New (to me) trailer

[jkcyranoski]

I recently purchased a trailer for my boat. It is about 5 years old, has roughly 400 miles on it. The previous owner had it sitting in his yard (with no boat on it) for 2 years before selling it to me.

My question is, should I be worried about the bearings? What should I do to make sure they are OK? Anything else you would worry about?

Any input is appreciated!

 

[bigcathunter]

Re: New (to me) trailer

If a trailer has been sitting that long unused the bearing and races probably are flat spotted and should be replaced.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: New (to me) trailer

Flat spotted ?? That is a new one on me for a trailer that has not been loaded........

Just re-pack your bearings. It will give you the chance to inspect the bearings and hubs. I would be more concerned about tire rot from the weather and the condition of the wiring. I would also re-do every bulb and ground.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: New (to me) trailer

Pop the wheels off the ground, spin them and see if you can feel or hear anything gritty or noisy.
At the very least pull the bearings and re-pack them, might not be a bad idea to just put in new ones. Lots depends on how they look. At least trailer was unloaded. Might want to carefully inspect the tires for rot, too.
Test the lights- lots of times corrosion or critters get at the wiring.
Overall how is the metal? Look solid? Springs seem okay?
Stuff like that.

 

[wyldthng]

Re: New (to me) trailer

I bought a 1967 merc-cruiser with matching trailer-18ft 120hp -- my first in my 56years-- a great BIG blue boat---400 miles to home SUNDAY-- made it 150 miles when left rear wheelbearings went totally out--when I jacked up the trailer the tire -wheel and hub came off in my hands-- thank the almighty it did not take a trip of its own to on comming traffic--- I am in Montana so luckely a ranchers access was about a mile up the way-- I did not have any tools-- what to do--- i just got a cell phone I think I am the last person to get one of all i know-- called 911 for the state patrol and a nice kid of about 22 came to assist- he is a boat guy with a restored 64 cris craft--- he told me he and the night time patrol would keep an eye on her for the night--o- I went to Bozeman-- wife and lab and me-- couldnt get all the parts-- spent the nite-- got rolling next day-- about 100 more miles and right rear trailer tire blows up-- I have a spare-- back on road then home--- my sincere advise to any one who deals with trailers isl--- GREASE BEFORE U GO--- this happened to me -gambled and lost- however I am a good Mech-- got the big boat in the shop now with all new bearings seals and tires-- thanks for reading ---- keep en rollin