Blog

FAQ: How often should I grease my trailer axles?

FAQ: How often should I grease my trailer axles?

For September, we dive into commonly asked questions about trailer axles and trailer axle parts. In this month's articles, we share two new FAQs each week. Check back weekly for more frequently asked questions about all things related to trailer axles. This article...

FAQ: Can you repair a bent trailer axle?

FAQ: Can you repair a bent trailer axle?

For September, we’ll dive into some commonly asked questions about trailer axles and trailer axle parts. We will share two new FAQs each week, so check back weekly for more frequently asked questions about all things trailer axles. This article answers the popular...

Bolt Pattern & Trailer Towing Capacity

Bolt Pattern & Trailer Towing Capacity

This article answers the popular question, Does my trailer’s bolt pattern reveal my trailer’s towing capacity? What is a bolt pattern? First, let’s understand what a bolt pattern is. A bolt pattern, also known as a lug pattern, is determined by the number of bolt...

Trailer Axle Parts Explained: Hanger Hardware

Trailer Axle Parts Explained: Hanger Hardware

This is the final article in a 4-part series that dives into all of the key components of a trailer axle. This article will discuss hanger hardware. While a trailer axle may seem relatively simple, an axle is made up of 4 key components - an axle beam, wheel...

Trailer Axle Parts Explained: Axle Beam

Trailer Axle Parts Explained: Axle Beam

This is a 4 part series that dives into all of the key components of a trailer axle. While a trailer axle may seem relatively simple, an axle is made up of 4 key components - an axle beam, wheel hubs, suspension components, and hanger hardware. This article will...

Pros and Cons of Double Eye & Slipper Springs

Pros and Cons of Double Eye & Slipper Springs

This article answers the popular question - what are the pros and cons of a double eye and slipper springs system? There are two main types of leaf spring systems - the double eye and slipper springs. To help you understand which option is better for you, first, you...

Suspension Kit Replacements

Suspension Kit Replacements

This article answers the popular question, what type of suspension kit replacement does BlueSwift Axles offer? BlueSwift Axles offers 14 different suspension kits for single axle, tandem axle, and slipper suspensions for 2,000 lb to 7,000 lb trailer axles.  What does...

Q&A: Are axles supposed to bend?

Q&A: Are axles supposed to bend?

This Q&A answers the popular question: Are axles supposed to bend? Do bent axles need replaced? Why are your axles bent? Have you ever noticed that trailer axles appear bent? What is the right amount of bend of an axle? What is the bend of an axle called? This...

Trailer Axle Parts Explained: Wheel Hub

Trailer Axle Parts Explained: Wheel Hub

This article talks through the trailer axle wheel hub & gives you all the details you want to know.  This article s a 4 part series that dives into all of the key components of a trailer axle. While a trailer axle may seem relatively simple, an axle is made up of...

What is my trailer axle’s weight capacity?

What is my trailer axle’s weight capacity?

This article answers the popular question: What is my trailer axle's weight capacity? The load capacity, ‘weight rating’, or your trailer axle's weight capacity should be listed on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The axle may also have a...

When to use hazard lights on your trailer

When to use hazard lights on your trailer

This article answers the popular question, When should you use your hazard lights or emergency flashers on your trailer? Hazard lights, often called emergency flashers, emergency lights, and hazard flashers, come equipped on every vehicle. Hazard warning lights are...

Are drum brakes a thing of the past?

Are drum brakes a thing of the past?

This guide answers the popular question: Are drum brakes a thing of the past? Our content theme this month is all about brakes for your trailer. By now, you’ve probably learned more than you ever thought you needed to know about brake kit options for your trailer. ...

Pros and Cons of Mechanical (Overrun) Brakes

Pros and Cons of Mechanical (Overrun) Brakes

This guide answers the popular question: What are the pros and cons of mechanical trailer brakes? Mechanical trailer brakes are a relatively simple system. When a trailer is moving forward it moves with the speed of the vehicle, but to stop the trailer from going...

