Does Bow in Trailer Axle Need to Be Compensated for When Picking Out Replacement Axle

Question:

I was told that axles have a slight bow and will straighten under load to keep the camber in specs. Seems to me that this would lengthen the axle a small amount and put a sideways strain on the springs and bushings. Reason for asking is that I had to lengthen the axle on a utility trailer years ago and have not noticed any problems no crown or bow. I want to replace the mobile home axles on my car trailer with Dexter axles and might not sure yet as I have to take a look at them have to lengthen them. Thanks,

asked by: George R

Expert Reply:

That's a really good question but in general the length added by the bow of the axle straightening out does not significantly change anything to the point that you'd have to compensate for it when picking out a new axle. Also there's enough movement allowed with trailer suspension that the slight camber change does not damage the suspension either.

To pick out axles you'll want to know the capacity of the axle you need, the distance from spring seat center to center, and also from hub face to hub face.

expert reply by: Jameson C