Slightly upward bent axle - can it be straightened?

Colorado_Bruce

Hello T@G-a-lites...

I am the new owner of a 2021 T@G XL.  I noticed after I got home with it, that the tires had excessive wear on the INSIDES of the tires.  Investigation has revealed that the axle is slightly bent upward in the middle, causing positive camber and the inside tire wear.

I see the theory on the 'net that this can be DIY corrected: "To straighten a bent trailer axle, you can use a hydraulic jack to apply pressure at the bent area while monitoring the alignment with a level."

Has anyone tried to straighten a trailer axle?

The_Rigger

I suspect you'll need to put some considerable amount of heat in the axle, in addition to the pressure applied from the jack or press.

Personally, I wouldn't bother; a replacement axle isn't all that expensive, and the steel in your bent axle was stressed beyond it's yield point (obviously) which creates a weak spot from here on out. If you straighten it and it bends again - which ain't all that hard to imagine - you're gonna end up replacing it anyway. Any trailer shop or RV center worthy of the name could whip a new axle into it in a couple of hours tops.

YM, of course, MV...

Colorado_Bruce

Good advice @The_Rigger!  I am going for an axle inspection today, at a place that only does trailer repair (they are not an RV dealer).

Colorado_Bruce

Back from trailer repair place.  Axle bent, spindles also bent.  Only remedy is a new axle.  They suggested a 3500 lb Dexter.  $1625.00 installed....

Colorado_Bruce

We have ordered a replacement axle directly from Dexter and will hire a mobile auto repair guy to help me get it installed.   Dexter said the axle is custom made - expect it in 2 to 3 weeks.  

We went with the same 2200 lb axle as we do not expect to exceed weight limits or to challenge the trailer with rough logging roads.  I think the 2200 lb axle will be better for "less bounce" under our usage expectations.