Has anyone found a reputable company for replacement axles for the Hutch trailers? I have not been able to locate anyone in my area that can supply the correct size. I would like to go to larger tires and a drop axle. The only place I can find is Pacific Trailers in California, but they never answer their emails and when transferred to their parts department, I always get voicemail. With that attention to customer service I'd rather go elsewhere.
TIA, Carl
https://www.championtrailers.com/
https://www.easternmarine.com/
Have done online purchases with both of them but not for an axle
also:
https://www.amwtrailers.com/
I bought a trailer from them for my skiff, and they quoted a very good price on a 23 trailer which I didn't need but several folks had asked about. They bought all the equipment from the trailer supplier that Hutchins was using at the time my boat was produced when they went out of business. However not sure they do any shipped stuff, may just be on site.
Thanks Brack!
I wonder why those didn't show up when I Googled Boat trailers? I did get hits on semi trailers. :o
Might try http://www.axleinc.com/
They're in elkhart, in and were very helpful when I was considering changing to disc brakes on my travel trailer. It turned out that a retrofit wasn't available for the axle I had and they were able to find a new axles with disc brakes that would work. I haven't actually pulled the trigger to make the change yet but was impressed with their efforts to find a solution that would work.
Fred
I am interested in knowing how it goes for you Carl! I have had the same thoughts, and need to keep my height under 8 feet for sure. this way the boat would still go in the shop door yet.
Mac
After many emails back and forth I was finally able to connect with Sergio and talk to him on the phone. He got me the information I needed, (the actual diameter of their 15" tires) and I was able to place my order.
There was a lot of confusion because they ask for the original axle size, straight 2"x2" 3500lb, and I wanted a drop 2"x3" 5200lb axle, but needed the tire size to figure the correct drop. After talking in person, evidently they didn't read the 6 emails I sent requesting either a phone call or they measure the tire size for me, Sergio measured the tire as I explained sidewalls can have different sizes with different weight ratings.
Taking into consideration the actual tire diameter and the larger axle, I went with a 5" drop as this would place the trailer within 1/4" of it's original height.
This is what I ordered:
1 - 5,200 lb Custom Trailer Axle, 2" x 3" Galvanized Tube #TA-5200G - 5" $279.70
2 - Plated Trailer Hub KIT, 5200-6000lb. axles, 25580/67048 Bearings - 6"/5.5" #41120KIT $126.66
2- Radial Trailer Tire, ST225/75R-15" D Galvanized Wheel (6 lug) & Radial Tire #Y600160 $411.72
1 - Axle Tie Plate Kit with 6 3/4" Long, Square Stainless Steel U-Bolts $43.80
Subtotal $861.88
Shipping $391.65
Taxes $0.00
Total $1,253.53
I decided not go with brakes as we've trailered her up and down the mountains several times and never had an issue with stopping. They didn't have the leaf springs I need so I'll order them from Champion or elsewhere.
The difference between the 3500lb axle and the 5200lb. is $110 including upgrading the tires.
Once it arrives and I install it, I'll report back.
I hope the trailer project goes well for you! I couldn't wait on you so I went to Lake Erie without you bro.
Quote from: Christopher on October 11, 2020, 09:49:03 PM
I hope the trailer project goes well for you! I couldn't wait on you so I went to Lake Erie without you bro.
Details! We want details! I'm sailing via everyone else this year.
within a quarter inch is amazing really!
Please measure before and after on some spots, because if this is the way i might see about doing something similar sometime soon.
I have a 8 ft door and the boat fits just perfect, but I dont really want the tiny tires......
A new trailer by TRIAD is like 3 K, but I havent found a single person who owns one yet! :(
Mac
I couldn't find any trailer repair shops in my area so I went with Pacific Trailers. I talked to Sergio who stayed on the phone with me as we sent pictures back and forth with measurements until we were sure we had everything correct. I placed the order on October 9, 2020 and the charged showed on my card October 10th. On December 31st, I contacted Sergio asking what the delivery was looking like and he said he would get back to me. January 12th I called again and was told the tires had just came that day (convenient) and everything would be shipped the 13th. I never received any notice the items had been shipped so I sent an email stating if they didn't call me I would contact the credit card company to get my money back. I received 4 tracking numbers the following day. All the items arrived today and inspecting the axle, it appears to be 2 1/2" too short. Not including clearance for the frame. (drop axle) the axle also appears to be painted silver rather than galvanized like ordered and paid for. (scratches show shiny metal) I'm in the process of trying to contact them now.
They called me back and I explained everything to them, now they're stating they don't work with sailboat trailers because nothing ever comes out right. He did say he will talk to his boss and call me tomorrow. The saga continues.
Carl,
Sorry to hear the news about your axle. I hope it all turns out OK in the end.
Hey Carl,
Check out etrailer.com They are in Wentzville, MO about an hour west of downtown St. Louis. Bought a couple of tires for my Eclipse trailer about 6 years ago. First class service and they may have what you need.
Fair winds,
Vectordirector
Used ETrailer a while back and rebuilt my trailer............tires and all.....prices right and first class sevice..............nies
+1 for etrailer.
