Broke down out of town.

[Bigskyboat]

Ok guys, here’s the deal. I had my bearings packed in May by my local tire shop, maybe put 150 miles on them since. Went on vacation with the family this last week with the boat (about 800 miles round trip) and checked the tires and rims at different stops to make sure nothing was heating up, all was good. On the way home with no warning the wheel fell off. I drug the trailer probably 250-300 ft. Boat was secure and no damage done to boat. Spindle is shot. Not sure about the axle. My hunch is when my trailer got serviced the lynch pin did not get put back in, but that’s not the point. Where I broke down at the mechanic is telling me it’s going to be over 1000$ to repair the damage. I’ve looked up spindle prices and entire axles and that seems like a very high estimate. The boat is a 1997 1750 crestliner sport fish I/0 with a spartan trailer. Any input would be great. Thank you.

 

[jimmbo]

Are you a AAA member? If so, see what they will charge to take it somewhere you think won't gouge you as much.

 

[Bigskyboat]

Are you a AAA member? If so, see what they will charge to take it somewhere you think won't gouge you as much.

I live in Montana. I have boat insurance, no AAA. My insurance will cover $1,000 on the trailer, but anything over that they will total the trailer. We don’t want that because we can’t buy a trailer for $1,000. And if they total it we can’t insure it again. But my real question is, from what I have stated in the previous post is, is this to much money or fair. Unless I’m missing something, a entire new axle shouldn’t cost over $1,000 for my single axle trailer. Right? Thank you

 

[jimmbo]

Depends on the Axle, also who sells/supply's it, and who installs it.
I know Harbour Freight sells a bunch of Axles, but whether or not they are usable for a Boat Trailer, I have no idea.

As to not filing a Claim, cause they won't insure the new one.... So you just keep on paying but never make a Claim, why bother insuring it in the 1st Place?

 

[Bigskyboat]

Depends on the Axle, also who sells/supply's it, and who installs it.
I know Harbour Freight sells a bunch of Axles, but whether or not they are usable for a Boat Trailer, I have no idea.

As to not filing a Claim, cause they won't insure the new one.... So you just keep on paying but never make a Claim, why bother insuring it in the 1st Place?

We have filed a claim, insurance paid for the $570 tow into the town, but our insurance will only pay up to $1,000 for trailer repairs. If it’s more than $1,000 they will total the trailer and give us the $1,000 dollars. But I don’t think we are going to find another trailer for that kind of money.

 

[jimmbo]

you probably need about a 2800lb trailer, and yeah you are unlikely to find a new one for a G-note.
Take a good look at the Spindle, you might get away with new Bearings and Hub. But there a possibility that Spindle is now not straight with regard to the Axle.

What make is the trailer? Does it have Brakes?

 

[Bigskyboat]

you probably need about a 2800lb trailer, and yeah you are unlikely to find a new one for a G-note.
Take a good look at the Spindle, you might get away with new Bearings and Hub. But there a possibility that Spindle is now not straight with regard to the Axle.

What make is the trailer? Does it have Brakes?

 

[Bigskyboat]

It is a Spartan trailer. No brakes

 

[jimmbo]

With no Brakes it really isn't too much work to replace, barring rusted bolts. Having the boat on it doesn't help but it really isn't too hard.
I think the place where you currently have it, think they have you by the Short & Curlies and are gouging. Insurance Adjusters aren't stupid, and they have a pretty good clue as to what things should cost

 

[Bigskyboat]

That’s what I thought. I just wanted another opinion. I think I’ll call another place today to get a second opinion. And if all else fails, I’ll borrow a flatbed tilt trailer and go get it myself.

 

[Bigskyboat]

That’s what I thought. I just wanted another opinion. I think I’ll call another place today to get a second opinion. And if all else fails, I’ll borrow a flatbed tilt trailer and go get it myself.

Then I can at least have someone I know and trust look at it and shoot me a repair price.

 

[Lou C]

If they total the trailer can you find a different company to insure it? A single axle can cost anywhere from 350-450 plus installation. I just paid $445 for a custom 2x3 galvanized drop axle 6,000 lb capacity & installed it myself back in September…

 

[briangcc]

Is there a Tractor Supply or other home/farm store nearby? Because they sell axles as well. May be worth a trip if you know the measurements.

 

[Lou C]

You’ll need to know hub face to hub face and spring center to spring center if it’s a leaf spring axle. If you’re in freshwater & don’t need a galvanized axle it will be easier to find.

 

[Bigskyboat]

If they total the trailer can you find a different company to insure it? A single axle can cost anywhere from 350-450 plus installation. I just paid $445 for a custom 2x3 galvanized drop axle 6,000 lb capacity & installed it myself back in September…

Not sure if it can ever be insured again after being totaled. I will definitely look into it.

 

[Bigskyboat]

Is there a Tractor Supply or other home/farm store nearby? Because they sell axles as well. May be worth a trip if you know the measurements.

I have a couple other people that are going to look at it so hopefully their quotes are a little more affordable. I would think a new axle (if it needs one) would be able to be bought and installed by the repairman for $1,000 or under. I guess I’ll find out. Supposed to have another quote from a guy tomorrow.

 

[roscoe]

HAVE YOUR TRUSTED REPAIR GUY WRITE UP AN ESTIMATE FOR $800.

GET THE $800 FROM THE INSURANCE CO, THEN COVER ANY OVERAGES OUT OF YOUR OWN POCKET.

 

[Scott Danforth]

for the $1000 bill

you are only paying about $200-$300 for the axle.
then about $20-$50 in mounting hardware
about $100-200 in expedited freight because the axle will not be stocked and you are broke down now and cant wait a week
and about 4 hours worth of labor at shop rate which will be between $100/hr and $125 per hour

easy $1k plus

or do the work yourself.

 

[Bigskyboat]

HAVE YOUR TRUSTED REPAIR GUY WRITE UP AN ESTIMATE FOR $800.

GET THE $800 FROM THE INSURANCE CO, THEN COVER ANY OVERAGES OUT OF YOUR OWN POCKET.

That is a really great idea. Thank you

 

[Bigskyboat]

Still waiting on a quote. I’ll call again tomorrow and hopefully they will have a quote. I’m very close to going and getting it with a trailer. It would just be so nice if they could fix it and I could go get it and it would be done