Axle/Suspension Recommendations For A Boat Trailer In Saltwater

Updated 11/29/2024 | Published 11/28/2024

Question:

Hello, I have a 2000 Aluminum boat trailer in excellent conditions that I use to tow my CC Pursuit outboard. Trailer is a traditional triple axle trailer - each axle rated at 3,500 lbs. and because I use it in saltwater, axel springs and steel hardware are usually looking pretty sad, regardless of how often I washed the salt water off after each use or paint that I have tried, as compared to the rest of the trailer that looks like new. 1- My questions are if you recommend adapting to 3 sets of your axle-less system? 2- Do you make a system that is suitable in saltwater use ? 3- Do you have any other suggestion? Best regards, Herald

asked by: Herald G

Expert Reply:

Hi Herald,

The Timbren Axle-less system unfortunately isn't designed for triple axle setups so it wouldn't be an option for your trailer. A torsion axle setup would be the better option for you since you'd no longer have a leaf spring suspension and would instead rely on the rubber cords built into the axle for the suspension instead of a bunch of steel components that can corrode. Swapping out the axles with some standard torsion axles would likely also be a lot less expensive. You'll likely have to custom order these to fit your trailer so I recommend reaching out to one of our suppliers, Dexter Axle, and they'll have a sheet for you to fill out with some measurements of your current axles.

They'll for sure ask for your hubface to hubface measurement and spring seat to spring seat measurement so I've attached a little diagram of these measurements below so you can have that ready to go when you talk to them.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Axle Measurements
(click to enlarge)

Torsion S.

11/29/2024

Thanks for the info Kevin. I’ll reach out to Dexter Axle for their recommendations, also I forgot to add that I do have electric over hydraulic brakes on all axles but I don’t think that will be an issue…. they are also a Titan/Kodiac setup, owned by Dexter Axle now Thanks, Herald

Kevin C.

11/29/2024

@TorsionS You'd most likely still be able to use the same brakes but you'll want need to verify that they'll fit the new spindle so you'll want to have your bearing and grease seal part numbers ready too.