Wow, good luck with Pacific Trailers. They measure different for sailboats?
Etrailer doesn't carry the correct axle for the Hutch trailer supplied with our 19.
Pacific Trailers contacted me this afternoon and they are going to make a new axle 3 3/4" longer to clear the springs and trailer frame. They said I could keep the 1st axle they shipped.
Thanks, Carl.
I'm glad they are covering their mistake. Hopefully the cold galvanizing will be OK. Lucky you, and extra axle.
And the saga continues!
63* and sunny so I jacked up the boat and trailer, put stands under it and removed the old axle, leaf springs and everything in one piece. The new leaf springs and axle went on very easy, then I ran into trouble while installing the hubs. The first one wobbled. A lot. Luckily I tried it on without packing the bearing with grease. This morning I called, was told parts dept personnel weren't there yet, but they would call upon arriving. Waited 2 hours and then called again. Parts dept answered and and I explained and texted pictures and a video of the problem. Manager wasn't there but I was assured he would call when he arrived. Waited another 2 hours and called again. Told the woman who answered no one ever calls me back and she put me on hold while the parts manager Sergio got to a phone. I told what the problem was and asked if the other parts employee showed him the video and pictures, but of course he didn't. 8 minutes on hold while he searched for them and when he returned I as told they sent me the wrong axle, AGAIN!
So once again I'm waiting for another axle to arrive. Sergio promised me I would have it by week's end, but I'm not holding my breath.
Had I known it was going to be a 5 month ordeal, I would have signed up for welding classes at the community college, bought a welder and steel, and built a whole new trailer myself and would have it completed 2 months ago!
PACIFIC TRAILER IN CHINO, CALIFORNIA. NEVER give them your business!
I can relate. I ordered my eclipse trailer with 13" tires and disc brakes and discovered that Magic Tilt apparently didn't reposition for the 13" tires as opposed to the standard 10" tires. Needless to say the tire rubs on the fender when it hits bumps.
Magic Tilt is sending me new fenders without mounting holes so I can drill the holes and mount myself, but still disappointing that I have to do this on a boat/trailer that hasn't even been in the water yet.
Fred
Sorry Carl, you did all that could be asked, and have been as patient as a saint. They still seem to accept, when pushed, it's their fault, as if there is any other reasonable scenario. You're playing them as well as can be done.
I need the same for my PC, and dread it. Turns out, Narragansett Bay is particularly salty. Even hot dipped parts are rusting after 10 years, with wash downs after every dunk.
The 3rd axle arrived Thursday and I installed it yesterday. Everything worked out and I picked up 2 steel fenders from Farm & Fleet. I still need to install them, and they'll get a coat of rattle can primer as I don't have the time for a proper paint job. I also need to road test the installation and then check the tightness of the bolts and nuts. We leave for NC 2 weeks from tomorrow and hopefully the drive goes without trailer problems.
Sounds good, finally. I suspect you know already, but there are cold galvanizing spray cans, with a higher zinc content and minimal binder than primers. I believe they can be overcoated if that's important to you.
Quote from: bruce on March 27, 2021, 07:01:16 PM
Sounds good, finally. I suspect you know already, but there are cold galvanizing spray cans, with a higher zinc content and minimal binder than primers. I believe they can be overcoated if that's important to you.
I know now! Thanks Bruce!
so you now have two extra axles, i should buy one from you
Any data on that axle as a end result? it looks nice, but I would hate to have all that trouble too.
also, How high is the bottom of the keep to the road?
I want to upgrade to a better axle tire combo but want to be sure that my boat would till fit in the shop door yet
Mac
I finally got the new fenders installed and took the boat out for a test run. About 10 miles on back roads. Some bumpy, some smooth. What a difference! She trailered so smooth! I was afraid the heavier springs would have caused the boat to bounce, but with the larger tires she didn't bounce at all. She bounced with the stock tires. I also thought the fenders would bounce and shake as I did a rather crude install, but not at all.
I highly recommend installing larger tires to anyone who trailers their boats long distances. If we only trailered her an hour one way, I wouldn't have spent the cash, but at the time we were 2 hours from any lakes large enough to sail her. Now that I spent the money, we'll be taking her to her new home in NC this Saturday and leaving her there. Being only an hour from North Carolina Sailboats, I'm considering dropping her off there for some work.
And to answer MacGyver's question, the keel is 14" off the ground at the axle.
14 is right where my current one sits now, very interesting overall.
Any ideas where to purchase and what all you purchased in order to make a similar change? I'm definitely interested and I am sure others are as well due to the issues with he originals and smaller tires.
Glad it is all better now though man!!
Mac
Quote from: MacGyver on April 09, 2021, 05:55:50 PM
14 is right where my current one sits now, very interesting overall.
Any ideas where to purchase and what all you purchased in order to make a similar change? I'm definitely interested and I am sure others are as well due to the issues with he originals and smaller tires.
Glad it is all better now though man!!
Mac
All the info is at the beginning of this post.