U-bolt question

[LDK]

First of all, I built my camper on a harbor freight 1720 lb. trailer frame #94564 and I'm in the process of putting my axle on top of the springs to lower the overall profile. I got new u-bolts from etrailer.com for a 2000lb axle and there is a slight size difference between those and the HF u-bolts. You can tell by the picture the new u-bolts have a slightly wider width. Will this be an issue or should I just use the HF u-bolts???

[48Rob]

Larry,

New U bolts generally have to be squeezed together at the thread ends to fit in the holes in the U bolt plate.
If the new and old are the same width at the "U" end, you should be okay.
Even it they are slightly larger in the U end, they may still work.

It looks like a "square" U bolt, is your axle square?
If so, slip one over the axle and check the fit, it doesn't need to be super tight, but shouldn't be too sloppy either.

Rob

[LDK]

Hi Rob

I have a round axle and the new u-bolt is a little more wider at the u end also.
I put them both on the axle and the new one has a little more play. If I had to guess I would say maybe 1/16" more play at the U end.

Looking at this picture it looks about the same. HF u-bolt on the left and new one on right. Hell, maybe I'm just worried for no reason.

[48Rob]

Larry,

I don't see enough size difference to worry over.
The hole pattern (spacing) in the U bolt plate will determine if your new U bolts will work, or won't.

Rob

[LDK]

I can put the new u-bolt in the old plate but the old u-bolt doesn't work too good in the new plate. Does that make sense.
I just wonder if the HF axle is a true 2000lb axle. After all, the trailers maximum weight capacity is 1720 lbs.

[Dale M.]

Put in new "U" bolts, when they are torqued down they will bend and bolt will conform to axle shape.... Do not see a problem, the new "U" bolt looks to be a slight bit more beefy (but it may only be from color difference) but if it is that is a plus....

Also if trailer is 1720 lb axle will probably not be a 2000 axle but a 1720 lb axle.... Chinese do not build anything but to minimal spec....

Dale

[LDK]

The new u-bolts worked fine but the new plates didn't. The bolt holes on the plates were not wide enough for the bolts to clear the springs properly so I had to used the HF plates. I also used flat washers, lock washers, and grade 8 nylock nuts. Tomorrow I'll re-pack the bearings and put the hubs and wheels on.

[LDK]

Now I'm gonna have to figure out how to mount my new fenders.