Anyone replace an axle on an EZ Loader Trailer?

[Killertraylor]

Well, my EZ Loader under my 4000 lb.+ NorthRiver has let me down for the second time in as many years. Not sure why, I take great care of it, grease the bearings every few months and rinse the salt off in fresh water. Last year had a bearing go and leave me on the side of the road - scored the axle but we were able to sand it smooth enough to get new bearings on it. Took it to Schwab last fall before I put her away for the winter and had all 4 hubs lubed and inspected.

Well, last week another bearing went bad and this one scored the axle real bad. :depressed: Took it to Schwab and they said the rear axle needs to be replaced! I called EZ Loader and they said about $350 for a torsion suspension axle with one new hub and bearings. Not too bad. :shrug:

Question is - it looks like it just bolts right on. It's the rear axle, and brakes are on the front, so no problems there. I'm thinking if I dump the boat in the water for the day I could probably do it pretty easy. Anyone done it? Anyone know of another local (Portland area) place where I might check for an axle?

[FishinMission]

Yah...the spindles are part of the axle, so when your spindle(s) is trashed, so's your axle.

If you do it yourself, you might wanna try Potter Webster for parts...Look 'em up in the phone book.

If you've got a good jack and some JACK STANDS...You may be able to lift your boat AND trailer up and do it on your driveway. Best be sure you get your axle on right though, or you'll eat tires.

I haven't done it, but it wouldn't seem to be too difficult if your'e mechanically inclined.

Mark

[jocose]

i have a yacht brand trailer with a 17 foot fiber glass sylvan boat and had potter webster install a new axle and wheels, electric brakes and new leaf springs, they installed a trailer brake controller in my jeep too.. i was happy with the work and the price.. its great to not worry about my pull toy coming thru the rear window each time i have to stop fast.. joco

[fortywinks]

KT - you might PM Waterdog. He has done 2 himself on his old EZLoader. His was single axle but should be same procedure. He used jack stands I believe as FM suggested. Said it was not that hard, but of course not happy with the down time, the cost of new axles, etc. He did two within a year too. I hope this is not a harbinger of things to come, as I blew a set of bearings 5 months ago after no troubles for over 5 years :smash: (knock on wood). :depressed:

[Away2Long]

Don't think you will find an axle to bolt up without going to ez loader. When I lost a bearing on my single axle I was able to sleeve the back and then installed a liquid lube system which puts the bearings in an oil bath. Have about a year and a half on it and so far so good.
FWIW I have had some nasty experiences of negligence with LS and am real careful about which one I go to if I have to.
Good luck.

[Killertraylor]

Thanks for the replies - I'll give Potter Webster a call. Problem is that I'm on 3 tires right now - I was able to pull it home from Schwab that way since I only live a few blocks away from the one in St. Helens, but I don't think I'd try pulling it to Portland. I'll send Waterdog a PM also.

[WAGS]

i lost a bearing last year (18 foot JC). i called ezloader gave them my model number and the axle was delivered to my house 3 days later. it took two jacks a socket set, a box wrench set and 45 minutes. don't fool around and try to save money. it will cost you more in time (fishing time is limited and valuable)to try and jury rig a solution. plus when on the phone with the guys tell them your problem and perhaps they can give you some suggestions.

[WaterDog]

PM sent. :rolleyes:

[Killertraylor]

Well, I called Potter Webster and they were no help - claimed they didn't even know what liquid lube hubs were :shrug:

EZ Loader was great though - only $258 for a new rear axle delivered to Portland with the new 2005 liquid lube hubs already installed. :dance:

At that price, I figured it would be good to swap out the front axle too. (the spindle on it is scored from the bearing I blew last year, but we sanded it mostly smooth) Because the front axle has brakes, they couldn't assemble it, but are shipping it along with the liquid lube kit for about $280. Sounds like an easy job from everyone who's done it - including the ez loader guys.

They were very understanding and helpful - parts will be here in 2 days.

Thanks again to those who posted.

Joe

[Away2Long]

Sounds like a great deal - I think I paid around $80? for the Liqua lube alone! Interesting to hear that EZ Loader has the LL system now -wonder if they offer it as an option on new trailers?

[WaterDog]

The oil bath is standard on the 2005 ez loaders now. I want to do this conversion as well.

[jet]

Dang Rich you are a expert on trailers also... amazing

Jet~~~

[WaterDog]

Scott, I'm not an expert but I know my way around. It's not by choice, however. :noway: :grin: My tool collection is getting pretty nice tho'. :crazy:

You'll also be interested in my lastest saga of jet pump woe's. I'll save that for another post once I get the boat back and the final bill is in. :depressed: :hoboy: :rolleyes: :help:

[Gregotis98]

i just bought a new boat trailer and it came with the coolest set of spindles/hubs ever made! From Tie Down Engineering (Eliminator Torsion Axles) regular torsion axles but the spindle is removable. The spindle/hub is pushed into the torsion arm and threaded on the back side and held on the the arm with a castle nut just like a wheel bearing. When you burn up a bearing on the road all you need to do is undo the nut and replace with a whole new spare hub. Look them up online, you will see how simple this is.

[Away2Long]

Greg,
What brand trailer?
Sounds like a great idea.
thanks

[Gregotis98]

The trailer is a Loadmaster out of Florida. Everything on it is first class and I was able to get it for a great price. 9800# all aluminum, dual axle, disk brakes, all stainless hardware, mounted loaded spare spindle/hub/wheel.
$4500 EZ Loader wanted $6500