project completed

tgodiver

Seaman
Joined
Jun 27, 2002
Messages
54
I put new kodiak trailer discbrakes, new brakes lines, new actuator, new<br />backup solenoid on my trailer. Word of advice, make sure you you test the<br />wire lead for the backup solenoid on the towing vehicle. My towing socket<br />had a diagram for the backup lights, but when I tested it with a meter it as<br />not active so I had to tap into a wire on the backup lights. If I took the<br />wire for granted it would have ruined the brakes when backing up.<br /><br />I also replaced all the leaf springs with galvanized leaf springs as well.<br />The old bolts were very rusted and fused together with rust. Using sockets<br />and a long pipe bar, I got the leverage to free the bolts. Some I were able<br />to free, others just snapped from the stress of the torque. It didn't<br />matter since I replace all the mounting hardware as well.
 

harveycrew

Cadet
Joined
Nov 2, 2002
Messages
22
Re: project completed

I am looking into doing the same thing on my 26" trailer that has had prolonged saltwater use. What tools do I need and abouthow long does it take? What is the level of experience needed? Any special tools?
 

TOMMYM

Cadet
Joined
Dec 6, 2002
Messages
24
Re: project completed

Harveycrew, You are going to need some heavy duty sockets<br />1/2" drive, not 3/8",breaker bars, floor jack, <br />jack stands, an assortment of basic hand tools.<br /> And a lot of liquid wrench. If you have little<br />experience with this sort of work, I'd find someone who does to help out. No part of the job <br />is very difficult, but doing something wrong or<br />just at the wrong time, could result in SERIOUS <br />INJURY. From the wording of your post, you are not ready to do this alone........TOMMY :)
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,744
Re: project completed

A small torch to heat your rusty hardware will help. A bigger torch to cut off the old stuff will make it all a lot easier.
 

harveycrew

Cadet
Joined
Nov 2, 2002
Messages
22
Re: project completed

From talking to a few boaters around my area, the hardest part is deciding whether to shear or wrench the rusty bolts off. :confused: From the looks of things, I am going to replace all of the bolts below. Does anyone have or can you guide me to a step-by-step procedure manual? Any help or insight will be appreciated. I plan on documenting and photographing the procedure so I can provide help for the next guy/gal that tries this job.
 

BeenThere

Cadet
Joined
Jan 2, 2003
Messages
15
Re: project completed

I have found the best thing for removing rusted nuts and bolts is a good 4" cutoff grinder. When I have to work on the trailer and remove anything rusted, it's the only tool I bring out. Then I replace them with stainless steel.<br /><br />Don
 

harveycrew

Cadet
Joined
Nov 2, 2002
Messages
22
Re: project completed

Being new to the boating thing, I was told never to match SS with Galvanized. There is some sort of chemical reaction. Galvanize with Zinccoated or Zinccoated with SS but not Galvanized with SS. Is this true? :confused: How about Galvanized and Grade 5 bolts. Champion trailers sells these. My boat is mostly used in saltwater.
 

BeenThere

Cadet
Joined
Jan 2, 2003
Messages
15
Re: project completed

I've been replacing the hardware on my trailer with stainless since I got it, and have had no problems. That's been 7 years now :) <br /><br />Don
 
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