CE Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit - Product Review

The CE Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit is designed to provide everything you need to mount fresh springs to a fresh axle. The kit includes two galvanized tie plates, four yellow zinc plated U-bolts, and eight zinc plated nuts and lock washers. These components are well-made and built to last, ensuring a reliable and secure connection between your springs and axle.

One of the key features of this kit is its ease of installation. With the included components and clear instructions, you'll have your springs mounted to your axle in no time. The plates are designed to fit 1-1/2" square axles, making them suitable for a wide range of trailers.

While this kit is generally well-received by customers, there are a few potential drawbacks to be aware of. Some users have reported that the included u-bolts may be too short for leaf springs over 2 leafs. This could lead to an insecure connection and potential issues with your trailer's suspension. Additionally, the coating on the plates may flake and scratch, which could affect their durability. Finally, it's worth noting that the plates are not stainless steel, so they may not be suitable for use in salt water.

Despite these potential drawbacks, the CE Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit is a popular choice among trailer owners. Customers appreciate the kit's overall quality and its ability to perform as expected. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional trailer installer, this kit offers a convenient and reliable solution for mounting springs to your trailer axle.

Our Analysis and Key Insights

Now let's dive into our analysis and key insights on the CE Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit. Here are some important points to consider:

U-bolts may not be suitable for leaf springs over 2 leafs

One of the common issues reported by customers is that the u-bolts in this kit may be too short for leaf springs over 2 leafs. These u-bolts are crucial for providing a secure connection between the springs and the axle, so it's important to ensure they are a suitable length for your specific setup. If your leaf springs have more than 2 leafs, you may need to consider alternative u-bolts or a different mounting solution.

Coating on the plates may be prone to flaking and scratching

Another potential downside of the CE Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit is that the coating on the plates may flake and scratch. While this may not affect the functionality of the plates, it can detract from their overall appearance and potentially impact their long-term durability. If you prioritize aesthetics or if you're concerned about the potential for rusting, it may be worth exploring alternative options with more durable coatings or materials.

Not recommended for use in salt water

If you plan to use your trailer in salt water environments, it's important to note that the CE Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit may not be the most suitable choice. The plates in this kit are not stainless steel, which means they may be prone to rusting when exposed to salt water. Rust can compromise the integrity of the plates and affect the overall performance of your trailer's suspension. If salt water usage is a consideration, it's advisable to look for alternative options specifically designed for marine applications.

Well-made and sturdy construction

Despite the potential drawbacks mentioned earlier, the CE Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit is generally praised for its well-made and sturdy construction. Customers appreciate the quality of the components and the kit's ability to hold up well under load. This reliability ensures that your trailer's suspension system remains secure and performs as intended. When it comes to mounting springs to your trailer axle, durability and strength are key considerations, making this kit a solid choice for many trailer owners.

Convenient and hassle-free installation process

Another aspect of the CE Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit that receives positive feedback is its convenient and hassle-free installation process. The kit includes all the necessary components and comes with clear instructions, making it easy for both DIY enthusiasts and professional installers to mount springs to a trailer axle. The inclusion of zinc plated nuts and lock washers further enhances the ease of installation, ensuring a secure and reliable connection that will withstand the rigors of towing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the u-bolts long enough for 1 1/8" thick leaf springs?

No, the u-bolts in this kit are not long enough for leaf springs that are 1 1/8" thick.

Can these plates be used in salt water?

It is not recommended to use these plates in salt water as they may rust.

Are the plates stainless steel?

No, the plates in this kit are not stainless steel.

Are additional nuts and lock washers included in the kit?

Yes, this kit includes 8 zinc plated nuts and lock washers.

What size axle does this kit fit?

This kit is designed for use with 1-1/2" square axles.

In conclusion, the CE Smith Axle Tie Plate Kit is a reliable and well-made solution for mounting springs to your trailer axle. Despite some minor drawbacks, such as potential issues with u-bolt length and the coating on the plates, this kit offers a convenient and hassle-free installation process. With its sturdy construction and perfect fit for most installations, it's a worthwhile investment for any trailer owner.