Will Bent Boat Trailer Frame With New Spindle Have Tire Wear?

Updated 05/20/2020 | Published 05/18/2020

Question:

I have a 2012 tandem axle torsion axle boat trailer. insurance company is going to Total it due to the amount of damage to trailer. Trailer is slightly bent at swing away tongue and at rear of trailer minimal. Had to replace spindle and hub .bearings to get up and running. if I can get trailer tires aligned will it pull straight and not wear out tires. Trailer was hit at back axle.

asked by: Loyd G

Expert Reply:

Since you replaced the spindle, if the spindle is aligned properly with the axle, then the axle will be straight under the weight capacity of the axle. If you straighten the tongue and the other part of the bent frame is behind the rear most spring hanger, you should be able to drive straight and not impact the tracking or tire wear. If you don't get it straightened out correctly all the way to that rear spring hanger, then you could absolutely have a tire wear issue or tracking issue because that will impact the way the axle connects.

I've attached an article to show the suspension components. You can see how the axles connect to the springs and how the springs connect to the frame. All of that needs to be aligned with the front tongue aligned as well to allow tracking with your tow vehicle and not having odd tire wear.

expert reply by: Jason S