Trailer bent axle or spindle.

[JDOUG]

I have a Genesis trailer with a bent axle/spinde. Does anyone know if it can be repaired or do I need a new axle. Also thinking about adding brakes. Any thoughts?

[GXPWeasel]

Well, since you're thinking about adding brakes, just buy a new axle, and make sure it has the brake flange on it. The brake flange is a 4" x 4" steel plate just behind the spindle, with a hole in each corner. Brakes will bolt right up to these.

I'm not sure if a bent axle can be fixed very reliably, so I'd go that way to begin with.

My $0.02

[Darin]

Unless you can do it yourself, you would be money ahead just to replace it. A shop would rather replace it than repair it because they dont want it to come back and it would be quicker and easier money for them. And if you want brakes you'll need the flange like "GXP" said so I would go with new.

[Bamaman]

I bent a 3600 pound axle on my utility trailer. I got an axle and two spindles for something like $200 online, and the kit came with new hardware.

With a compressor/impact wrench, a floor jack and a pair of jackstands, it only took me 1/2 hour to replace the axle.

Trailer repairs are often just not very hard to do if you get at it.

I use Championtrailers.com website for a source of information and costs of parts.

[RonKMiller]

If it bows up in the middle of the axle that is NORMAL.

IT IS VERY UNUSUAL AND VERY DIFFICULT TO "BEND" AN AXLE OR SPINDLE UNLESS IT HAS BEEN ABUSED. READ THIS SENTENCE TWICE BEFORE YOU START SPENDING MONEY TO CORRECT A CONDITION THAT DOES NOT EXIST!

Adding brakes will require a new axle and depending on your LOADED trailer weight, tow vehicle's size, weight, brakes, etc. it may or may not be worth the extra $$ to convert.

Go to a scale and figure out how much you are towing, first....

[Bamby]

Ron why would you actually discourage someone from installing "Brakes"? Almost all states require "Brakes" if the gross weight exceeds 3,000 lbs. now granted pontoon boats aren't all that heavy but 3,000 lbs ain't all that much weight either. Chances are he is over the limit and actually exceeds it.. As far as bent axles are concerned curbs are known to be hard on them and any trailer place stocks a lot of replacement axles, so there must be a pretty good market or demand for replacements I'd think and their is for sure plenty of curbs and ditches readily available in which to destroy or damage on both in or on.

[Darin]

I recommend brakes to anyone that may be driving near me. If I have to stop quickly, I really don't want your boat in the back of my truck!

[JDOUG]

I called Genesis trailer. They changed to 3500 pd axles and can get them to me for $200. Or they can sell me new axles with electric brakes and hardware for about $500. But the axles with brakes require bigger rims, i guess they went to 12 inch rims from 10. Which means new tires and rims at $100 per tire/rim. So now im talking $900. Its a 24ft pontoon with a 90 merc. Id like to have brakes, but i normally only pull the boat 5 miles. Occasionally 35 miles, but not very often.
Genesis is coming to Wisconsin next week, so they can deliver for free, i just have to let them know.

[GXPWeasel]

Well, it does suck that you have to jump up to a bigger tire/rim package as well, but that added safety, and knowledge that you have trailer brakes is worth a lot, IMO. I added brakes to my trailer, and I've never regretted the $400 that I spent. This was just for 1 axle. It sounds as though you are getting a good deal for sure. Also keep in mind, you can sell those extra 10" wheels/tires on the net as well, and recoup some of your costs.

I say go for it, but it's your $. It's always easier spending someone else's money.