Thread: shortening trailer axle.

Originally Posted by BLKWDW

What would be the best way to shorten down a trailer axle. Need to take of about 400mm of 2 axles i have in a dual axle camper trailer i'm building.
According to the rms i rang today its legal if the trailer manufacturer approves it and it passes a blue slip. There 45mm solid axles.

Hi, one way of doing it would be to find some heavy walled pipe (that is a sliding fit on the axle if it is round), cut the axle in the required places so that the join is in the centre using the pipe as a sleeve, particularly if you're not experienced at welding. If you can take it to a professional welder, a join in the centre that is V'd should be fine. Another alternative is to take the axle to a place that makes axles and have them machine a new end on it (safest way).
Kryn

the axle steel is probably medium carbon steel 1045 and could be cut and re welded given the right approach.

low hydrogen electrodes and perhaps a procedure of pre heat and bevel springs to mind...

id look at cutting and overlaying the pieces


ref : http://www.interlloy.com.au/our-prod...bon-steel-bar/

http://www.trailersauce.com/overlays...celock=desktop

Originally Posted by KBs PensNmore

Another alternative is to take the axle to a place that makes axles and have them machine a new end on it (safest way).
Kryn

Any competent machinist with a big enough lathe should be able part of a section and machine a new end on an axle.....by far the best option other than buying a new axle.

cheers