Trailer axels ok?

Smagu · 28 April 2021, 10:56

Hello, Ive got a 2003 humber 5.5 with 1993 yamaha 60 2stroke

This is my first boat, and I'm abit of a perfectionist (hard and expensive when you have an older RIB!)

Do my axels look ok to you folk? I know its hard to see from photos. Metal work is solid, its the rubber bushing I'm worried about. Not sure how much give there should be in them (appears to be none/ slight) from me jumping on the trailer.

Trailer tows fine it is a little bouncy however. Previous owner sprayed with galv pain hence colour. Any advice greatly appreciated.

I would like to take the rib on some far journeys this year so want to check everything

Smagu · 28 April 2021, 10:57

a few more photos

TimB · 28 April 2021, 11:09

Peak dynamics in the UK made a lot of axles for snipe trailers, my snipe trailer had a makers plate with serial number on, I have the details to them and they still had original drawings and made me a new axle with hubs and bearings cost me about £200 all in. This was for a non braked trailer for a 4.8m ribcraft. My axle did look worse than yours though

TimB · 28 April 2021, 11:14

Just found my receipt on email it was £208 all in, included delivery to Ireland, they trade as autow in Warwickshire. Very helpful. Your suspension on that axle is just rubber within the square box section, if that makes sense. Over time it degrades. Worth investing in a new axle and stubs in my opinion. This was for a snipe 600kg axle.

Smagu · 28 April 2021, 11:26

Tim there is a peak dynamics plate on mine! I must give them a call here. I would like the security of knowing its all good. Did you have much of a wait time?

TimB · 28 April 2021, 11:31

They made it to order, from the serial number on the plate. Think all in delivery to Ireland was about 3-4 weeks, they even sent me original drawing and measurement so I was sure before I ordered

TimB · 28 April 2021, 11:34

Axle was £130 plus vat, then delivery to Ireland was about £40. They do hold some stock, but mine had to be made. I dealt with a lady called Joanna

Limecc · 28 April 2021, 17:19

I've had a couple of axles from Peak Dynamics and am a very satisfied customer. They supply at least one major trailer manufacturer.

The original AlKo axles were out of production. They had hard compressed rubber and the only suspension function was via the tyre sidewalls. The boat hull was hammered on any road that had a less than perfect surface and we all know the state of British roads!

On the last axle I specified it to be in 70mm box section used on 1000kg trailers, normally a 750kg trailer is made from 60mm box. There was no extra cost for the upgrade.

Speak to David Boardman who is the person who makes the technical drawing which goes to the fabrication workshop.

The boat tows absolutely beautifully and I have the peace of mind from having new bearings and working suspension. If I have a grumble, it's that the wheel nut size changed from 17mm to 18mm but I guess this is how they are nowadays. I specified the PCD to be 4" instead of 100mm so the old (new) wheels and tyres are still in use.

mickter · 28 April 2021, 17:27

very pretty

Limecc · 28 April 2021, 17:30

The 60mm box one.
Axle was upgraded from 500kgs to 750kgs

Limecc · 28 April 2021, 19:16

The size of the box section affects the rated capacity because 70mm box has thicker rubber cords than 60mm. It appears the quality of AlKo cords has really gone downhill in the last few years, caravan axles (made by the same) in some cases are only lasting a few years. The ride height drops and the caravan bodywork (or boat hull/transom) start to take a pounding.

Orwell boy · 28 April 2021, 22:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Limecc

The size of the box section affects the rated capacity because 70mm box has thicker rubber cords than 60mm. It appears the quality of AlKo cords has really gone downhill in the last few years, caravan axles (made by the same) in some cases are only lasting a few years. The ride height drops and the caravan bodywork (or boat hull/transom) start to take a pounding.

Most of the rating is about the stud size hence 3/8" unf for 750kg ,but for 1000kg (off road

) indespension do 7/16 unf studs , these can be used for 4" pcd wheels ,but for 100mm pcd you can use m12 bolts in unbraked indespesion hubs rated at 1500kg ,other very important to have ply rated tyres for the weight ie for 500x10 wheels you need 6 ply for 750kg (2x375kg) and 8 ply for 1000kg (2x500 kg )
if you google mersea trailers who now own snipe ,rapide and bramber brands ,they will have most size axles ever used in stock ,all galvanised and ready to go ,located colchester essex

Smagu · 28 April 2021, 23:52

Ohh wow that’s a pretty axle! I want a new one now!