New torsion axle - will this work?

[LightningBG]

I need to put a new torsion axle on one of my snowmobile trailers, but I cannot find any that have the mounting brackets at the correct width to hit the frame of the trailer. All of the ones I've found are about 4 inches too narrow (which wont work due to the tires) or 3 inches too wide (which might work). I'm thinking of bolting heavy duty angle iron to the outside of the framework underneath the deck to allow a wider axle to go on.

Here is what it would look like. Any issues I should be concerned with? Anyone know of a good place to get axles beside Northern T?

[TooTallTom]

Fleet Farm might have an axle that will fit your application.

I don't know if you've got the equipment/ knowledge or if you know someone who does, but what about changing the location of the the mounting bracket on the axle?

[northerndave]

Shweet.

As long as you go with some decent length on the angle iron to spread the torsion load on the alum frame tube. And of course go heavy enough with the Angle iron.

Do you have an existing axle tube that you could weld a pair of torsion stubs to or are you converting a leaf spring trailer to a torsion axle trailer?

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I'm not expert on this, but if your drawing is to scale, it looks to me like you may have problems.

To some extent, the thickness of the angle iron will be irrelevant, because the load will be transferred to the aluminum frame, specifically wherever the fasteners are. There will be a lot of load on that and I would worry about twisting.

[jerkbait]

Midway iron in St. Coud sells trailer axles and parts.

[tonkapat]

Those torsions mounted on the beams are known for snapping the beams. No way would I even think of trying your pictured method.

[LightningBG]

Shweet.

As long as you go with some decent length on the angle iron to spread the torsion load on the alum frame tube. And of course go heavy enough with the Angle iron.

Do you have an existing axle tube that you could weld a pair of torsion stubs to or are you converting a leaf spring trailer to a torsion axle trailer?

The current axle is torsion, but the tube is rusted through and starting to buckle.

Moving the bracket would be a possibility, and I have a welder, but my welding skills leave something to be desired and I'm not too thrilled about putting $12K worth of sleds on a spotty job. Could hire it done, but then I might as well custom order an axle for the $$$.

The current axle is the same setup as the new one would be, but the mounting bracket is directly under the frame and bolted though, top to bottom.

It's a Triton trailer if that makes any difference.

[witgey&water]

Google Pioneer Rim and Wheel in Mpls

[tonkapat]

the mounting bracket is directly under the frame and bolted though, top to bottom.

[efgh]

A iron or steel angle iron will cause electrolous between the alu. and the iron or steel and weaken the alum. in time. Bolting a angle to the alum. will twist the alum. tube. I would order a axle to size, bite thje bullet now and be safe.

[Macgyver55]

The aluminum channel is not designed for a tortional load to be placed on it. It is meant to directly support the load. Doing it the way you've shown would be a mistake and would prematurely fail. Your best and safest bet, is to find the correct axle, or move/weld new mounts on the one you've shown.

On a side note, efgh is correct in that "steel angle iron will cause electrolysis between the aluminum and the steel", but, all trailers are made like this and it is alleviated by installing a non conductive shim between the two metals. Make sure to do this no matter what you decide to do.

[LightningBG]

You guys a crushing my dreams of a quick fix. I kinda had all the same concerns, but was hoping to dismiss them as silly. No luck I guess.

[TooTallTom]

You guys a crushing my dreams of a quick fix. I kinda had all the same concerns, but was hoping to dismiss them as silly. No luck I guess.

Aw, PoorWordUsage, that'll be fine.

Feel better now?

[LightningBG]

I feel a little better.

Anyone interested in buying a nice Triton trailer that "needs some work"?

[clownshack]

Google Pioneer Rim and Wheel in Mpls

I 2nd this. They will have the right axle. I have done a lot of business with them and they have never not had what I needed.

[LightningBG]

I was also thinking of calling Crystal Welding in Maple Grove. Anyone have any experience with them?

[Macgyver55]

Good shop, they've done a lot of stuff for my friends business, but a bit spendy.