C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle Review

Let’s Dive into C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle

The C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle promises a simple, all-in-one solution for mounting leaf springs to your trailer axle. It’s a kit designed for 1-1/2″ square axles, and comes with tie plates, U-bolts, nuts, and lock washers. C.E. Smith aims to provide a reliable and easy to install system for trailer maintenance and repair.

My old boat trailer had seen better days, with some serious rust eating away at the original spring mounting hardware. I needed a complete replacement solution, something that would give me peace of mind when hauling my boat long distances.

Upon opening the kit, I immediately noted the galvanized finish on the tie plates and the yellow zinc plating on the U-bolts. The hardware felt solid and properly sized, giving me initial confidence in the C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle.

Compared to buying individual components from a local hardware store, this kit seemed far more convenient. Individual parts can vary wildly in quality and finish. The C.E. Smith kit offered a pre-packaged solution with matching components, seemingly designed to work seamlessly together.

My first impression was positive – the kit appeared complete, well-finished, and ready for installation. If it performs as well as it looks, this C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle could be a lifesaver for anyone needing to replace their trailer’s spring mounting hardware.

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Real-World Testing: Putting C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle on my boat trailer at home in my driveway. The weather was dry, but I had the trailer sitting on gravel.

The installation was straightforward; the U-bolts fit snugly around the 1-1/2″ square axle, and the tie plates aligned perfectly with the spring perches. Everything tightened down securely with a standard socket set and wrench, giving me confidence in the connection. No specialized tools are required.

After installation, I immediately took the boat trailer for a short test drive around my neighborhood. The C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle performed admirably; the trailer tracked straight and smooth, and I noticed no unusual noises or vibrations.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the past six months, I’ve used my boat trailer extensively, hauling my boat on several long-distance trips. The C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle has held up remarkably well.

Despite exposure to saltwater, road grime, and varying weather conditions, there are minimal signs of wear or corrosion. The galvanized finish on the tie plates has protected them from rust. The yellow zinc plating on the U-bolts shows only slight surface oxidation, which is expected.

The kit requires minimal maintenance; I periodically check the U-bolt nuts to ensure they remain properly tightened. So far, they have remained snug. This is far better than my previous hardware, which required frequent attention.

My previous experience with generic hardware involved constant rust issues and frequent replacement. This C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle outperforms those generic options significantly, offering much greater durability and peace of mind.

Breaking Down the Features of C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle

Specifications

The C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle includes the following components:

• Two (2) galvanized tie plates: These plates provide a solid base for securing the leaf springs to the axle. The galvanized coating is crucial for corrosion resistance, especially in marine environments.
• Four (4) yellow zinc plated U-bolts: These U-bolts clamp the leaf springs to the tie plates and around the axle. The yellow zinc plating offers decent corrosion protection and provides a distinctive visual appearance.
• Eight (8) zinc plated nuts and lock washers: These fasteners secure the U-bolts. The lock washers help prevent loosening due to vibration during travel.

The kit is specifically designed for use with 1-1/2″ square trailer axles. This size specificity ensures a proper and secure fit. This is critical for safe towing. The silver and yellow color scheme is aesthetically pleasing and easily identifiable.

These specifications matter because they contribute directly to the safety and reliability of your trailer. Using properly sized and corrosion-resistant hardware is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring the longevity of your trailer. Improper hardware can lead to catastrophic failure.

Performance & Functionality

The C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle performs its job exceptionally well. It securely and reliably attaches the leaf springs to the trailer axle.

The kit’s strength lies in its simplicity and robustness. The U-bolts provide a strong clamping force, preventing spring movement. The tie plates distribute the load evenly, preventing stress concentrations.

The only area for potential improvement might be offering a stainless steel U-bolt option for even greater corrosion resistance in saltwater environments. However, the included zinc plated U-bolts have performed admirably so far.

The C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle meets my expectations and surpasses the performance of the previous generic hardware I used. It provides a secure and reliable connection for my trailer’s suspension system.

Design & Ergonomics

The C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle features a straightforward and functional design. The components are well-manufactured and properly sized, ensuring a good fit.

The materials used are appropriate for the intended application. The galvanized tie plates offer excellent corrosion resistance. The zinc plated U-bolts provide adequate strength and durability.

The kit is user-friendly. No specialized tools or expertise are required for installation. Anyone with basic mechanical skills can easily install this kit.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the quality of the materials and construction, the C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle should last for many years. Regular inspection and tightening of the U-bolt nuts are recommended.

Maintaining the kit is easy. Periodically cleaning the components with a wire brush and applying a rust inhibitor can extend their lifespan. Proper maintenance is crucial, especially in harsh environments.

The C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle appears to be designed for longevity. The corrosion-resistant coatings provide significant protection against rust and deterioration.

Accessories and Customization Options

The C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle is a self-contained kit. It doesn’t require additional accessories for its primary function.

There are no readily available customization options for this kit. However, you could potentially substitute the U-bolts with stainless steel versions for enhanced corrosion resistance.

The kit is compatible with standard 1-1/2″ square trailer axles and most common leaf spring configurations. Be sure to verify the axle size and spring perch dimensions before ordering.

Pros and Cons of C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle

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Who Should Buy C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle?

This C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle is perfect for boat owners, trailer enthusiasts, and anyone needing to replace or upgrade their trailer’s spring mounting hardware. This is especially true for those who frequent saltwater environments. It offers a convenient and reliable solution for maintaining a safe and functional trailer.

This product might not be ideal for someone looking for a highly customized or aesthetically unique solution. Also, if your trailer requires a different axle size, this specific kit would be incompatible.

A tube of marine-grade grease for lubricating the U-bolt threads is a must-have accessory to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth tightening. Stainless steel U-bolts would be a worthwhile modification for those frequently exposing their trailers to saltwater.

Conclusion on C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle

The C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle is a well-designed and reliable solution for mounting leaf springs to your trailer axle. At a price of $34.89, the value proposition is excellent, considering the completeness of the kit and the durability of the components.

I would personally recommend this kit to anyone needing to replace their trailer’s spring mounting hardware. It offers a significant upgrade over generic hardware, providing greater peace of mind and improved longevity.

Don’t wait until your trailer’s suspension fails. Invest in the C.E. Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit f/1-1/2″ Square Axle today and enjoy worry-free towing for years to come!