What is Purpose of Bow in Trailer Axle

Published 10/19/2022

Question:

How much difference is it gonna be putting this new 3500pd axel on the rear of my 16foot dove tail trailer with the little Arch in it an not changing the front axel wich is absolutely straight.. Reason I ordered the back one, cause it needed new brakes n all.. do I need to order the front axel to? Or will it ride fine.. let me know, thanks..

asked by: Al J

Expert Reply:

Basically all trailer axles have a slight bow to them when they are unloaded so I would be a little surprised if your current front axle didn't have the bow to it which would match the part Dexter 3,500 lb trailer axle # T3584F-EZ-8974 that you are planning on getting. With the weight of the trailer on the axle it will appear flatter. The bow is what allows the alignment of the wheels to be correct and wouldn't really cause a height difference if your current axle was totally flat.

expert reply by: Jameson C