Hunter 23.5 Original Trailer

[Mike in Cape Cod]

I posted this topic a few weeks back and did not get any helpfull replies. The axle and springs on my original Hunter 23.5 trailer were so rusted that i was concerned about using it to pull my boat out of the water and drive 5 miles to the house. With the threat of Hurricane Irene I was forced to attempt it.

I don't know how I made it but I was able to get it home.

Getting it to back up my driveway was another story as the rear beam of the trailer was digging into the dirt as I attempted to back up, due to the badly de-arched springs coupled with the fact that the tow hitch on my SUV is a ball mounted on the top of the rear bumper (Chevy Blazer 4X4) which tilted the rear of the trailer downward even more. The problem was solved by placing 2"X6"X10 foot wood planks under the trailer wheels.

My question is, has anyone replaced the original axle and springs and if so where did you obtain the parts (part numbers would be helpful also.) I also could use the necessary measurements to order the parts as mine are so badly rusted I cannot get accurate measurements.

Several board members here suggested " just go to any welding shop and they can help you" ......well I went to the only shop located 50 miles away and he didn't want to do anything with the trailer. I can only afford to replace the single axle as I plan to possibly sell the boat and want to offer a reliable means of transport.

My other problem is that the boat is now on the trailer and access to the axle and springs looks difficult. Can the replacement be done with the boat on the trailer ? If so, how should I raise the trailer without damaging it. The galvanized trailer is in good shape, just the axle and springs are very badly rusted and will have to be cut off. Any help is appreciated...Thank you !

 

[Fly_H23]

My H23 got a new axle and spring from it's previous owner. He bought it at Tractor Supply. Not sure if they exist in your area but any trailer shop or place that sells trailers should stock something that will fit. Most will come with hubs attached and a place to mount the leaf springs.

Tractorsupply.com or

http://www.tractorsupply.com/traile...-3-500-lb-capacity-74-in-track-length-0175423

 

[Fly_H23]

Get some "Jack Stands" at an auto parts or walmart and support the trailer with them. It would be easier with the boat off but sounds like moving it again would be risky. You may be able to saw off the rusty U bolts holding the springs with an electric saws-all instead of a torch. Looks like there are several Tractor Supply stores in your state.

 

[Rick Webb]

Here is What to Measure

1. The length of the spring from bolt to bolt
2. The width of the spring
3. The length and diameter of the bolt that goes through the eye of the
spring
4. The length width and diameter of the U bolts that hold the axle to the
spring

Do not even bother trying to unbolt the things get a reciprocating saw and cut them off.

First count your fingers and then make sure you have the same number at the end of the day. For the spring bolts slide the blade between the hangers and the spring eyes. You may have to cut both sides to get the spring off. The U bolts just cut anywhere you can reach them.

West Marine and probably any boat dealer with a repair shop will have this stuff if not try these guys:

http://championtrailers.com/

 

[Tom L]

Be careful about using jack stands under the trailer. I used 4 small jack stands to hold my trailer up (with the boat on it) while I took of the wheels and had new tires put on. After I replaced the tires and was jacking up the trailer to take out the stands, the ground under one of them started to give way and the stands tilted to one side and dropped the trailer to the ground. Only a 4 inch drop till it bounced on the tires and no damage done but it was noisy and slightly scary. I was smart enough to stay out of the way and the trailer was back on the ground fast. Now I make sure that I have boat stands under the boat and I use large wood blocks to support the trailer when working on it.

 

[Tom L]

Here is a link for some axle kits that I found:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/category_trailers-trailer-parts+trailer-axles+axle-kits

 

[Forrest15112]

I'll second Champion Trailers in Slidell, La. I redid the springs and axle bearings several years ago and they had everything there in stock. Plus, I was considering adding brakes and they had the exact axle, brake kits, etc. Prices seemed good too. It helps that they're fairly close by as well.

 

[cephius (Dave)]

In addition to Tractor Supply, Northern Tools and Harbor Freight carry trailer parts.

 

[Fly_H23]

I'll second Champion Trailers in Slidell, La. I redid the springs and axle bearings several years ago and they had everything there in stock. Plus, I was considering adding brakes and they had the exact axle, brake kits, etc. Prices seemed good too. It helps that they're fairly close by as well.

Mike,

Hope this gives you some ideas and a place to start your axle replacement. If you can buy locally you'll save a bundle on shipping. Good luck and tell us how it goes!

 

[av8erdunn]

Check out ABC Trailer Parts. I just put a new one under my 23.5 and this was the cheapest place around and quality parts.
See below a copy from my order, You should need the same thing.

Ordered 07/18/2011 Shipped 07/28/2011

1 – 3587.570.75ULDPID545SW4#6 - 3500 Lb. 4” Drop axle without brakes with a 87.5” hub face, 70.75” spring mounting centers, Ultra-Lube Spindles, 5 on 4.5” hubs, four leaf double eye springs, u-bolt kit, hanger kit & lug-nuts $193.99

Shipping $55.61

Subtotal $249.60

Tax $9.48

Total Cost $259.58


Let me know if you need any more info.

 

[Mike in Cape Cod]

Check out ABC Trailer Parts. I just put a new one under my 23.5 and this was the cheapest place around and quality parts.
See below a copy from my order, You should need the same thing.

Ordered 07/18/2011 Shipped 07/28/2011

1 – 3587.570.75ULDPID545SW4#6 - 3500 Lb. 4” Drop axle without brakes with a 87.5” hub face, 70.75” spring mounting centers, Ultra-Lube Spindles, 5 on 4.5” hubs, four leaf double eye springs, u-bolt kit, hanger kit & lug-nuts $193.99

Shipping $55.61

Subtotal $249.60

Tax $9.48

Total Cost $259.58


Let me know if you need any more info.

This is exzactly what I was looking for, as I cannot make accurate measurements of the axle / springs with the boat on the trailer. Do you know the eye to eye measurement of the springs ? Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions, I may not get to this project till next spring when I can have the time to do the job but I will post the info when I do.

 

[av8erdunn]

The bolt hole to bolt hole on the springs are all the same. I cant remember what the measurement is but if you order that same part with the same dimensions you will be fine. They are located in north Alabama and shipping is fast.