User Tag List

Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Location
    Calgary, Alberta
    Posts
    1,123
    Thanks (Given)
    21
    Thanks (Received)
    58
    Likes (Given)
    340
    Likes (Received)
    173
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Need Wheel & Axle Replacement Advice

    Hi,

    I need some advice from trailer guru's. My Checkmate Starflite 21 sits on the original C-Hawk single-axle trailer, which is in excellent original condition. I am however doing a number of upgrades simply due to age, and I'd like to upgrade from the original 14" rims to 15's. This is partly just for looks (it looks straight out of 1987 ), but I'd also like to add hydraulic surge disc brakes and I'm 99% sure the 14" wheels won't clear the caliper. I have these brakes on my Scarab trailer with 15's for example (ugly steel wheels though). I'm having a heck of a time finding decent-looking 15" 5-bolt aluminum trailer wheels at any kind of reasonable price. Any advice ?

    Second (related) question: It current has a 3500 pound drop axle, in good shape, but does have some wear on the axle seal surfaces. I want to move the axle rearwards several inches to help with tongue weight. When I restored the boat, a fair bit of weight came out of the bow (wet foam and plywood gone), and I now have a considerably heavier stern than original (hydraulic jack plate and ETEC 250HO, as compared to a manual jack and Merc 2.4-BP on it originally). I was thinking about upgrading the axle during this process. Should I go to a 6-bolt axle/hub system to give me more wheel options ?

    Because I tow over the Rocky mountains multiple times per year, I'm more concerned about safety and reliability on all this than cost.

    Thanks,
    Matt

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Wisconsin
    Posts
    5,320
    Thanks (Given)
    1000
    Thanks (Received)
    763
    Likes (Given)
    9057
    Likes (Received)
    5971
    Mentioned
    2 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Not really what you were asking but I have seen 14" to 15" wheel brake kits... https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Bra.../18788-87.html

    Let's just go ahead and make America great again!

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    East Wallyworld Vt
    Posts
    1,256
    Thanks (Given)
    8
    Thanks (Received)
    18
    Likes (Given)
    41
    Likes (Received)
    182
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Does your existing axle have the flanges for brakes? If so things are easy.
    If not you either have a welding shop add flanges or you have an axle made to your needs. Same goes with the coupler.
    Can the hull be moved forward a few inches or the axle moved back? Or is everything welded in place.
    I can not truly imagine 14's under a 21' hull. I just run car rims as
    long as their weight rating is enough. I like a wider rim to support the
    sidewalls, this reduces the chance of the trailer swaying. I really
    like mine to just sit back there especially on windy roads.
    Regards,
    Charlie North
    If it ain't broke, modify it.
    80 21' Superboat with Yamaha 225 Excel power
    76 Glastron to be powered by a 6.2 L92 with surface drive
    87 Glastron CVX20 Hull

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Gravenhurst, Ontario.
    Posts
    708
    Thanks (Given)
    50
    Thanks (Received)
    42
    Likes (Given)
    199
    Likes (Received)
    210
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    1 Thread(s)
    Hey Matt.
    I’ll send you some options & details.
    ��

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Location
    Calgary, Alberta
    Posts
    1,123
    Thanks (Given)
    21
    Thanks (Received)
    58
    Likes (Given)
    340
    Likes (Received)
    173
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Thanks Charlie and Greg.

    Regarding Charlie's questions:
    Yes, the current axle does have brake flanges. I can move the axle back relatively easily. That will involve cutting off the current brackets and welding on new ones, I will very likely do that as part of the upgrades. I'd use a bracket/rail that once welded on allows axle adjustment by just moving bolts. There's no room to move the boat forward. I totally agree with you on the idea of 14's on a single-axle trailer for a 21 foot boat. I had 15's on a trailer for a much lighter 16' tunnel and it towed perfect.

    More info to follow.

    Thanks,
    Matt

  6. Likes CharlieN liked this post
  7. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    East Wallyworld Vt
    Posts
    1,256
    Thanks (Given)
    8
    Thanks (Received)
    18
    Likes (Given)
    41
    Likes (Received)
    182
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    I have worked on a trailer that used a formed steel angle that the axle mounts were built onto. This was Ubolted to the rails. Rather nice to trim the desired balance point.
    Regards,
    Charlie North
    If it ain't broke, modify it.
    80 21' Superboat with Yamaha 225 Excel power
    76 Glastron to be powered by a 6.2 L92 with surface drive
    87 Glastron CVX20 Hull

Similar Threads

  1. Need advice for a replacement prop...
    By RockNemo in forum Props, Setup, and Rigging
    Replies: 25
    Last Post: 01-03-2012, 10:27 AM
  2. OMC Tech: upper mount replacement, advice
    By roadkill636 in forum Technical Discussion
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 12-31-2008, 11:23 PM
  3. Advice on replacement coils
    By RB in NM in forum Technical Discussion
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 04-01-2004, 07:22 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
Frank Mole Transport