Boatmate tandem trailer trailing arm/spline replacement

[blazer202]

Have any of you guys with Boatmate trailers ever changed the trailing arm with spindle? I have determined that my trailer has a bent spindle on the left side front axle.
Looks like you can order either the trailing arm with spindle or a fully dressed and lubed arm/spindle/ rotor/bearings which you can bolt right on.

Looks like to me that there is only one bolt holding the trailing arm on to the end of the axle (it is a torsion axle). Does the new trailing arm assembly bolt right on with no alignment tools or special equipment needed to install and adjust it or I need to take it to a shop with appropriate equipment??

Appreciate any guidance.

[21XDC]

I’m sure boatmate uses UFP axles. I have replaced the whole axle and adjusted spline arms several times on my customline trailer. It’s pretty easy to do. Only one bolt is holding it on.

[21XDC]

http://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=1049706

[blazer202]

Thanks for the replies so far. I guess I meant "spindle" instead of "spline".

[21XDC]

I think the spindle is part of the splined arm.

[scstarr]

Just be sure to index it correctly

[blazer202]

If I am reading the other thread correctly, the end of the axle has teeth cut in it and inside of the trailing arm opening has grooves? Or vice versa? So I jack the tire off the ground and mark the position of the "crack" in the trailing arm with white paint, chalk etc. Spread the crack with a screw driver and remove old arm. Install new arm with the mark on the axle lining up with the crack in the new arm. I haven't looked yet but does the opening of the new arm fit flush with the axle end on the outside edge? If I do this the alignment will be correct? Never messed with trailers any, never had a problem with one before. Torque for the bolt holding the trailing arm on the axle would be appreciated. Thanks.

[James john]

Those axles bend really easy. I normally replace 20-30 axles a year locally cause the splined ends bend inside the axle housing

[blazer202]

Spoke with Boatmate today. A new axle assembly (axle, trailing arms, complete spindle/rotor/bearings/brake calipers, painted to match my trailer) pre-lubed and ready to install is $700 out the door if I pick it up at Boatmate. Would only involve unhooking brake lines and removing the 4 mounting bolts from the existing axle brackets, reinstalling axle and and hooking up brake lines and bleeding. Doesn’t sound too bad. I don’t really have a practical option for unloading the boat from the trailer and working on the bare trailer. There is not much space underneath the trailer so is it possible to do this work with the boat on the trailer? If so, what has worked for you if you have done this? Thanks

[crank68]

If you were closer I’d let you borrow a set of Brownwell boat stands. That would get it off the trailer enough to work.

[alli ss]

Boatmate sent me a whole complete axle (old school axle) complete with brakes and hubs painted to match when i bent a spindle. No charge and offered to do it free if i brought it there.

[blazer202]

Gave that a try. No dice. I was beyond their 5 yr. warranty and said a bent spindle would be considered a road hazard anyway.