Boat trailer in need of repair

[sheldonbeswift]

Let me preface my post by stating that while I am good with my hands, I have absolutely no experience with boat trailers...so my vocab and descriptions might not be 100% accurate.

I have a trailer used to tow a 16' 1963 Starcraft. The trailer is single axle, and we recently had a flat at approximately 65MPH after hitting a pothole (I wasn't driving!!). I know the tire was shredded and the rim was drivin on to pull to the shoulder, and when we stopped the wheel was still on the axle, but slanted outward (the piece which has the 4 bolts to which you would attached lug nuts was no longer affixed to the axle). I know I need new tires and new bearings....but there is also axle damage. From what I understand, the axle is very "loose". Is this common? Can it be repaired? I have no idea how to deal with the tension "rods".

The main reason I ask, is I'm wondering if I'm better off repairing the trailer or just trying to replace it.

 

[JB]

Re: Boat trailer in need of repair

I would take some measurements and go to www.championtrailers.com. There I would order a replacement axle, complete with the correct hubs.

 

[ashleygoodin]

Re: Boat trailer in need of repair

I would agree - take the measurements and replace the complete axle with hubs attached. Buy two new tires and rims and leave your one remaining old one as a spare. You should be able to jack up the trailer, place it on blocks, and then take the nuts off of the "u" bolts that hold the axle in place on the spring. Slip the new one in and center it up and you are good to go.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Boat trailer in need of repair

Is this a standard striaght axle with leaf spring suspension or a torsion bar suspension? If you post a pic, that would help as well.

 

[4JawChuck]

Re: Boat trailer in need of repair

You are at a crossroads with your trailer, I was there also when I bought my boat.

When I purchased the boat it had incorrect bearings installed, automobile radial tires, newer leaf springs but worn out shackles, worn out winch, worn out hitch and every roller was cracked and old and there was severe corrosion on the chassis and the rear lights were broken and needing rewiring.

At the time I was 1000 kms from home when I picked it up, I blew two tires on the way home...good thing I brought two spares! When I changed the tires at the hotel I found the bearing problem and rebuilt them in the parking lot. I got the boat home safely but I was seriously contemplating replacing the entire trailer.

I called around everywhere I could to find a new trailer but there were none available in a 1000 km radius, the dealers all said they only have trailers for the boats they have in stock and I would have to custom order a trailer for delivery next year! A model to fit my boat was about $2000 from the dealer.

I decided to repair the trailer and so far I have about $800 into it but it needs a paint job and some metal repairs to the fenders.

Yesterday I drove by a trailer mfg here in town completely by accident and they had at least 30 trailers stacked in the back that would fit my boat. I was livid that every boat dealer I called in town told me I would have to wait until next year to expect delivery on a new trailer when there was 30 sitting right here in town.

Moral of the story is, if the trailer needs a lot of work and is not the newer galvanized style with LED's and good condition winch etc. I would look at replacing the trailer, it is worth the investment and especially good for resale value and peace of mind while towing.

If you count my labor and all the parts I am going to have to replace to make my trailer perfect condition a new trailer is a bargain if you ask me. I would take a hard look at what it is going to cost for repair as opposed to replacment, don't forget you can probably get $200 for your old trailer on the used market as is. Your labor is worth something right!

 

[deadstick]

Re: Boat trailer in need of repair

look to see if you have a northern tools in you area. they sell all you will need to fix this issue.

this is the page for axles and trailer hubs

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/NTESearch?storeId=6970&N=0&Ntk=All&Ntt=axles&Nty=1&D=axles&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Dx=mode+matchallpartial

 

[TojosMojo]

Re: Boat trailer in need of repair

yeah northern tool has some great deals on complete axle sets...

 

[sheldonbeswift]

Re: Boat trailer in need of repair

bruceb58 - It is a standard leaf spring suspension. However, there is one set centered over the axle...not one on either side which appears to be more typical with more modern trailers.

4JawChuck - I'm with ya here. The boat and trailer were my grandfather's and thus hold more sentimental value than anything.

RE: Northern Tools - I looked and saw they have some nice looking complete sets, but I'm not sure if I can "convert" my trailer to accomodate leaf springs on either side (set front to back) rather than just one set over the middle (set left to right). The leaf spring u-bolts are welded on the frame...I suppose I could simply remove the leaf springs and hack off the u-bolts if I could "convert" the trailer. The alternative would be to install a new flat axle with two new hubs...assuming I can drill for the leaf springs.

It would be a lot easier if the thing were in my garage, not an hour away.

 

[deadstick]

Re: Boat trailer in need of repair

RE: Northern Tools - I looked and saw they have some nice looking complete sets, but I'm not sure if I can "convert" my trailer to accomodate leaf springs on either side (set front to back) rather than just one set over the middle (set left to right). The leaf spring u-bolts are welded on the frame...I suppose I could simply remove the leaf springs and hack off the u-bolts if I could "convert" the trailer. The alternative would be to install a new flat axle with two new hubs...assuming I can drill for the leaf springs

they also have axles without leaf springs... $52.99

the hub i think you explained (in your first post) is also listed here


if you can post pics this would help in finding the right parts for the job. they have used so many different axles and hubs over the years. deadstick

 

[sheldonbeswift]

Re: Boat trailer in need of repair

I'll try to post pics Sunday. Thanks everyone for the help.

 

[rbh]

Re: Boat trailer in need of repair

I did not see if your trailer was the style that the springs were bolted in with Ubolt hangers or the welded hanger variety (Didnt ask this question last week and got my butt kicked) If you decide to replace the complete axle assembly and you have the bolted on spring hangers make sure you measure frame to axle (left frame to right axle, right frame to left axle, cross ways) so the axle is alighned and is not side tracking.
rob

 

[sheldonbeswift]

Re: Boat trailer in need of repair

Mine is welded as far as I can remember...going to look at her and take measurements this weekend.

I'm not really clear on what you meant by left frame to right axle, right frame to left axle...I assume you know it's a single axle trailer so I'm not sure what you mean :shrug:

 

[rbh]

Re: Boat trailer in need of repair

you pick a equil spot on the left and the right frame, Usually the ends, and do a cross measurement to ensure that the axle is allighned equil, so it does not cross track when its being towed.
rob