My hope is that this post prevents this from happening to somebody else. I left for a 1500 mile trip last week and had the axle snap 30 miles from home. If it had to snap, this was a good place to have it happen. Fortunatly I was only going 30 mph approaching a stop sign.
If you plan on a long trip and your trailer is original, 30 years old , you might want to replace the axle before this happens to you. I had new tires, bearing buddies, bunk hardware to support the boat, new tongue receiver, etc. but did not think of the axle. Once again, it is the thinks you do not worry about that bite you.
Mandolinut - Please see my post "MAGIC TILT AXLE BROKE" in the CPYOA Forum Help!
I was a bit luckier than you in that I was only about a mile from home (after a round-trip of over 100 miles) when it buckled. In your case and mine, the trailer axle in question is about 30 years old. I noticed that although the Magic Tilt frame is galvanized, the axle assembly is not. I would suggest that all Magic Tilt trailer owners of vintage equipment check out this critical area. Mine failed adjacent to the spring assembly where it probably experiences the most stress. The steel was rusted down to almost nothing! Curiously, the opposite side was unaffected.
I've had mine welded and it is much stronger than new, however, I do plan to replace it with a new one. They are available from www.trailerpartsdepot.com (http://www.trailerpartsdepot.com) for about $70.00. And it is galvanized. Replacement is very easy. Only 2 bolts hold the entire assembly on the trailer. Took me about 10 minutes! A little penetrating oil on those bolts prior to removal is a good idea.
Marty K.
Hi Marty,
Mine broke in the same spot. I plan on replacing the entire axle assymbly and the springs which are also rusted. The trailer itself is galvanized and like new.
When these axles break,the tire immediatly angles into the fender and explodes. Lucky I was not going 65 mph through Atlanta during rush hour :0)
Yep! My tire blew out immediately as well. I had just gotten off I-195 when she went. Just ordered 2 new ones from Rowleys Wholesale for $56.00 each including shipping. These are 5.70 x 8 "C" rated tires already mounted on a 5 hole rim.
Marty K.