Trailer Torsion Spring..s fail---but wait,...

[jschnip]

So, I've had my boat for less than 3 years - I purchased it brand new, with trailer at Stateamind in St Louis. The boat is a 2006, 22VE, 340 HP - sitting on an EZloader Illusion trailer. The trailer itself has roughly 1400 miles on it (mostly from a few trips to St Louis for maint) - my year round storage garage is 3 miles from the ramp. As I was pulling out of the garage 3 weeks ago, the tire began to rub on the fender - long story short, I discovered I had a bad torsion spring, luckily I was still in the parking lot and could garage easily. I ordered a new axle from EZ Loader and tonight we started to replace the axle. Well, when I took the wheel off I realized, that the back axle on that same side was also exhibiting the same conditions... Looks like the torsion spring went out on that wheel too! This left me befuddled (among other things), so I checked the weight capacity of the trailer = its rated for 4400 lbs, and GVWR of 5700 lbs. This sounded small to me, since I know the boat hull is heavy. All the literature I can find, says the boat weighs 3982 lbs. Add 450 roughly for a GM 5.7 L - and who knows for the MarinePower add ons. Then add 300 lbs for fuel, it has a 50 gallon tank, at 6 lbs/gallon. Boat+engine+fuel = 4732 lbs - plus wakeboards and misc equipment, I would say the boat is around 400 lbs over the capacity of the trailer and the GVWR. Am I doing the math wrong here? Stateamind has already proven to me on other issues that they are not someone I want to work with ever again - so is it time for me to involve a lawyer? I highly doubt Stateamind will offer me a new, properly sized trailer. I'm obviously going to order another axle, so I can at least move the boat again - but if the trailer is the wrong size, its seems to be a short term fix.

Any advice, comments, etc - are greatly appreciated. Even with all my hassles - Tige and EZLoader have been great.

Thanks

[dogbert]

The boat empty weight includes the engine. The rating on the trailer may not be accurate. I'd check with the trailer manufacturer.

[jschnip]

Thanks - planning on checking with EZ Loader in the morning when I order another axle...

Understandable how an inboard could include the engine weight - Just wondering how the boat weight can include the motor when there are many different engine choices? Do you have to add for each of the powerplant options?

[ajholt7]

Stateamind is awsome. I don't know your situation, but they have been nothing but excellent to me.

[dogbert]

Thanks - planning on checking with EZ Loader in the morning when I order another axle...

Understandable how an inboard could include the engine weight - Just wondering how the boat weight can include the motor when there are many different engine choices? Do you have to add for each of the powerplant options?

The weight of the engines doesn't vary that much. It sounds more like a defect on the trailer.

[jschnip]

Thanks for the help. I just got word back from Larry at EZ Loader that the warranty company is going to cover the back axle! I am only 6 months or so out of warranty, and two torsion springs failed. I guess I set my expectations low, and they have far exceeded them.

I do plan on finding a weigh station after getting the axles replaced, just so I have some piece of mind about weight, etc.

EZ Loader all the way!

[jschnip]

2nd axle arrived today, started working on replacement this morning. Having a little difficulty sliding the old wheel assembly off the torsion spline (we have removed the bolt holding it on). We assume it just needs some lubrication and a couple large screwdrivers to wedge it off.

Anyone have any advice on the best method to remove the wheel assembly from the keyed torsion spline?

Thanks!

[chpthril]

2nd axle arrived today, started working on replacement this morning. Having a little difficulty sliding the old wheel assembly off the torsion spline (we have removed the bolt holding it on). We assume it just needs some lubrication and a couple large screwdrivers to wedge it off.

Anyone have any advice on the best method to remove the wheel assembly from the keyed torsion spline?

Thanks!

Drive a large dull chisel in there, that will ease the grip on the splines. Also make sure there is no paint or rust on the exposed part of the splined shaft, this makes it hard for the hub to slide off. Soak it good with a rust penetrant. Use a rubber dead-blow or brass hammer to drive it off. If you have a pry-bay allpy force on the opposite side of where you are hitting. This keeps it from cocking sideways and binding.