Does this seem right to you?

FelixDaKat

Cadet
Joined
Apr 20, 2023
Messages
17
I only have the thing a couple of months but I am not 100% sure I remember this but truth be told since I'm a total newbie it's probably been this way since I got it. It has always sounded quite clunky but I had no idea what it should actually sound like. Its only been used maybe 5-7 times since I got it. 2005 Four Winns trailer - the coupler moves a bit side to side, should it be moving this much if not how should I fix it?
 

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dave8311

Petty Officer 3rd Class
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Jun 6, 2022
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77
Never seen that before, and it doesn't look correct, too me.

Others may have a different opinion.
 

FelixDaKat

Cadet
Joined
Apr 20, 2023
Messages
17
To be clear the through bolts that are held in place with C clips appear to be rock solid
 

dave8311

Petty Officer 3rd Class
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Jun 6, 2022
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77
Is that a hydraulic surge brake system?

If so, that may be normal.

None of my boat trailers ever had brakes, so I'm not sure how they operate.
 

briangcc

Commander
Joined
Jul 10, 2012
Messages
2,360
Pretty sure mine did move a bit side to side. Not sure it was that much though.
 

Alumarine

Captain
Joined
Feb 22, 2005
Messages
3,733
Are you sure that's why it's clunking?
If the brake fluid reservoir is empty it will clunk a lot especially when braking or taking off from a stop.
 

froggy1150

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 3, 2017
Messages
843
Not normal. I would not trust it. I would get ahold of trailer mfg..... if still in business..... and get a spec
 

froggy1150

Master Chief Petty Officer
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Nov 3, 2017
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843
I looked at that several more times and can't tell what's going on. If I remember tomorrow I will vid mine
 

04fxdwgi25

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 25, 2022
Messages
537
Looks like the "bearings", which are plastic discs attached to the sides and top of the coupler insert, are badly worn or missing.

Which coupler is it? Should be stamped on it somewhere.

Or maybe someone replaced it with the wrong one....
 

jimmbo

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
13,446
It is badly Worn/Damaged. It is not difficult to replace, just make sure to get one that matchs the type of Brakes the Trailer has, Disk vs. Drum.
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
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49,538
looks like the plastic pads are missing.

parts are available.
 

FelixDaKat

Cadet
Joined
Apr 20, 2023
Messages
17
Looks like the "bearings", which are plastic discs attached to the sides and top of the coupler insert, are badly worn or missing.

Which coupler is it? Should be stamped on it somewhere.

Or maybe someone replaced it with the wrong one.
looks like the plastic pads are missing.

parts are available.
It is badly Worn/Damaged. It is not difficult to replace, just make sure to get one that matchs the type of Brakes the Trailer has, Disk vs. Drum.
I see the movement in these two bolts. The larger one is easy enough to reach but the smaller one in the back, not so much.
 

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bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
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Mar 5, 2006
Messages
30,537
That's not correct and may or not be cause of all of your clunking. Personally, if you have a 2005 TieDown surge brake actuator, be glad you got that much life out of it.
 

04fxdwgi25

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 25, 2022
Messages
537
I see the movement in these two bolts. The larger one is easy enough to reach but the smaller one in the back, not so much.
The actuator module (part that connects to the trailer hitch) is removed from the frame by disconnecting the brake line the knocking out the 2 through pins on the side. It should just slide out, but be aware, without the pins holding everything in, parts will fall out when the insert is removed.

The manual is essential to have on hand if you don't know these units.

Little trick: when I assemble / disassemble, I use a 3/4" wood dowel, cut to fit inside the frame, but replace the steel pin on the inside. Holds everything aligned when re-assembling. Push wood dowel out with the steel pin. Easy Peasy.
 
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