Looking for a bit of expert advice. I'm driving from Alaska to South Carolina, and made it to Indianapolis (mostly) without incident. While looking for my hotel, I took a turn too sharply and drug the axle bolts over a low curb. The alignment is still square, but I don't know if the bolts are safe for the remaining 700 miles. I also don't know anyone in the are, and am limited to only hand tools.

Thoughts? Opinions? Suggestions for a great trailer repair shop in Indianapolis that would be able to get me back on the road in an hour

 

The bolts wouldn't bother me, it doesn't look like it actually cracked the bolt. I would be more concerned about any abuse the inner sidewall of the tire took.

Hopefully you are now well on your way.........

 

Judging from the photo I would say that you should be able to continue the trip. Would however check the tightness of all the u bolt nuts now and later on in trip. The bending may have stretched the U bolts slightly and loosened the nuts. Don't over tighten the nuts on the bent side.

Agree with Pat on the abuse of the tire sidewall.

 

Thanks guys,

Russell's Trailer Service in Indianapolis replaced the bolts in 45 minutes, and I was on the road just before 11am. Peace of mind well worth the $150.99.

 

I wouldn't have trusted those. That could be devastating if they broke while going down the road. I for one am glad to hear you opted to get them replace right away.

 

 

I would not have been comfortable running those either. They would probably be fine, but there may also have been cracks that could propagate.

 

After driving I-75 south into Kentucky, and then I-40 into North Carolina, I'm really glad I had it fixed. Miles and miles of no place to pull over, and with a spring-under axle, a broken bolt would have been catastrophic.

Fortunately, I've noticed no alignment issues, but once I get it unloaded it'll go to a service shop to ensure the alignment is good and the axle tubes are still straight. I'm almost certainly going to put LT-rated tires on it because the 65mph limit of ST tires was frustrating more than a few times. Surprisingly, the tires managed rather well, especially considering the really rough roads through Canada.

Thanks again everyone, for the suggestions and input.