Could CE Smith Trailer Axle Have New Holes Drilled at 40 inches Apart

Updated 01/27/2026 | Published 08/21/2024

Question:

What is the length of the square tube on this axle. I have a sears game fisher trailer with a 42” od frame and the spring mounts are 40” c to c. The hub f to f, and overall length of 54” works fine. I want to drill new spring holes at 40” but worried that there won’t be enough length of square tube to mount the u-bolts hardware.

asked by: Gary

Expert Reply:

Hey Gary, so the holes that are on the CE Smith trailer axle part # CES84XR are currently at 38-1/2 inch on center so there would easily be enough room to put new ones at just 3/4 of an inch past where they are now but you would need to rotate the axle 90 degrees.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Jameson C.

1/27/2026

Hey Gary, how did things go with rotating the CE Smith trailer axle 90 degrees to redrill the spring holes at 40 inches? Your results could really help others trying to match a similar frame setup.

Gary

1/27/2026

@JamesonC it all worked out well. I rotated axle 180 degrees so the original holes for spring mounts are on the bottom of axle to allow water to drain as this is a boat trailer. The outside U bolt on each side is right at the edge of the square tube so 40” is the maximum that I would feel comfortable with. Otherwise I am very pleased with the way it turned out. Thanks, Gary