Should Trailer Axle have Bend In it that Faces Downward

Updated 05/06/2024 | Published 02/06/2017

Question:

How are you. I need help. My trailer axle has a little bend on it when empty Its bent up. So the outside of the tire is getting a little more warn then the inside Is that normal? Could it be when you put weight it straightens to what its suspose to be? If not Im looking for a new axle. I have a 6x12. The trailer empty is 1200lbs I put about 3 quads that at about 600 pounds each thats 1800lbs. All together 3000lbs. What you think I should get. Oh and also I just picked up the trailer the wheel bearings had play so when I went to replace it I have notice the bend Never had a chance to put a load on it yet. Get back to me as soon as you can thank you

asked by: Mehdi

Expert Reply:

Trailer axles are designed to have the bow in them that you described. This allows the axle to flatten out when it is loaded and have the proper camber.

If you have axles that are rated for considerably more than what the trailer will ever have loaded then the bow will be too extreme and tire wear issues will arise.

If your trailer loaded will weigh right at 3,000 lbs when loaded a 3,500 lb axle would be a great option.

If you decide to keep the axle you have you can get back to me with the bearing numbers from your current hub and I will help you find the correct bearings you need.

I attached a link to a page that has all of the bearings we offer as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Gunther G.

4/22/2020

Just got new trailer from bravo with 3500 axle torsion bar but the axle is bent up by an inch in the middle is this right

Chris R.

4/23/2020

A slight positive camber on torsion axles isn't abnormal and like with a standard axle is by design. Once the trailer is loaded up this will be corrected.

Rusty D.

5/24/2020

@GuntherG I should of been clearer in my post the axles are bent down severely causing them to almost rub the trailer body. It looks like a severe load was placed on it, when that is far from the case. I have a Ford F700 for any of my heavier loads. I think because the bow was incorrectly placed down it just beat them .

Gunther

4/24/2020

Thank you

Chris R.

4/24/2020

No problem!

Rusty D.

5/21/2020

I purchased a new load trail 7,000 pd dump trailer with 2 Dexter 3500 axles. After 8 times of not hard use both axles bent bad. I took it to the dealer & they think the axles were installed upside down because the actual etching stamp is on the bottom of axle tubes upside down. I'm waiting for a answer from them to see if this is the case or not. Just curious in the meantime if this sounds right or not?

Chris R.

5/24/2020

Obviously I can't say for sure without seeing it, but it's certainly possible. I'm assuming the axles are bending downward? Axles, when mounted properly, will have a slight upward arc in them, which is designed to level out once weight is added to the trailer. If the axle is installed upside down (with the arch facing down) this would certainly cause a much more dramatic downward slope once all your weight is added and could potentially lead to damage.

Joel L.

5/5/2024

I just had to have my axel replaced due to spindles which were too far gone. It’s for a Gulfstream Vintage 19ERD. From what I’ve been reading, my axel should be straight, now that the camper’s weight is on it, it still has a considerable upward bow in the middle. Won’t my new trailer tires wear unevenly if that’s the case?