Electric Trailer Brakes Benefits

Electric Trailer Brakes Benefits

This guide answers the popular question: What are the benefits of electric trailer brakes? If you own a trailer, you may be wondering what the advantage would be to upgrading your brake system to electric brakes. There are many advantages to installing an electric...

Protect your trailer axles in the summer humidity

Protect your trailer axles in the summer humidity

This guide answers the popular question: How do you protect your axles in the summer humidity?  Rust and moisture go hand in hand. When you think of climates with the most moisture, most people don’t think about regions with warm summers and hot temperatures. People...

Your Local Axle Manufacturer – BlueSwift Axles

Your Local Axle Manufacturer – BlueSwift Axles

BlueSwift Axles was born on the idea that axle replacements shouldn’t take weeks. We believe all trailer owners and haulers deserve fast and convenient axle replacements, quality American-made products, minimized downtime, expedited shipping, and top-notch customer...

Trailer Noises – What to Listen For

Trailer Noises – What to Listen For

This article answers the popular question: What types of trailer noises should I be concerned about? Knowing the difference between ‘normal’ trailer noises and ‘concerning’ trailer noises is important. With a fully loaded trailer, your trailer is naturally going to...

Breakaway cables Q&A

Breakaway cables Q&A

This Q&A guide answers the popular question: What are breakaway cables and what are they used for? Q: What are breakaway cables? A: A breakaway cable is a safety cable that attaches the brake system on a trailer to the back of your tow vehicle.  Q: What are...

Chain Binders 101

Chain Binders 101

This article answers the popular question: What are chain binders? Chain Binders 101 Also known as a load binder, chain binders are tools used to tighten a chain when securing a load to a trailer for transport. There are two basic styles of chain binders – lever...

Trailer & Hauling Accessories: Purchase or Pass?

Trailer & Hauling Accessories: Purchase or Pass?

This article answers the popular question: What are the different types of trailer accessories?  There are so many aftermarket trailer parts on the market. What are the must-have products that you should consider purchasing and which products should you pass on? This...

Ratchet Straps Beginners Guide – Part 2

Ratchet Straps Beginners Guide – Part 2

This article answers the popular question: What are the different types of ratchet straps? Ratchet straps are not a one-size fits all. There are many different types - including sizes, colors, hook styles, working load limits, price, and more. It is important to...

Ratchet Strap Beginners Guide – Part 1

Ratchet Strap Beginners Guide – Part 1

This guide answers the popular questions: What are ratchet straps and how do I use them? What are ratchet straps? Ratchet straps are cargo tie-down straps that are used to tie down a tow load or heavy equipment by securing it to a trailer. Ratchet straps use a method...

Is it unsafe to drive with a bent trailer axle?

Is it unsafe to drive with a bent trailer axle?

This article answers the popular question, Is it safe to drive with a bent trailer axle? There are a few factors that may impact your ability to continue driving on your trailer’s bent axle. In this article, we’re going to first talk through how to identify or...

Weight Distribution Hitch

Weight Distribution Hitch

This article answers the popular question: Does your trailer need a weight distribution hitch? If you’re familiar with trailers, you’ve likely heard the term weight distribution hitch. This type is hitch is also commonly known as a load leveler hitch or a load...

What does the axle rating on a trailer mean?

What does the axle rating on a trailer mean?

This article answers the popular question: What does the axle rating on a trailer mean? An axle rating on a trailer is used to define the maximum weight an axle or set of axles can support. In this article, we share what makes up your axle rating, why it’s important...

Minimize Downtime with BlueSwift Axles

Minimize Downtime with BlueSwift Axles

This article answers the popular question: Does BlueSwift help you minimize downtime with trailer axle replacements? BlueSwift Axles partners with a local manufacturing company to ensure that every axle order is fulfilled within 48 hours. 48-hour manufacturing is our...

Safety Tips for Trailer Towing in Heavy Rain

Safety Tips for Trailer Towing in Heavy Rain

This article answers the popular question: What are safety tips for hauling a trailer in the rain? Spring is almost upon us! As the weather starts to warm up, the snow melts, and the days get longer…the April showers begin. Spring in the Midwest brings thunderstorms,...