacing the axle?

and 3500 would be fine

I’ve had some bearing issues over the years, I think the seats are worn down too much, and aren’t running straight they get hot. It’s easier just to replace the axle with new and not worry about it for awhile. 

[pics]

1 hour ago, DanD said:

Sorry for the double post. 

If you're replacing the axle, I would suggest going one step further and replace the leaf springs as well. For 50 bucks each, it would be a good thing having all the suspension new and working together. Yeah I know it's not my money I'm spending; but fixed right the first time; will or could save some grief later?. At the very least make sure the spring's eyelet bushings, shackles and the spring's center locating pins are in good shape. The last thing you want is for the trailer to be dog tracking behind the tow vehicle.

Dan.

Springs

 

That could be why I have the tire wear that I do.. I will have to check the bushings because I believe that the trailer is tracking to one side..

[John Bacon]

I replaced mine a couple of years ago.  I was able to get a custom axel from Cerka in Milton for less than Princess auto charges for their axels.  If you're further east, there is a place on the south end of 35/115 (Easton's?) that has a good reputation.

 

[Big Cliff]

6 hours ago, John Bacon said:

I replaced mine a couple of years ago.  I was able to get a custom axel from Cerka in Milton for less than Princess auto charges for their axels.  If you're further east, there is a place on the south end of 35/115 (Easton's?) that has a good reputation.

 

Yup, I have used them before and was very pleased with the quality and service. 

[AKRISONER]

+1 for cerka as well

[Sinker]

I just looked into an axle, and found out its 8-12 weeks to get one pretty much anywhere, cerka, and Eastons included. 

A 3500lb axle is way overkill for your boat. I have a 16ft starcraft, 40 yamaha and my axle is 2500lbs. You'd be surprised at how little your boat likely weighs. 

Get the EZ lube hubs (standard at eastons, or cerka) for sure. They are the cats meow. 

The princess auto axles are china made, with cheap, garbage bearings in them. 

S. 

[DanD]

35 minutes ago, Sinker said:

The princess auto axles are china made, with cheap, garbage bearings in them. 

Not to disagree but I have to on this one. 

Sorry Shawn.

Rockwell

Princess Sells Rockwell American.

Like I said In my previous post; yes PA does sell a bunch of cheap crap; but there's nothing wrong with Rockwell. Yes maybe they are using Chinese made parts; but parts that meet Rockwell's specs. Who cares where the parts come from; as long as they meet the qualifications that the manufacturer needs. I can't believe I'm defending PA; but this time I feel I have too.  

Dan.

[LefroyFisherman]

I ended up grabbing the 3500 pound one from princess auto, was on sale for 199.99 not bad at all. 

[LefroyFisherman]

Thanks for all the input guys 

[BillM]

Do yourself a favour and get EZLube hubs.   I'll never have another trailer without them.

[AKRISONER]

2 hours ago, BillM said:

Do yourself a favour and get EZLube hubs.   I'll never have another trailer without them.

Agreed, I like them and trust them better than any other set up including bearing buddies. You know the grease is going right to where it needs it

[LefroyFisherman]

This axle has those EZ lube hubs I believe