Welding axle tubes???

[not2old]

I discovered why I got such a good deal on my 25' 5th wheel travel trailer after a tire with 50% tread was showing the cords after a few thousand kilometers. I took it into a certified trailer repair shop to have the axle straightened and he agreed that I could be the helper as his staff was very busy. We broke the spindle off before it was straight and then needed to remove the (rubber) axle to put it in a jig in order to weld a new spindle on. While it was out, we straightened the axle with chains and a forklift. I did most of the grunt work while the shop owner attended to other things and after about five hours the job was finished at a cost of about $180.00. I installed all new tires and they show no wear after many kilometers and several years. Way cheaper than a new axle and has the certification of a recognized repair shop.