Trailer Axle Questions & Sourcing - '98 203

[aikenyounggun]

Overview: damaged a spindle on my trailer for a 1998 champion 203 (hub and bearings imploded). It’s a dual axle trailer and the front axle spindle got damaged. This axle does not have the brakes on it.


This is a Dri-Doc trailer from my research and I have a VIN number. Having issues finding a matching axle locally or even on the Internet. It appears UFP axle got purchased by Dexter - and they can build a custom axle to match.


#1: has anyone had any luck sourcing an axle for a dry dock trailer manufactured in 1998? It’s a square tube axle with a 3 inch drop from the spindle center to the axle center.
1A. I have checked trailer parts superstore (eastern marine) and the trailer parts depot - along with quite a few other places.


#2: has anyone replaced the welded spindle before? The spindle is damaged, but I am concerned that replacing in re-welding a new spindle might mean it doesn’t run true.


#3: has anyone ever gone with the more easily sourced axle with a different drop? A 4 inch drop, is a lot easier to find but in my mind it would make the trailer sit an inch lower. [I could buy two axles for the price of a custom one] This would not be good due to the fenders and the trailer already being low slung. A 2 inch drop axle also seem a little easier to find, but not much. This would raise the trailer an inch which doesn’t seem like that big a problem. Any thoughts, flaws in my thinking, or creative solutions from the experts?

Current game plan is a building a custom ordered axle - which is slow and rather expensive (vs a more readily sourced axle).

Thanks (and sorry I don't post here much anymore),
Isaac

[Tx Champ]

Isaac, Dri Doc used UFP axles, hubs, brakes, etc. which you know is now Dexter. I'd send you to Eastern Marine, but you've tried that. I had to convert my trailer from oil bath back to grease on my hubs and I worked with Grant Canary at Waymire Distribution (www.waymires.com). Very knowledgeable and helpful. You might give him a try at 317-631-7551. There should be some identifying numbers on the axle somewhere mid-axle from what I've read that might help in identifying it. Other than Grant my suggestion would be to find a local shop that could weld a new spindle on it.

Good Luck!

Tell your dad I said hi!

[harrys]

i had the same issue on my 2004 206 trailer last year sounds like the same axel, i went the new weld on spindle route when i talked to the welder in the trailer repair shop with my concern he said how do you think the originals were put on.....welded. It was at the end of my season so i have very few miles on the repair but seem good so far

[champ12B]

I had the same issue on the trailer for my 203...I purchased a new axle from EZ loader in Midway, AR, same location as the BassCat boats. I don't remember whom i delt with; but they super helpful and answered all my questions.

[ohsnags]

I had 4 wheels come off my trailer due to bearing failure over the 10 years I owned the boat. Finally had local trailer shop install new axel with Vault hubs.