Xjclint

Have a dual 4600lb cap trailer from 2002 with what seems to be original venture torsion axles. Hubs need replacing this winter but was curious if it makes sense to do that on 17 yr old axles. If the wheels aren’t bottoming out in the fenders and the suspension isn’t beating the boat the death, can I safely say the axles are still good? They have a good deal of surface rust on the torsion arms but it doesn’t seem world ending.

I trailer the boat 1-2 times a week 5 miles each way to the ramp. Might do an occasional trip 25 miles each way but nothing crazy. Just curious if it makes sense to spend 4-500 on each axle if it isn’t totally necessary.

71Outrage

I replaced mine at 12 years, the trailer place I use told me they typically last around 10 years. The symptom of worn out torsion axles is wear to the inside edge of your trailer tires....like under inflated tires would wear but only on the inside edge. This is from the rubber in the torsion axle being fatigued.

Given your short trips this may not be an issue for you. I’m sure it’s possible to have a catastrophic failure but I’ve never heard of one. But you are certainly overdue for replacing yours

polarred21

Mine are 2007 original and concerned about this as well. Anyone notice less fender clearance above the tires as the years go by as a symptom?

bluewaterpirate

I replaced the torsion axles on my Load Rite did it with boat on the trailer. I’d never done anything like that before so I learned a lot about my trailer & new skills. Rust was my mine concern ... I didn’t notice any lowering of the tire fenders.

I videoed the evolution .. hopefully it will provide some info for you.

Removal 1

Overview Install

Axle Install 2

I’ve got more ... hope this gives you some useful information.

Tom