Weight Distributing Hitches
In the 70's & 80's, many of the small cars had a tow limit of 1,500 or 2,000 pounds. As a consequence, most of the fiberglass trailer manufactures were under pressure to keep their units under this weight limit. As a result, the steel frames were designed to carry only the weight of the trailer. Weight Distributing (WD) hitches place a great deal of extra stress on the trailer frame. Do not use a WD hitch on vintage Trilliums. The new generation Trilliums have a heavier duty frame, and can use a WD hitch with a bar rating no greater than 350 pounds. However, anti-sway bars can be used on all Trilliums. (WD hitches do not have an anti-sway function.)
It should be noted that, if the trailer is loaded properly, anti-sway bars should not be necessary. Hitch weight should be a minimum of 10%, measured at the coupler, not under the front jack. (Range: 150 - 200 pounds; heavier is better than lighter.)

Front Frame Recall Notice

In an attempt to strengthen the trailer frame, heat treating was done during certain model years in the mid 70's. It turned out to be a bad decision. A crack developed in the frame where the bolts go through. Notices were sent to owners on file for reinforcing gussets to be added. Since about 30 years have passed since they were built, any that would fail due to non-repair, would probably have done so by now.
However, owners should periodically check the frame under the front body where the bolts go through. If a crack develops, the frame must be reinforced immediately with these gusset plates.

This is not an expensive repair. Any good welding shop can do it in 1 - 2 hours.

Diagram:

Size: 2 ½" x 10", 12 gauge; 1 on each side; Not to scale.

Rubber Ride Torsion Axle

Do you need an axle replacement?

Do the tires show uneven wear? (Similar to how car tires wear poorly when misaligned.)
Does one wheel sit much higher in the well than the other? Note: the left side of the trailer carries more weight than the right side, so this side will always have the wheel higher in the well.
Is there spring left in axle? One easy way to get an idea - With a second vehicle, drive along side the trailer while it goes over bumps, and observe the wheel action.
Is there still travel left in the suspension? Does it appear that the tire hits the top of the wheel well? There will be lots of blacks marks from the tire here.

If it needs replacing, these are the specs.:

1300
Trailing Arm
0° Starting Angle
48" OS Brackets
65" Track - Wheel C/L
Brake Flanges
2,000 lb. (Revised Capacity)
Tapered Spindle
5 x 4.5 Hubs

4500
Has the same specs as above, except:
67" Track
2,500 lb. (Revised Capacity)

Vintage Trilliums had 1,500 / 2,000 GAWR axles. This meant that the axles worked at their maximum capacity full time. Recommendation: add 500 lbs. for an extra safety margin. (2,000 / 2,500 lbs. as above)

All of these axles were welded on from the factory. Any good welding shop can cut the old axle off and weld the new one on. This is not a complicated job. It can be accomplished in about 2 hours, depending on the skill & equipment of the shop.

Canadian distributors & dealers for Dexter Axle:

http://www.dexteraxle.com/canada