I just bought my first fiberglass trailer... I have a lot of things to do.. first I noticed the tires are leaning in on both sides .. it appears I have a torsion type of axle.. would this be Normal or what are the likely causes ?? it seemed to pulled ok but I think something is not quite right.. bearings or spindles worn or something...

thanks..

Hi Philip,
Don't want to be the bearer of bad news but it sounds like you may need a new axle. The rubber inserts in this type of axle deteriorate over time and allow the wheels to lean. Uneven tire wear is another indicator. If you jack up one side of the trailer you can check to see if the wheel can be moved by hand. This subject comes up regularly so you should be able to do a search under "axle" and find lots of similar stories and more info. Some trailers have bolt on axles and others are welded to the trailer frame. The bolt on type can be changed much easier than the welded type. If yours is the welded type keep a fire extinguisher handy while cutting or welding. If you don't have brakes on your trailer and you do have to replace the axle this is a real good opportunity to add brakes at minimal cost(there isn't a lot of difference in price between an axle with or without brakes). Adding brakes later is quite expensive by comparison.
Bill

What do you mean by leaning in? When viewed from the rear do your tires ...

/ \

look like this ?

\ /

or this ?

/---\
But...I just got back from a place here that does axles and I'm getting a new #9 axle w/brakes ... I'm having brackets welded on so the axle is a bolt on type .. axle w/brakes plus add a contoller and wired, mounted in the truck ready to go is costing about $600.

You done very well then.
Just think when you get your trailer back the tires will look like this:

\---/

Almost looks like a smile!

Yeeehaww, my new axle has arrived and tomorrow is the install day...

Congratulations!