Repair or Replace a trailer?

[wgander]

Would you repair or replace a trailer?<br />My galvanized 1998 Escort (brakeless) trailer gets dunked in salt water twice a week. It's beginning to show some rust and I wonder what it's like in the places I can't see -like inside the frame. I've only had to replace one wheel bearing - too much grease in the Bearing Buddy forced the rear seal loose. If I keep it, I'll soon have to replace the springs, all the nuts and bolts, and the bunks. I can replace it for about $2000, including brakes. <br />What would you do?

 

[JB]

Re: Repair or Replace a trailer?

Bought a trailer like that once, Bill. Looked fine.<br /><br />Before I got it home (about 1500 miles) it had new springs, hubs, wheels, tires and lights. About $800 worth. The frame and axle were okay. That trip is one of my horror stories about boating. I sold it anyway. Couldn't bear to look at it.

 

[tommays]

Re: Repair or Replace a trailer?

i have more or less the same trailer and the frame tubes are open at the ends<br /><br />which allows you to get a good look inside and see if you hae any real problems going on<br /><br />tommays

 

[22trophy]

Re: Repair or Replace a trailer?

I also own an escort 1999 trailer. My trailer is in sound mechanical condition, with minor surface rust. I went thru the same thought process as you. I spent $600 on new bearings, and brakes. Hopefully I saved over $1500. I brought my trailer in to Aros trailer in El Cajon. Expensive, but through. Good luck.

 

[TTU_Guy]

Re: Repair or Replace a trailer?

I just bought a trailer from south Louisanna, no doubt it had been dunked in salt water. I inspected it and the rust seemed very minor but upon towing it to Dallas, one spring broke. Realize that the damage may be worse than it appears.