Hubs 101: Only the front hubs are warm?

[109jb]

Re: Hubs 101: Only the front hubs are warm?

One more tidbit. Since we are talking about a leaf spring trailer that more than likely has the equalizers, the brakes should be on the rear axle for maximum braking effectiveness. Reason is because during braking the rotation of the axle with the brakes when braking causes the equalizer to rotate and in turn applies more weight to the rear axle. The front axle can become light enough to skid because of this. Actually, brakes on both axles is best but if only one axle has brakes then putting them on the rear is best.

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: Hubs 101: Only the front hubs are warm?

One more tidbit. Since we are talking about a leaf spring trailer that more than likely has the equalizers, the brakes should be on the rear axle for maximum braking effectiveness.

Agree. Thats what you usually and more important should see.

 

[woosterken]

Re: Hubs 101: Only the front hubs are warm?

Mach schnell,
here is a diagram to figure out how to get level............
hope this helps

woosterken

 

[Floatsum]

Re: Hubs 101: Only the front hubs are warm?

Measure trailer frame distance to ground between the axels.
Measure again behind hitch.
Difference is __________? (hitch higher or lower)

Wouldn't worry about the hubs. Sound perfect.

I would want that slightly (1-2") higher at the hitch if the fuel tanks are empty / boat stripped of gear (coolers, batterys, whatever else you may normally bring).

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Hubs 101: Only the front hubs are warm?

Up 2" with the ball, brakes on the warmer (but not hot) axle are no big issue.
Enjoy your boat.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Hubs 101: Only the front hubs are warm?

Quote:
Originally Posted by MachSchnell
Here's what I found by actually looking at what I've got:
Front axle has the brakes.
Rear axle has none.

There's your answer.

Yep, and the front axle will ALWAYS run hotter than the rear, if the brakes are working.

 

[767Captain]

Re: Hubs 101: Only the front hubs are warm?

Lot's of information... The easy way to check this is with an infrared thermometer. It's also the primary way to properly set tire pressure. I take hub temp / tire temp readings every time we stop on a long tow.

To properly set tire pressure: take temp readings on each tire at three points. Inner tread edge, center tread & outer tread edge. If the center reading is hotter than the outer edges, that tire's pressure is too high. If an outer edge is hotter than the center, the pressure is too low. Unless you have a perfectly balanced boat, you may well end up with a slightly different pressure in each tire. We check jet tires and wheels this way, as well as our diesel pusher motorhome.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Hubs 101: Only the front hubs are warm?

Good advice 767 Captain.
Another good use for the infra red.
I won't be checking my wheelbarrow that way though !!! LOL

 

[MachSchnell]

Re: Hubs 101: Only the front hubs are warm?

By the way. The attached picture shows a red arrow pointing to the suspension equalizer.

Beautiful diagram - VERY helpful.
That's exactly what my suspension system looks like. It has an equalizing interlink just like the one you've shown.

Mach schnell,
here is a diagram to figure out how to get level............
hope this helps

woosterken

That helps a lot, too. Thank you everyone for the superb assistance!