Trailer broke again, time for a new one or just keep fixing it?

[adam7]

Re: Trailer broke again, time for a new one or just keep fixing it?

You should consider keeping the hubs, at least the other side, for a spare.

Thats a really good idea.

 

[Art Bernard]

Re: Trailer broke again, time for a new one or just keep fixing it?

If your running in salt, I say can it and get an aluminum trailer. I had similar problems with my original trailer, one thing after another with it so I saved up and got me a nice alum trailer and have had no probs since. I took the old trailer, cut it down some, fixed the rusted stuff and put a deck on it. It now serves as a real nice hauler for my mower and whatever else Bear in mind though an alum trailer will prolly float on you, but it's not that big an issue to deal with.

Art

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Trailer broke again, time for a new one or just keep fixing it?

Thats a really good idea.

Actually an even better idea somebody here pointed out, if the other spindle is in better shape you can cut it off and bolt it onto your trailer and you'll even have a nice place to store that extra spindle.

 

[KC4YIN]

Re: Trailer broke again, time for a new one or just keep fixing it?

One thing has not been mentioned here. Judging by the picture, the boat appears to be hanging a good 12 to 18 inches off the end of the trailer. Are we sure that's the proper size and load capacity for the boat?

 

[adam7]

Re: Trailer broke again, time for a new one or just keep fixing it?

One thing has not been mentioned here. Judging by the picture, the boat appears to be hanging a good 12 to 18 inches off the end of the trailer. Are we sure that's the proper size and load capacity for the boat?

I have often wondered that myself. I got some transom straps to secure it to the trailer and they were too short which was my first clue. I guess these are the things you deal with when buying your first boat, used, off of craigslist

 

[hungupthespikes]

Re: Trailer broke again, time for a new one or just keep fixing it?

If the insurance company will total it out, then get a new one. You will never trust that trailer again. If just for the peace of mind the extra money is worth it.
That's a great boat and the trailer should be the least of your worries over the years to come with that boat.

 

[KC4YIN]

Re: Trailer broke again, time for a new one or just keep fixing it?

Look around at other boats and see if the majority are sitting on the trailers with the transom at least even with the end of the trailer to support the transom as well. Also take a look at the I.D. tag somwhere on the trailer and it will tell you the capacity of the trailer. Then compare that to the weight of your boat fully loaded. Mine is a little off the back end too. That's how I started to notice these things. Please let us know what you find out.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Trailer broke again, time for a new one or just keep fixing it?

Yeah What KC4YIN posted.
that trailer is not supporting the transom what so ever.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Trailer broke again, time for a new one or just keep fixing it?

Wow, Assuming even just a 2000 lb axle, I wonder what the working load is on those hose clamps.

No problems, the plastic tie wraps are there to back them up.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Trailer broke again, time for a new one or just keep fixing it?

One thing has not been mentioned here. Judging by the picture, the boat appears to be hanging a good 12 to 18 inches off the end of the trailer. Are we sure that's the proper size and load capacity for the boat?

Sure looks like the bunks are just about under the transom to me.

A thousand bucks to replace the axle and springs is highway robbery, IMO.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Trailer broke again, time for a new one or just keep fixing it?

A brand new aluminum trailer might be cheaper than you think. I think one for my boat would only be like $1800. Yours would obviously be more but worth it salt.

 

[adam7]

Re: Trailer broke again, time for a new one or just keep fixing it?

$1695 for a refurbished aluminum one. New are starting at $2400 from the only guy in town with any in stock.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Trailer broke again, time for a new one or just keep fixing it?

$1695 for a refurbished aluminum one. New are starting at $2400 from the only guy in town with any in stock.

Might be worth it to drive out of town. I'm just glad I only have to deal with road salt!


If the going rate in SC to repair/replace a trailer axle is $1000.00 then I'm in the wrong business as from what I posted as prices earlier. From my POV they either do not really want to do the job or they are looking for an early retirement! Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with some one making a profit but this is unreal.

Just for an example from my location. I just purchased a used 1997 Spartan R16 roller trailer in working condition for $200.00. The only thing that I have found wrong with it is it needed to be rewired, the bow stop was weathered badly and some one painted it a funky drab brown. Pulled both hubs also and found one seal worn and leaking, bearings looked new.

Also just recently I'd seen a 20' EZ Loader here on CL for $400.00 or BO!

Best wishes in your quest for a repair or replacement.

 

[adam7]

Re: Trailer broke again, time for a new one or just keep fixing it?

To be fair, its an axle, two leaf springs, a wheel, a new tire, and all the hardware to put it together. Still seems like a lot of money, but I feel like I'm stuck because the boat has been in his parking lot since Sunday now and I've always felt like he dealt with me straight before. I don't think I can just go tell him "Thanks for letting me leave this eyesore at your place of business for a week, but I'm just going to bring some tools over here and fix it myself". I'd have to kick my own *** for that.

 

[wifisher]

Re: Trailer broke again, time for a new one or just keep fixing it?

To be fair, its an axle, two leaf springs, a wheel, a new tire, and all the hardware to put it together. Still seems like a lot of money, but I feel like I'm stuck because the boat has been in his parking lot since Sunday now and I've always felt like he dealt with me straight before. I don't think I can just go tell him "Thanks for letting me leave this eyesore at your place of business for a week, but I'm just going to bring some tools over here and fix it myself". I'd have to kick my own *** for that.

Yes, it has been in his lot for a week, but IMO he is trying to take advantage of somebody that he feels has no option. For $1k I would drag it home on the frame and do it myself if he is not willing to let you do it there. It is only a 4 hour job at the most. And that is allowing for every possible problem, and an incompetent mechanic. $300 for parts, and $300 for labor is only $600 total, and that would even be a rip off IMO.

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Trailer broke again, time for a new one or just keep fixing it?

Is your insurance going to cover anything? I highly doubt they'd pay $1K for an axle repair but you never know. Show him a printout from abctrailerparts for materials and see if he changes his tune.

I second Wifisher, I hate to harp on it but I hate to see a guy get screwed that badly and the only person who should feel awkward is the shop.

........If you feel bad throw him $100 for storage. In reality it's only $150 for ALL parts and $75 for the wheel/tire. As for labor, at most 4 bolts hold on the springs and 4 U Bolts hold the axle to those springs (4 nuts to take off, 12 total nuts to put on), and then 10 lug nuts, and you're done. Add a tow truck for $100 and you're $575 ahead.

 

[RIDEPATE]

Re: Trailer broke again, time for a new one or just keep fixing it?

Call a roll-back and get it outta there.

 

[KC4YIN]

Re: Trailer broke again, time for a new one or just keep fixing it?

Call a roll-back and get it outta there.[/QUOTE]

Yes. What RIDEPATE said. A roll back wrecker just charged my aunt $ 100.00 to take her car where ever she wanted it taken.

 

[rubinjames]

Re: Trailer broke again, time for a new one or just keep fixing it?

Looks like you are in salt or brackish water. Go get a Slide-on Aluminum Trailer by Owens and Sons, St.Pete,Fl.
There is none better. You could cause an accident with that trailer you have.

 

[Snowfish]

Re: Trailer broke again, time for a new one or just keep fixing it?

Switching out the axle is a 20 minute job!.

Next time, that I need an axle swapped, I'd gladly pay you a dollar a minute. $20.00 no more. Maybe $25 if you detail the boat. Should only take 5 extra minutes.