Tidecraft trailer spindle size???

Springcrik · 08-25-07, 02:49 PM

I have a 1990 Tidecraft TDo-16 with the "factory" trailer. Trailer has no markings other than a serial number stamped on the tongue. So the trailer could be some shop-built setup that the original dealer matched with the boat when it was new; although the hull supports and drive-on rails do fit the boat hull almost exactly.
The previous owner allowed some wheel bearing and spindle damage to occur, so I would like to replace the spindles. The trailer uses the standard 1.75" spindle, so wheel hub, bearings and seals are no problem. The rub is the spindle size where it fits into the axles. Going inboard from the 1.72" wheel seal area, the spindle size (O.D.) then steps up to 2"; then increases to a 2-3/8" collar where it is welded into the round axle tube; then back down to 2" which part actually slides into the axle bore. I'm not having any luck finding a 2" spindle machined down to 1-3/4". I'm not worried about the 2-3/8" stop collar; just a spindle with a 2" O.D. mounting bore will work.
Does anybody else have one of these tidecraft trailer setups? Or know where you can find spindles this size?

Jackl · 08-25-07, 08:01 PM

SPRINGCRIK,
It might be simpler and cheaper in the long run to measure the total length of other brand of trailers and replace the whole assembly than it would to try to match up the spindles on your present axle.
Another suggestion is to go to a trailer manufacturing company in your area and find out if they may have a complete axle that will fit. You may have to weld on new spring perches to the new axle to get the right spacing, but that is a simple task.
JackL

08-25-07, 02:49 PM	#1
Springcrik BassFishin.Com Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 1	Tidecraft trailer spindle size??? I have a 1990 Tidecraft TDo-16 with the "factory" trailer. Trailer has no markings other than a serial number stamped on the tongue. So the trailer could be some shop-built setup that the original dealer matched with the boat when it was new; although the hull supports and drive-on rails do fit the boat hull almost exactly. The previous owner allowed some wheel bearing and spindle damage to occur, so I would like to replace the spindles. The trailer uses the standard 1.75" spindle, so wheel hub, bearings and seals are no problem. The rub is the spindle size where it fits into the axles. Going inboard from the 1.72" wheel seal area, the spindle size (O.D.) then steps up to 2"; then increases to a 2-3/8" collar where it is welded into the round axle tube; then back down to 2" which part actually slides into the axle bore. I'm not having any luck finding a 2" spindle machined down to 1-3/4". I'm not worried about the 2-3/8" stop collar; just a spindle with a 2" O.D. mounting bore will work. Does anybody else have one of these tidecraft trailer setups? Or know where you can find spindles this size?

08-25-07, 08:01 PM	#2
Jackl BassFishin.Com Super Veteran Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Great Bend, KS Posts: 2,960	SPRINGCRIK, It might be simpler and cheaper in the long run to measure the total length of other brand of trailers and replace the whole assembly than it would to try to match up the spindles on your present axle. Another suggestion is to go to a trailer manufacturing company in your area and find out if they may have a complete axle that will fit. You may have to weld on new spring perches to the new axle to get the right spacing, but that is a simple task. JackL __________________ There are two theories about argueing with women...........Neither one works!

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