Need help fixing up this trailer.

[Steve91T]

Re: Need help fixing up this trailer.

From what I've read, it seems that I'm going to most likely have either 1500lb or 2000lb axles. I've found the empty weight of my boat is about 2975lbs. With gas and junk, I'll be closer to 3500 lbs. So, that's why I'm wondering how to tell the difference. If they are 1500lb axles, I've got to get new axles, if they are 2000lb, I'm fine.

The chart says "1-1/16 being common on 1500 - 2000# axles". Is there a way to tell the difference between 1500 and 2000 lb axles?

Again, I'm going to pull my bearings out today, but I'm not sure it's going to help me.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Steve91T]

Re: Need help fixing up this trailer.

My drum brakes are 8".

The axles themselves are 1.5". From what I've read, they are either 1500 lb or 1800 lb max.

I'm going to need new axles, aren't I?

 

[Steve91T]

Re: Need help fixing up this trailer.

Check this out. I'm going to do some measuring tomorrow and see if the sizes will work. Good price though, huh?

I just need to make sure brakes will work with those hubs.

http://abctrailerparts.com/traileraxles-tandem4k.html

 

[justchecking]

Re: Need help fixing up this trailer.

Good price, but I don't see the backing plate mounts for the brakes on those axles. Have you taken a wheel and drum off your old axle yet to see how it is set up? You may not need new axles.

I have electric brakes on one of my trailers and they work fine through water and rain. (Never had it in salt water though.)

You might be able to change your axles to over sprung if you need more clearance to the fenders (you would have to flip over the brakes also). As long as the boat launching wasn't affected. If it were me I would try to flip them over and get 13" tires (adding about 1.6" radius). The two should get you the trailer a little higher so it is better leveled behind your truck. Or it looks like you need a drop hitch on the truck.

Good deal on the trailer, though.

 

[Steve91T]

Re: Need help fixing up this trailer.

Good price, but I don't see the backing plate mounts for the brakes on those axles. Have you taken a wheel and drum off your old axle yet to see how it is set up? You may not need new axles.

I have electric brakes on one of my trailers and they work fine through water and rain. (Never had it in salt water though.)

You might be able to change your axles to over sprung if you need more clearance to the fenders (you would have to flip over the brakes also). As long as the boat launching wasn't affected. If it were me I would try to flip them over and get 13" tires (adding about 1.6" radius). The two should get you the trailer a little higher so it is better leveled behind your truck. Or it looks like you need a drop hitch on the truck.

Good deal on the trailer, though.

I haven't pulled a wheel yet. The front axle has small drum brakes. I think you are right, if I did a spring over, it would give me enough clearance to run 13" wheels, which would be nice. But I'm worried about the max weight of each axle. I really thought if the trailer is a tandem axle, it would hold at least 4000lbs total.

I think for now, I'll go with surge drum brakes to save money.

I'm thinking if I can replace all the wheels, tires, brakes, axles, springs, and winch stand, I'll have basically a brand new trailer for a grand total of about $1500. That's more than I wanted to spend, but it's still a lot better than spending about 1400 on a trailer that would need work.

About the height of the trailer to the truck. It looks a lot worse than it is because of my driveway. The truck was on the hill, and the boat wasn't, so that's why it looks bad. But another 2" of trailer height would be fine.

Any more opinions are welcome.
Thanks,
Steve

 

[NYBo]

Re: Need help fixing up this trailer.

You have 7" brakes (which will measure 8" outside diameter). Very slim pickings in that size (I've looked for them since I also have 12" wheels on my trailer). I think you can fit 10" brakes with 13" wheels, which will give you more options.