Boat Axle

Recently had my Spartan boat axle snap on one of the ends. I talked to the boat mechanic today to see if they had gotten a quote or not yet but he told me they are having a hard time locating an axle since Spartan is no longer in business. I’m to the point now where I might start looking for a used trailer. The other option would be to see if a machine shop could put something together. Has anyone else had a similar experience and if so, what did you end up doing?

Lots of places to buy what you need.

For example.
https://bendtrailers.com/lippert-2k-straight-spring-axle-with-superlube-4-on-4-idler-hub-l20440i-st-zl/?sku=167179&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIooWkldDt6AIVfvzjBx3fjgjfEAQYAyABEgKLZvD_BwE

Thanks Joe. Is all the information I would need on the trailer sticker? The guy I bought the boat from had all the paperwork from when he bought the boat so I’m hoping there is trailer information in there somewhere to get the right size.

I’m a little concerned that they are having trouble finding one if you can just get an after-market axle from anywhere.

Call Quality Trailer in Freeport, MN. Mr. Sand (can’t remember his first name) can get you anything you need. I believe he can ask you all the dimensions over the phone. Very good at what they do.

I worked with a local outfit to buy a replacement axle for my old Spartan trailer. It was made by n outfit called Dexter. That was 10 years ago and it ended up costing me about $125.

SR

I purchased a replacement axle (Dexter) from http://www.pioneerwheel.com/. Just gave them SN of axle and they got me a new one. Hope this helps.

I bought a few years back from
Northern

I would almost bet Rigid Hitch in Burnsville would have it.

Apparently the mechanic isn’t finding a serial number on the axle which is causing the issue. When I asked how much for a used one he perked right up haha oh well such is life. I’ll be checking the machinist next.

Measure the out to out and the spring length. No need to get a machinist involved. That is a side of the road / driveway repair

If all else fails, measuring/knowing these will help you find a match.

Weight capacity (likely 3500#)
Spring center measurement
Hub face measurement
Overall length measurement
Spindle type/size

There are you tube videos out there as well to help if a visual is needed to see how to measure your axle.

Fortunately for me Karavan is still in business so I was able to get from them a part # and all the above info (which I verified by measuring the original also) and was able to find a perfect match replacement. Probably one of the easiest update/repairs I’ve done to that trailer, re-wiring it was a much bigger pain in the butt than swapping out the axle.
(Picture to reference the measurements)

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Every trailer I have has Dexter axles except the lowboy. Midwest Rim and Wheel can get them as well as Ziegler’s. Like mentioned above all you need is weight rating, spring spacing and overall length. If you’d like a hand would be happy to help. As long as it’s a six foot axle of course.

I replaced the axle on my Shoreland’r trailer with a 3500 lb. Dexter axle from Pioneer Tire and Wheel. Worked out beautifully.

As others have said there are a number of sources in the metro area. No need to get a different trailer.

Good Luck!

Tom Albrecht wrote:

Apparently the mechanic isn’t finding a serial number on the axle which is causing the issue. When I asked how much for a used one he perked right up haha oh well such is life. I’ll be checking the machinist next.

As others have said, all you need is a tape measure. I’ve done this a number of times.

You can get a brand new axle, new hubs, new bearings, new Springs for less than you can get one part machined by a machinist. Good luck.

X2 on Pioneer Wheel and Rim having what you need, I get stuff from them for my work. They got me an axle for a old boat trailer that was very uncommon, it took a month to get in but fit great. Call them and they will tell you what to measure. Good luck

612-331-1311 if you need to have an account to order send me a pm and maybe I can help.

Thanks for all the replies. I feel better about going and trying to measure myself.

I have had two axles fail over the years. One on a ranger the other on a lund. The lund trailer was made by EZ loader and was told it was a custom axle. Both were not straight and had bends in the middle and both were torsion springs. I never checked to see if I could get them aftermarket or not. Both were over 1K. If they weren’t insurance claims I most likely would have looked to find a cheaper fix. Hopefully it is an easy thing to find. If rigid hitch has the axle you need message me I have an account with them and I can maybe save you a little money if you can pick it up from them.