Trailer Maintenance. Look at yours now

[Brabender]

One of my wheels was slightly kinked on the trailer for the Motion.
This started the search for why? This is a 2001 aluminum Ibeam and had
looked pretty good on initial inspection. I removed the Axle, measured it up
and everything seems in order.

Except......
Removing the UBolts, 1 Spring is broken, the other is on the way.
Still shouldnt make the wheel bend like it is...
as the Break was directly under the axle and held together
by the ubolts, a lucky find

Remove the Hub and Still looks good
As with everything I clean the crap out of it and there it is
a speedy sleeve and damaged Spindle, The Bearing must have
let go at some point and been driven on for some time from the looks of it.
the new inner bearing does not sit exactly flush on the hub shoulder.

Ordered a new galvanized axle from Pacific Trailers
Could reweld new Spindles but the axle was a bit rusty and I would prefer to start fresh.
I didnt realize I need to know the bearing size until I did,,,,,(need to know)

Decided to paint the Spring hangers, Upon sand blasting
most of the nice rusty material gone and very little hanger left
Order 6 New hangers, springs and bushings for the Equilzer
(Originally galvanized for protection)

I was very very surpised at how thin they were, destined to break at some point in the near future as well.. Also surprised at how few marine trailer suppliers there are,
Many of these parts are not readily available, at west marine... Often a few days shipping

Don't Lose Time during the Height of the season.
Inspect your Trailer, if you dont already!!
Know your bearing sizes, keep them well lubed and carry an extra pair,
Sucks to have to figure it out on the road
Bearings are easy to change, if you have what you need

I will post some pics

Here are the Best deals I found

Pacific Trailers for the axle (made to my specs)

Local supplier for the Springs

Trailer Parts Super Store for Hangers, Bushings and Bearings
http://www.easternmarine.com/em_stor...FY9M5QodiS5jkA

Hope this Helps

[stokernick]

thanks for the heads up,cuz really didn't know what to look for!I always ''assumed'' annual state inspection would turn up any defects!

[Brabender]

you get your trailer inspected?

[stokernick]

funny,huh,after driving it 30 plus years with no valid plates I turned over a new leaf and decided not to stretch my luck![As we age we tend to eliminate our risks!]

[Superbender]

I hope Ralph doesn't see thisthat new paint he got would have fixed you right up.It's funny,I never usually keep a boat this long., 2or3 years max,this is my seventh year with the super so I bought a new trailer for those long hauls

[Riverratt]

I hope Ralph doesn't see thisthat new paint he got would have fixed you right up.It's funny,I never usually keep a boat this long., 2or3 years max,this is my seventh year with the super so I bought a new trailer for those long hauls

My trailer is in for major restoration this summer as money allows. I bought the new wheels over the winter and now I need to buy the new fenders and light kit then I have to cut the back 2 feet of the trailer off and redo it. One or 2 other places will need to be cut out and plated. I wish I could afford a new trailer but not in the cards right now. My trailer only saw salt water for a year and turned to ****.

[Mr. Demeanor]

Two flat tires on opposite sides in 5 miles the other day. Check your valve stems for dry rot and replace with the heavy duty truck stems.

[Dave Strong]

Seems the trailer is more often than not inspected. More to it than lites and wheel bearings as BRABENDER found out.
Used to do comercial trailer inspections, most were in rough shape.
Dave

[gmacrae]

Good advice. Recently i got some 17" alloys for my trailor and made up a new axle with hubs/stubs to suit the new stud pattern. The old galv'd axle (which looked ok at a quick inspection) was quite badly rusted inside and cant've had much life left in it. I had the springs dipped and reset/re-tempered at the same time. If nothing else, its good peace of mind.

[Brabender]

Hey Thanks fellas
I posted because I thought the hangers
and hardware looked ok at initial inspection.

If this helps one person thats great.
A flatbed can get alot more expensive
and anoying.

Had an axle break on me years ago.
Wheel rubbed on the side of the boat
not pretty

the trailer is often over looked

[venus79]

Very good advice and thanks for the heads up on what all to check and inspect.

[Brabender]

The Trailer is actually in very good shape and I am still surprised at the condition
of the undercariage. Here's what I found

I thought I would clean and paint these
hangars, they looked fine from the side
but much different on the table
(this is how the spring attaches to the Trailer frame)
note the wear. this is caused from the spring moving up and down. I am going to put a SS Washer on either
side of the Spring to protect the hangar from any future wear
The thinest sides were on the inside, and blocked by the spring itself

2 are totally shot, 1 is Marginal and 3 are still good
I replaced them all so if any on wants the few that are decent
your welcome to them

6 old next to the 6 new

Last pic is the Stainless hardware that was on the trailer
cleaned up on a wire wheel

The Remainder of the Hardware was sandblasted, sanded w 100 grit on DA, cleaned w Naval Jelly
Zinc Chromate, Primer filler, paint and 2k clear

Salt water is a killer
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