Classic SeaCraft Community

Classic SeaCraft Community (http://www.classicseacraft.com/community/index.php)
-   Repairs/Mods. (http://www.classicseacraft.com/community/forumdisplay.php?f=6)
-   -   Torsion axle advice (http://www.classicseacraft.com/community/showthread.php?t=24415)

gofastsandman 08-15-2012 03:08 PM

Torsion axle advice
 
Cheapazz Chinese springs are toast after one year.

Going torsion.
Advice on brands or tips welcome.

Thx,
GFS

hugo 08-15-2012 03:54 PM

springs are ok, in the past i have bought a tub of cheap grease and completly coated new springs before ever going in water and had them last 4-5 years easy with no reapplication of grease befor getting rid of the baot and trailer and they were still in great shape. any painted steel spring is going to fail fast is salt water applications.

cdavisdb 08-15-2012 04:02 PM

I have Dexter's on mine. Owen's Trailers uses them, which is a pretty good recommendation. I just replaced both of mine as one was failing after 12 years, spindle was no longer straight and the tire was wearing crooked. The performance was great, but I had hoped for a little longer life.

bumpdraft 08-15-2012 08:10 PM

The only way to go if your putting trailer in the water in my opinion. I've owned a boat continuosly now since 1975. Three boats on three Float-on trailers in that time. My current trailer is 19 years old now and I replaced the axles about 4 years ago. I think the current axles are Dexter. Float-on used to make their own, but now buy them for their trailers. So far so good on the new ones. If you are running tandem, it helps to have the trailer level(no spring equalizers)

gofastsandman 08-15-2012 10:44 PM

Thanks for the replies.

It seems Dexter and Tie Down are the main players. T D have screw in spindles, but their rep for brakes sucks. If Owens and Float On use Dexters, that says something. I understand the old hot dip chemicals have been gutted by the EPA.

Always learning.
Thanks,
GFS

DonV 08-16-2012 07:46 AM

"T D have screw in spindles, but their rep for brakes sucks"

That's not true, they work great from your house to the boat ramp!! After the first dip in saltwater it's all over, at they moment they are officially a POS. :)

uncleboo 08-16-2012 09:19 AM

We"ve done some work on MYCO trailers in the past. I can't recall what type of axles they use, though. You might call them and see if you can get any suggestions. They"re the ones that make the custom trailers for the military and alot of race boats. (High end trailers).

bumpdraft 08-16-2012 01:30 PM

error
 
I was wrong on my earlier post. Float-on uses Tie Down axles. (Dexter on my camper.. senior moment)
If you want your brakes to last longer you could go stainless, but they are a bit pricey>

gofastsandman 08-16-2012 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uncleboo (Post 206557)
We"ve done some work on MYCO trailers in the past. I can't recall what type of axles they use, though. You might call them and see if you can get any suggestions. They"re the ones that make the custom trailers for the military and alot of race boats. (High end trailers).

Thanks a bunch gang!
Myco has been using Dexter for 30 yrs.

bbh57 08-16-2012 05:11 PM

An old timer told me he used a mixture of used motor oil and roofing tar to coat everything.
he swore by it.

My trailers a Rolls, They use aluminum axle's and their own type of torsion spring.

gofastsandman 08-16-2012 06:29 PM

I saw a galvanized trailer from the `70s. Old timer too. Kerosene and roofing tar.

RidgeRunner 08-17-2012 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbh57 (Post 206566)
An old timer told me he used a mixture of used motor oil and roofing tar to coat everything.
he swore by it.

My trailers a Rolls, They use aluminum axle's and their own type of torsion spring.

Your Rolls is a custom piece start to finish, all made in-house, had a friend that worked for them. They are very nice.. not sure if I would go that route for a replacement. Go Dexter torsion and say goodbye to the rusty springs. I have a 5 yr old springer that I saturated with Corrosion X. It doesn't look too bad for the wear. It always gets a fresh water dip after salt excursions too. That trailer is on spring set #3 since new in 1989. Torsion axles, never replaced one, never had an issue. Brakes--I liked the ease of install, serviceability and function of the Kodiak SS disk brakes. Ran them for 4 years before selling the rig, install is a breeze and they shed salt very well. Whereas, drum brakes were failing me at the 2 year mark.

gofastsandman 08-17-2012 07:18 PM

I always rinsed my trailer well. Dexter was helpful when I called. Price is about the same as tie down. Will do my worksheet tomorrow and get crackin`.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:21 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
All original content © 2003-2013 ClassicSeacraft