Can the etrailer Single Axle Fender and the CE Smith Fender be Welded or Bolted

Updated 07/11/2014 | Published 07/10/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Single Axle Trailer Fender for Enclosed Trailers - Steel - 13" to 14" Wheel - Qty 1

(1142)

$33.51

CE Smith Single Axle Trailer Fender - Pre-Galvanized Steel - 13" Wheels - Qty 1

(521)

$41.25

Mounting Brackets for Trailer Fender - 13"/14"/15" Wheels - Galvanized Steel - Qty 2

(211)

$27.14

Question:

I would like to replac the fenders on my boat trailer. the dementions are 28 7/8inch wide, 8in deep and 10 1/2inch high. Ive been looking at fenders you carry,#hp69vr and CE17800G. Can you advise wich would be best? these will be bolt on instalation. What is the diferance between bolt on and weld on fenders. Why cant they be installed either way?

asked by: Chet I

Expert Reply:

The etrailer brand Single Axle Fender, # HP69VR, and the CE Smith Single Axle Fender, # CE17800G, are both slightly smaller than your current fenders. The etrailer brand fender is 28 inches long x 7-3/4 inches wide x 10 inches tall and is compatible with 13 inch and 14 inch wheel configurations. The CE Smith fender is 27-3/8 inches long x 8 inches wide x 11 inches tall and is compatible with 13 inch wheel applications. These are the closest fenders that we carry to your current fenders.

Both fenders could be welded or bolted onto the trailer. Welding is usually preferred, especially on boat trailers because the fenders can be easily welded to the side of the frame, but the CE Smith fender recommends using bolt on brackets because it is pre-galvanized and welding galvanized steel can be hazardous.

The pre-galvanized fenders will have better resistance to rust, but they are over an inch shorter than your current fenders. I also recommend painting both fenders for better rust protection.

If you want the mounting brackets for the CE Smith fenders, you can use part # CE26098G-2, but I would verify that you will have enough room for your tires with the shorter fender.

expert reply by: John H