Trailer Axle Alignment shop?

[brutal]

I got a good look at things today and did some measurements since I had the wheels and hubs off for brakes, bearings and seals check. Double lip seal on one side is toast. Outer lip is gone and inner spring is busted.

I think I found my issue. The axle and spring pack are one sub-assembly that clamps onto the frame. I'm measuring 1/4" off on both spindles to ball mount and subframe to rear frame. It looks like a simple matter to loosen the u-bolts and adjust one side to equal the other.

Bearings look good although the grease on the side with the bad seal was overdue for a repack. That side castle nut is an RCH off being able to get well into another notch, so it runs a little looser than I'd like, but is acceptable. Grease on brake parts though the pads and drums are OK. Slave cylinder outer dust boots are cracked and brittle. Ordered all new assembled complete brake/backing kit from e-trailer cheap. Just have to swap them out and bleed.

Thanks again to all who advised. Turns out this is a simple DIY fix.

[meatman]

I didn't realize Jim's Repair was now Iron Bear. They did an outstanding job straightening and aligning the axles on our travel trailer about 4 years ago. I believe one was bent, but they aligned both after they straightened the one.

Glad the OP got it figured out.

It's not that " they're dumb as a bag of hammers"
Removing, "straighten" the axle and re-install will result in a "straight" axle for a very short period of time. It will relax after being bent and will soon wear tires once again as it goes back to a bent state.
Iron Bear Trailer has the only axle jig in the state. They are the only place that can install a spindle in an axle tube accurately. The cost of straightening an axle will be almost as much as a replacement due to the equipment and time needed. That is why no one is doing it. Some automotive frame shops try to straighten trailer axles(poorly). You are better off with a new axle as all the repair shops you contacted stated.

If you truly want an alternative since you seem to not be getting one... keep replacing just the bad tire and keep the bent axle. Sometimes this is a cost effective alternative depending on use.

Trailer axles are designed as the weak link and bend rather than mess up the suspension or trailer frame and are disposable. You can upgrade the the axle to a heavier axle if you replace it but then somewhere else is gonna give.

[crays]

Zombie thread revival.

So, I had the privilege of having my 12' utility trailer hit in front of my house on Friday.

It's going to need at least one leaf spring, wheel & in tire replaced, in addition to the body work involved to replace the fender and gusset.
That said, the axle will need repaired/ replaced and aligned, along with a frame check (if that's a thing with utility trailers).

Is Iron Bear the shop for this, or someone else? Also, does this sound like it will exceed the cost of totalling it out? MSRP for the same configuration trailer new is ~$2400 (mine is 2013 build).

sent from me

[Grant H.]

Iron Bear is worth talking to.
Redneck is my usual go to since I am North.

I'd call both shops and get an estimate, then call your insurance. At $2400, I would be chasing a new trailer out of their insurance rather than fixing yours. Light/small trailers that get hit hard enough to break/bend leafs etc, usually have frame damage.


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Friendly piece of general trailer advice: Never jack a trailer up by the axle unless you absolutely must, and then, ONLY under the spring perch on the axle. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, EVER jack up under the axle in the middle or even close to the middle. You will permanently "un-align" your trailer axle.

[Great-Kazoo]

Zombie thread revival.

So, I had the privilege of having my 12' utility trailer hit in front of my house on Friday.

It's going to need at least one leaf spring, wheel & in tire replaced, in addition to the body work involved to replace the fender and gusset.
That said, the axle will need repaired/ replaced and aligned, along with a frame check (if that's a thing with utility trailers).

Is Iron Bear the shop for this, or someone else? Also, does this sound like it will exceed the cost of totalling it out? MSRP for the same configuration trailer new is ~$2400 (mine is 2013 build).

sent from me

replace the axle yourself. However with that much of a hit, i'd wager the frame is tweaked.

[crays]

replace the axle yourself. However with that much of a hit, i'd wager the frame is tweaked.

We'll see how it washes out. The offending driver did leave a note on my front door, and believe it or not, the information provided was valid.

I have a claim started with progressive, but I would like to arm myself with some good knowledge/info before getting to far into it with the adjuster.

[00tec]

I doubt that insurance will pay out anywhere near $2400 for a 12ft utility trailer unless it is a pretty beefy trailer.