How Long will the Axles last on my Boat Trailer?

Replacing or upgrading the suspension on your boat trailer is a big investment. Even if you do the replacement yourself you still are paying for parts, and you aren't going to get your Saturday afternoon back anytime soon. So it's only natural that we want to know how long the new axles will last. Marine trailer axles will last anywhere between 3-15 years on average, and there are multiple factors that go into determining how where in that range your axles will land. The material the axle is made of, how frequently you haul your boat, and even the water you're boating in can influence the lifespan of your trailer axles. Let's take a look at all the things that can influence your trailer axle's lifespan, what you can do to get the most out of your investment, and when it's time to throw in the towel and get a replacement.

How Usage Influences your Boat Trailer Axle's Lifespan

The biggest factor that goes into determining your trailer axle's lifespan is your usage. Obviously boat trailers that are used less will experience less wear and tear, but will also encounter fewer inspections, so small problems may go unnoticed for longer and become larger issues. Let's talk about use cases for your boat trailer.

Fresh water use is the least harsh on a boat trailer. Fresh water is minimally corrosive, and we regularly see boat trailer axles lasting 10-15 years in this case. This is enhanced further by regular maintenance, and further still if you only like to boat occasionally.

Salt water use is particularly harsh on your boat trailer. Not only is salt water more corrosive than fresh water, but it is so much more corrosive that even galvanized steel trailers see some rust without proper maintenance. The easiest defense here is to rinse your boat trailer off with fresh water after removing it from salt water. However, even with that tip, the average axle lasts about 3-7 years if it's used regularly in salt water.

Commercial/heavy-duty usage is also something to consider when estimating the lifespan of your trailer axles. Despite commercial users often inspecting and maintaining their trailers, the increased wear and usage demands still cause them to wear out significantly faster. Axles exposed to these working conditions are expected to last about 7-10 years in fresh water, and only about 2-5 in salt water.

Is there Anything I can do to Make my Boat Trailer Axles Last Longer?

Naturally some of these numbers may come as a shock, particularly if you plan to boat in salt water. But there are still some things you can do to help your boat trailer last as long as possible.

Regular maintenance on your trailer is key to keeping it towing season after season. Make sure you're regularly inspecting for signs of rust or corrosion, and taking care of those before they spread. A small patch of surface rust can be taken care of with a wire brush and a fresh coat of paint (or a cold zinc spray in the event of a galvanized steel axle)–but if it's not taken care of quickly it will spread and become a much larger repair (or a full replacement in particularly bad cases).

Seals and bearings are generally the first things to fail and can lead to axle damage. We suggest checking your seals and bearings at least once a year, and more than that if you use your boat trailer often or boat in salt water. Click here for a video about repacking your bearings for more info!

Surface rust like this can often be treated before it becomes a serious concern

Your driving conditions are also a contributing factor in trailer lifespan. While you can't always control the roads you're driving on, taking care to avoid large potholes, poorly-maintained launch ramps, and other potentially hazardous driving conditions is sure to increase the longevity of your trailer axles.

Last but not least, your storage methods are also important. Storing your trailer in humid or salty environments can accelerate rusting on all of your components, axles included. There is moisture in the air after all, and keeping your trailer dry in the off season can help make sure you don't start the season on the wrong foot (or wheel in this case).

Storing your trailer under a carport like this can help protect it from some moisture during the off-season, but you should still monitor it for signs of rust or corrosion

Which Boat Trailer Axles Last the Longest?

With so many contributing factors, it can be a daunting task selecting a new boat trailer axle if longevity is your primary concern. Thankfully, you can select trailer parts that are most likely to stand the test of time by their very design. Selecting parts made out of stainless steel or aluminum will give your trailer the best chance at a long life, as these metals are naturally more corrosion-resistant (particularly aluminum). Painted steel and galvanized steel trailers and trailer parts are generally less able to stand the test of time than their counterparts, but are usually considerably cheaper for it. So if you only boat a few times a year in your local freshwater lake, then maybe that's all you need–but for our boats (that see a considerable amount of use), the extra investment of corrosion-resistant aluminum is worth the peace of mind.

When do I Need to Replace my Boat Trailer Axle?

No matter how diligent you've been with maintenance there will eventually come a time when you do have to replace your boat trailer axle(s). But how will you know when that fateful day comes? There are a few signs to look out for.

Rust and corrosion is the most obvious sign that a trailer axle needs repair–but this isn't the whole story. What you are actually worried about is structural rust. This is rust that impacts the stability of your axle. You can tell if rust goes beyond the surface of the metal if you see any bends or other deformations in the metal itself, flaking or pitting in the rust, or worse yet, actual pieces of the axle coming off. This is especially concerning with salt water applications. Another way to tell if the rust on your trailer axle is structural rust or surface rust is by lightly hitting the rusted spots in question with a hammer or other hard object. There should be a satisfying metallic clang if your axle is in good shape. There will be a significantly less exciting muted noise from the impact if the rust has gone beyond the surface–or worse yet, if the hammer punches a hole or breaks off a piece of the axle. If your trailer axle has structural rust, it is no longer safe to repair and should be replaced.

Another sign that your axle needs replacement is if it is bent or is sagging. This means that the structural integrity is compromised and you should look for a replacement. This can also cause your tires to wear unevenly, so if you find that to be the case, it may be that you're overdue for an axle replacement.

If you've determined that your axle needs replacement, don't worry! We won't leave you hanging, click here to read an article about measuring your marine trailer axles (this is useful for finding the right replacement). For the DIY'ers out there, click here to learn how to install your new boat axle without leaving your driveway! With all that out of the way, we hope we helped educate you a bit on boat axles–be safe, happy towing, and let's get back to the water!

About Jacob J

To say that my path to etrailer was complicated would be an understatement. I have always had a passion for helping others, and throughout my education and career as a social worker or community liaison, I have loved writing as a hobby. When I found etrailer and was given the opportunity to turn something I enjoyed doing into a career that helped people access information and products they need to live the best life they possibly could, I was instantly interested.

I am a lover of the outdoors, I have been loading and unloading trailers since before I was old enough to drive them, and have spent my recent years working in and around the automotive industry. And I am excited to share all of the things I have learned (more often than not the hard way).

I consider myself a perpetual student, and etrailer gives me the opportunity to learn something new every day and share my findings with others. Which is something I am extremely grateful for. I look forward to continuing to help people find the answers they need to make memories for a lifetime.