1975 boler going to leaf suspension

[Roy Kleiner]

I have a 13 foot 1975 boler that will see some light summer camping and some heavier fall hunting trips. I have decided to change my axle and go with princess auto axle and leaf springs. The frame will be removed for the job and any frame repairs will also be made at the same time. I have an uncle who is a welder
and will do the repairs and the install. My question is...does anyone know which princess auto axle to get? My uncle lives about 80 miles away so I
would like to get this right on the first trip if possible. Thanks

[Kevin K]

http://www.princessauto.com/truck-trailer/...ly?keyword=axle
2000 LB

[Vic&Kathy]

As long as you're at it, invest just two or three hundred more and put brakes and a Prodigy controller...you WILL NOT regret it.

The added control is a very nice! And who knows if some day having brakes will keep you out of a ditch, or worse?!

Vic

[Roy Kleiner]

I just emailed Standens for a price on an axle. I guess with the spacer the height would be good. Decisions decisions

[Dana T]

I don't have a Boler so I cannot check the dimensions, but I did see a Boler that had a leaf spring retrofit.

The problem was that the drop frame for the doorway didn't leave enough room for the leaf spring and shackle, so the owner extended the frame right through the doorway. Serious trip hazard.

It seems springs are usually about 25" long, which means the shackle will be almost 13" from the axle. You will also have to allow for the shackle width as well. Measure from the center of the current axle and make sure you have enough room to mount the shackle without running into the drop for the doorway.

The other thing I noticed is the axle shown is straight, not dropped. Because the leaf springs hang down from the frame several inches that may place the hub "lower" (further away from the frame) than the standard torsion axle, thus raising the trailer higher than normal.

I agree with Vic, brakes are nice because they help keep the trailer behind you.

[Vic&Kathy]

And if brakes aren't in your budget at the moment, at least invest in an axle that you can add them to later.

Yeah, I'm a big fan of having brakes. We've done three across the USA and back trips, one without brakes, two with. With is better!

Vic

[Roy Kleiner]

I ordered my axle today. I went with the original spec torsion axle but I have to say what a debate. My local axle specialist isn't keen on torsion axles and most people in this forum are not keen on springs. I decided to look at other trailers. Horse owners prefer torsion axle trailers for the confort of their horses and Harley riders seem to agree that torsion axles are better for their bikes to be trailered on.


Cheers

[Michael Collins]

Can i ask where you bought a new torsion axle setup? My 77 boler's is shot too.

I ordered my axle today. I went with the original spec torsion axle but I have to say what a debate. My local axle specialist isn't keen on torsion axles and most people in this forum are not keen on springs. I decided to look at other trailers. Horse owners prefer torsion axle trailers for the confort of their horses and Harley riders seem to agree that torsion axles are better for their bikes to be trailered on.


Cheers

[Michael Collins]

Ok so i saw pricess auto sells a 2000lb with a 4 bolt hub. Could one swap over their 5 bolt and brake setup onto that new torsion setup and fit it into the boler?

[Frederick L. Simson]

I have to say what a debate. [b]My local axle specialist isn't keen on torsion axles and most people in this forum are not keen on springs.

What are his reasons?
I have leaf springs on my Fiber Stream.
(+) When I broke one of the original 30 year old leafs, I replaced the entire set (both axles) inexpensively by myself with a co-worker helping me.
(-) However, lacking shocks the ride is harsh -- and the whole trailer visibly bounces at every imperfection in the road surface.
(-) I have a document from Dexter showing that Torsion axles ride smoother than leaf springs AND shock absorbers together.

[Roy Kleiner]

Here is where I ordered it. The big thing for me was the spindle is drilled so you can grease the back bearing from the front. Shoud be bolt and go.
http://www.fibreglass-rv.ca/contact.html

[james kent]

Here is where I ordered it. The big thing for me was the spindle is drilled so you can grease the back bearing from the front. Shoud be bolt and go.
http://www.fibreglass-rv.ca/contact.html

You can't go wrong ordering from there.

I have a relative that manufactures trailers and didn't reccomend a torsion axle when I needed a replacement. He wanted to change mine over to leaf springs and cut an axle to fit Turns out that he has never used one and so has no experience with them. I got my axle from Paul and the trailer has never towed better.
Is you're present axle bolted on or as some of the older Bolers, welded on?

[Raya]

James,

Pardon me if you've mentioned this elsewhere and I've missed it, but can you tell a bit more about the axle that you got from Mr. Neumeister?

Here's what I'm wondering:

1) Is it set up to basically "match" our older Boler axles, with leading arms, and a similar start angle, etc.?

2) Does it (or could it) have brakes?

3) Did you convert from welded on to bolted on? (Or was yours already bolted.)

4) It looks like your trailer height is similar to what it would have been new - is it?

5) Did you stay with 13" wheels?

6) Did you have Mr. N remove/replace the old axle, or did you do it yourself or have it done elsewhere?

7) Was it basically a "drop in" fit, or did you have to reverse things, or modify, or etc.?

I don't need an axle now, but I'm gathering info for when I do. I happen to like the way the Boler sits stock (vs. lifting it), so I would like to basically duplicate what's there now, when the time comes.

Thank you - and if you have this information elsewhere already, just let me know and I'll go a-hunting

Raya

[Roy Kleiner]

James,

Pardon me if you've mentioned this elsewhere and I've missed it, but can you tell a bit more about the axle that you got from Mr. Neumeister?

Here's what I'm wondering:

1) Is it set up to basically "match" our older Boler axles, with leading arms, and a similar start angle, etc.?

2) Does it (or could it) have brakes?

3) Did you convert from welded on to bolted on? (Or was yours already bolted.)

4) It looks like your trailer height is similar to what it would have been new - is it?

5) Did you stay with 13" wheels?

6) Did you have Mr. N remove/replace the old axle, or did you do it yourself or have it done elsewhere?

7) Was it basically a "drop in" fit, or did you have to reverse things, or modify, or etc.?

I don't need an axle now, but I'm gathering info for when I do. I happen to like the way the Boler sits stock (vs. lifting it), so I would like to basically duplicate what's there now, when the time comes.

Thank you - and if you have this information elsewhere already, just let me know and I'll go a-hunting

Raya

It should be bolt and go. My axle was bolted on and the new one should be very similar to the original. I will put the new on on myself. It is only 4 bolts. I will stay with the 13 inch rims. I'm not sure about the height of the trailer. I think the better indication for me now was the fact that it was 35 years old.

I have the frame off right now. Its in my garage with a nice new paint job so I will put the axle on before she goes back under the body. I don't think I'll have my axle for a few weeks. That will give me time to finish the upholstry

[Raya]

Hi Roy,

If you have time to update us as you go along, I'm sure I'm not the only one who would like to hear/see how your axle install goes along, and how you like it once you are done.

Although it's always nice to have the option of calculating and customizing, it would also be nice to have a basic axle to point to that people could just buy and install, knowing just how it's going to work out in the end.

Raya

[Roy Kleiner]

This is the old axle. Only 4 bolts to take out. I'm sure I will use this for another project. There is no doubt in my mind that their is life left in it.