Trailer Maintence

[jsz]

I check all brake parts ever since Tall Tige Guy mentioned some of his brake parts coming loose.

[Domsz06]

what do you mean by trailer brake parts coming loose?

[Razzman]

It's impossible for brake parts to come loose (assuming we're talking surge drum brakes) unless something is broken or just plain worn out, generally the springs. The return springs can wear out from use over time and either not return completely or break which will allow the shoes to not completely retract when pressure is released. note: If your brakes are not adjusted correctly (loose) the springs will be forced to stretch further and this will also prematurely wear them out

The adjuster spring can break or fall out under those same conditions as well and allow the shoes to push out. Either one of these scenarios will look like things are loose. In this scenario the wheel cylinder plungers can actually fall out if conditions are just right (not good). Mind you these are extreme circumstances and all are usually caused by lack of maintenance.

To prevent any of this usually requires nothing more than annual maintenance. When checking the bearings and seals adjust the brakes and check all parts to include the wheel cyclinders, it's an easy process and if anyone wants to know how just ask. I spent fifteen years as a front end and brake mechanic so i think i got this one!

[Domsz06]

yeah, i was thinking the same thing razz,

Thanks for clarifying!!

[chpthril]

Check wheel lug torque

[Domsz06]

good call, I tend to do that every few weeks

[Coop]

Re the carpet on the bunks, I once read that the carpet will last longer if you let it soak a little in the water (and cool down) before loading. Seems to make sense.

[Domsz06]

that's a great idea. I tend to do that, since I don't hurry on to the trailer, but I'll make a mental note of that! thanks.

[Coop]

Yeah, mine usually soak a while too while I run (usually in 100+ temps) from the truck to the boat to drive it on. Goal for this season: to get my wife comfortable backing the trailer (or to get me comfortable with her driving the boat on to the trailer). Either way, can't wait to get out . . .

[Domsz06]

good goal! good luck!

[xpjim1]

Goal for this season: to get my wife comfortable backing the trailer (or to get me comfortable with her driving the boat on to the trailer). Either way, can't wait to get out . . .

I have that goal every year and fail.

[jsz]

what do you mean by trailer brake parts coming loose?

I'm not sure of the threads name but talltigeguy wrote about some of his parts coming loose. It was a while ago and I think it had pics.

Where are you talltigeguy? Maybe you could shed some light here.

[chpthril]

I remembered this the other day but forgot to post. How many of you carry a tire plug kit when you trailer? I started a few years back when I picked up a nail on the way to the lake. Luckily we stopped for gas and I heard it leaking.

[Domsz06]

never even thought of keeping one of those in my kit. Just figured I'd replace the tire with the spare.

[sagmanaur]

I do recommend checking your bunks, I usually check everytime I get the truck to load the boat... a few years ago, on my old Ski Centurion, 1 of the bunks came loose without me knowing about it, and when I loaded the boat the bunk "floated" off-line, and I almost put the metal bunk support right thru my hull. That would have been very BAD!

Just looking at the wear over the last 3 years, it seems like it would be a 5 year maintenance item to replace the carpeting, and check the boards for rot.

That's my .02