Old trailer questions

[jmmacky]

Hello,

After getting some great help on my boat resto I thought I would post this here and see if anyone can help! I have just got the boat off the trailer for painting so thought I would repair the trailer at the same time.

The trailer tows really nicely but the brakes don't work at all (as I found out coming up to some traffic lights!). I tow it with an Audi Allroad, which does the job fine but the trailer needs good braking. The problem is with the coupler I think as I can depress it by hand and it doesn't spring back so I am going to replace that whole unit. The suspension seems to be completely rusted solid so I was planning on changing all the units to replace them with new braked suspension units. But on closer inspection I have found that the current ones disappear straight inside the axle and aren't bolted onto it as I expected.

I'm not sure how they are attached as there are no bolts underneath holding them into the axle at all. I presume they must go all the way through to the other side? Does this mean that the whole axle has to be changed? I have some DIY skills and can give most things a go if I have some instructions but have no welding knowledge/experience. Would this be a job better passed over to a professional?

The chassis is galvanised and in good condition. Some of the brackets/fixings are a bit rusty so I'll clean them up. Was thinking I might paint the whole thing so it looks as good as I am hoping the boat will. I've removed the old bunks and am going to put new ones on and am planning on fitting it with submersible lights, which will hopefully be a lot better than just a lightboard and reflectors.

Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions.

 

[jmmacky]

Re: Old trailer questions

Also going to fit a new jockey wheel and winch. I want this trailer to be in top condition as the last thing I want is a problem with it after all the work I have put into the boat! The mud guards were broken and held together with tape. I am half way through fixing them by glassing the insides with stitch matt to give them strength and filling the outside to make them smooth. I think I'll then paint them to match the boat.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Old trailer questions

That is called a torsion axle. There is basically a huge piece of rubber or spring steel that connected the swing arms to the tubes. You should just be able to replace the backing plates and drums and not mess with the swingarm/spindles

 

[jmmacky]

Re: Old trailer questions

The bolt that can be seen in the 4th picture is holding the axle to the trailer chassis and not involved in the suspension unit.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Old trailer questions

You can see that galvanized trailers rarely completely wear out. But the axles and brake parts can rust badly.

When I need answers on trailers, I go to the internet--specifically ChampionTrailers.com.

You might consider one of Champion's tandem axle kits with brakes as the easiest way to solve your problem--switching from torsion axles to regular straight axles and leaf springs. The old parts can be easily be removed by a 4 1/2" angle grinder with a cutoff wheel.

 

[jmmacky]

Re: Old trailer questions

Thanks for the replies Bamaman and Oldjeep. I think I will get someone to look at the axles for me and then try to do the rest of the work myself. I will post further updates as I go. Cheers

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Old trailer questions

If you boat in saltwater do yourself a favor and go with torsion axles. They are zero maintenance, the springs dont rust out every two years. Just a better package overall.

 

[jmmacky]

Re: Old trailer questions

I'm sorry I haven't posted progress photos but have just been working on the trailer when I can't do anything with the boat and the weather has allowed. So thought I'd post pictures of the trailer now it's finished if anyone is interested and as thanks for the previous advice given.

I took everything off the trailer and cleaned with a wire wheel on my angle grinder and a wire brush in places I couldn't get at with the angle grinder. Parts of the galvanised chassis had started to rust so it was worth doing. All galvanised metal I primed with hammerite special metals primer and then everything got 2 coats of hammerite metal paint. The wheels got the same treatment.

The old mudguards were completely ruined and held together with tape and sealant. I sanded these down and re-glassed on the inside. I used my own PB style filler on the outside of them and then painted them with the same system i'm using on the boat. I fitted a new jockey wheel and submersible LED lights. There are 2 tail lights, 2 number plate lights and 2 marker lights on each side. The lights are made by autolamps and supplied by towingandtrailers.co.uk in the UK. I added a couple of reflectors onto the mudguards and triangular rear reflector on the back of the trailer (legal requirement). Also a new winch strap and bolt holding it on. All bolts are marine grade stainless steel. I fitted new bunks made from pressure treated wood which I covered in outdoor carpet that is stapled in place using stainless steel staples.

I was worried about the brakes etc but I got a trailer mechanic to come and have a look who was able to fix them so fortunately I didn't need to buy whole new parts, just wheel bearings etc. I decided it was worth spending a bit of extra money to get a professional to do this so I know it's safe! The only thing not added yet is the spare wheel - the holes for a the holder are drilled but I didn't have any long enough ss bolts so these are ordered. It will be fitted at the front onto the diagonal A-frame part.

 

[jmmacky]

Re: Old trailer questions

I have a couple of photos to prove the lights work! These were taken a few weeks ago before the rest of the trailer was complete.

I don't know what you guys think but I'm really pleased with the way the trailer looks now. Hopefully it will complement the boat which is nearing completion of the painting stage and can go back on the trailer where it belongs! Thanks again to those that previously gave me their advice.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Old trailer questions

It looks wonderful.

Seeing the quality of work you do, I imagine the boat will look just as well, and you will have a fine looking rig in no time.

 

[TregoMark]

Re: Old trailer questions

Nice job! Restoring a trailer can be more difficult than it looks.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Old trailer questions

Real nice work indeed.