Trailer adjustments

[travism]

I recently bought a used 2002 24' express cruiser with a Magic Tilt galvanized dual axle trailer, surge drum brakes on one axle. The previous owner had it sitting around a lot so I wanted to get the trailer checked out over the winter. I don't tow long distances, so I'm not looking to do a complete overhaul, just want to make sure what I have is working properly. <br /><br />I know I want to get the tongue weight verified (had some swaying when bringing her home), get the brake system checked out, and repack the bearings. Anything else that I should ask to have checked out? I'm assuming I go to a truck stop to get the boat and trailer weighed for the tongue weight? And for adjusting the axles to get the correct tongue weight, can this be done with the boat on the trailer? Lastly, this is too important for me to try to figure it out on my own, so I was going to have the work done by a mechanic. Is it best to take it to a marine mechanic or to a general trailer shop?<br /><br />Sorry for so many questions. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[neumanns]

Re: Trailer adjustments

Hopefully others will be along to help with the rest of your questions but many times you can also adjust the riser your winch is mounted to to adjust tounge weight. Also perhaps you could consider a "trailer shop" for your needs.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Trailer adjustments

I know I want to get the tongue weight verified

To get my trailer weighed I went to the local recycling center. Cost $5.00. <br /><br />Load the boat as you normally do with fuel, water, etc. Drive past the scale so only the trailer wheels are on it & get it weighed. Then put the trailer tongue jack down and uncouple the tow vehicle and have it weighed again. This is the boat & trailer weight. Subtract the first weight from this figure and you have the tongue weight which should be between 5% and 7% of the total boat and trailer weight. Get the boat positioned correctly on the trailer first. The transom must be supported by the bunks or rollers.<br /><br />

And for adjusting the axles to get the correct tongue weight, can this be done with the boat on the trailer?

Yes, it's a little more difficult to jack the trailer up with the boat on it and get to the U bolts but it can be done. I'm assuming your axle(s) are bolted, not welded.<br /><br />

Is it best to take it to a marine mechanic or to a general trailer shop?

It doesn't matter, an RV shop is another option. Make sure they use the 5%-7% tongue weight, RV and utility trailers are usually set higher.<br /><br />The more you learn about your trailer the better off you will be. I once found it necessary to jack up the trailer and remove all the brake components from one wheel and disable the other side just to get the boat home so I could do a full repair. They had rusted and locked up.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Trailer adjustments

Any good trailer manufacturer will check the setup - doesn't need to be marine specific. Do you have load sharing springs or slippers? What were you towing with?<br /><br />Aldo

 

[djvan]

Re: Trailer adjustments

Once you get the entire package weighed you can adjust your axle at home using a bathroon scale(with a block of wood to protect the scale) to adjust tongue weight, after repositioning the axle put the jack on the scale. If you are going to do this yourself be sure to move the axle equal amounts on both sides.<br /><br /><br />HTH's<br /><br />DougV>

 

[travism]

Re: Trailer adjustments

Thanks for all the replies. It looks like I have more options than I thought on where to take it to be weighed and serviced. I like the boat's position on the trailer as is, so I'd rather not adjust with the winch stand. Dunaruna, I don't know about "load sharing springs or slippers" but any extra info you give me would be appreciated and I'll check it out. Maybe I'll try to get the tongue weight adjusted on my own but the brakes are definately being checked over by a professional.<br />I know I also need to get a jack for the trailer in case of a flat tire. I'm guessing boat and trailer weigh close to 8,000 lbs. Can anyone recommend a jack for me? Or can I just use the jack that came with the truck? Thanks.

 

[djvan]

Re: Trailer adjustments

Try the jack from the truck it may work. Keep in mind that the jack must go low enough (for when the tire is flat). Then high enough to put on the spare. I once made the mistake of hauling a jack around that would not go low enough, guess when I found out. HA<br /><br />DougV>

 

[rwidman]

Re: Trailer adjustments

I use an inexpensive 6 ton bottle jack from Sears. Cut two or three pieces of 2X8 lumber about 8" long to put under the jack to keep it from sinking into dirt and to raise the jack if needed. If the jack won't go low enough you can drive the wheel onto the lumber.<br /><br />Make sure you have a lug wrench to fit the trailer lugs!

 

[travism]

Re: Trailer adjustments

Thanks again for the replies.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Trailer adjustments

Slipper springs.<br /><br />

<br /><br />Load sharing springs.<br /><br />

<br /><br />Maybe you guys have different names for them.<br /><br />Aldo