Troubleshooting 3,500 lb Axles That Bend When Going Over Potholes

Updated 07/02/2024 | Published 06/24/2024

Question:

Hi there, I have a 36 ft bumper pull trailer that has dual axles that are rated at 3500 lb each. When I hit potholes my axles keep bending. I am wondering if there is a way for me to upgrade my axles to avoid this happening anymore? Are there products you can recommend that would take care of this problem for me?

asked by: Jess P

Expert Reply:

Hey Jess, thanks for reaching out!

There definitely are products we carry that will help to soften the blow that potholes deal to a suspension system, but my first question is whether your axles are bending and remaining bent, or are they flexing back into place? Axles have some flex built into the tube which is why they have that raised camber in the middle, so if you stuck a GoPro under your trailer and your seeing some movement of the axles when hitting bumps that would be why. If your axles are remaining bent then we need to replace them as they are not a liability in your suspension system.

The next thing to look at is the stat of your suspension itself. If the leaf springs and equalizers are worn out then replacing everything with something like the Timbren Silent Ride Suspension # TSR7000T05 you were looking at will make you feel like you're pulling a whole new trailer.

If you can give me a little more insight into what you're seeing I'd be more than happy to help you out further!

expert reply by: Jon G

Jess

7/2/2024

Also, would these timbren axle-less trailer suspension be a good fix? https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Axles/Timbren/TASR5200S03.html Could I put those on instead? My trailer is 36 foot bumper pull and loaded can weigh 8900lbs

Jon G.

7/2/2024

@Jess My goodness, it sounds like you need to find a different route to take when towing your trailer! The Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension is a great alternative to a standard axle kit and is something I definitely recommend considering if you're having to drive over a rough road since each part of the suspension works independently of each other. With that being said, the part # TASR5200S03 you mentioned is rated for 5,200 lbs so 2 of those will make your trailer ride a bit stiff so I recommend replacing your 3,500 lb axles with the 3,500 lb Timbrens # ASR35HDS02. This kit has the same 4" lift and 5 bolt brake mounting flange that you were looking at so the only differences are the spindles and the stiffness of the rubber springs. One last thing to mention - be sure to keep from overloading your trailer. With 2 axles rated for 3,500 lbs I would imagine your GVWR is somewhere around the 8,200 lbs mark. If you're loading your trailer over the GVWR then it would make sense that the axles are getting bent out of shape when hitting potholes. Overloading the trailer will not only cause premature axle wear, but it can also cause other things to fail like the bearings, your tires, and even the frame.