Trailering Newbie Question

[buddsy]

Looking for feedback - I just bought a 93 bayliner trophy 2002 that had an escort single axel trailer. Little did I know but what I assume are the brakes (After pulling the hubs) are totally rusted out as are all of the bolts etc.............
Looking for opinions - Do I need them replaced?
Once I get this to the Boat Yard/Marina (1 hour drive) it is only going to be towed 50 yards to the boat dock and back and that's it I intend on keeping it there for the forseeable future.........I know it is being cheap but being new didn't know what was best - Thanks

 

[wifisher]

Re: Trailering Newbie Question

What is the weight of the boat/trailer, and what are you towing with?

With a single axle trailer, I am assuming it will be fairly light. If it were mine, I would probably not fix the brakes. When it is at the marina and not getting any miles, the new brakes would rot away anyway. The only issue is the hour to get there. With a heavy tow vehicle, I would go with no trailer brakes. Also consider the traffic that you are driving through. Is it all on the highway, through town, back roads etc. Plan your trip so that you do not need the brakes much, and slow down a little. You can also go at a time of day when there is little(less) other traffic to deal with.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Trailering Newbie Question

I'm just guessing here but I would bet that the axle is a 3500# capacity or less. More likely a 2000#. Of which many trailers of that weight do not have brakes and perform well just need to be teamed up with a vehicle capable of slowing and stopping it.

While the trailer is setting empty you could always just have the whole brake system removed in which case you may need to replace the hubs.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Trailering Newbie Question

Just remember that if you pull a trailer without breaks, you want to do everything possible to only break whilst traveling straight, not in turns. Breaking in a turn can result in a jackknife as the trailer will want to keep pushing and if your in a turn it will want to make your rear tires break contact with the pavement and push the tow vehicle sideways.

 

[sw33ttooth]

Re: Trailering Newbie Question

Just remember that if you pull a trailer without breaks, you want to do everything possible to only break whilst traveling straight, not in turns. Breaking in a turn can result in a jackknife as the trailer will want to keep pushing and if your in a turn it will want to make your rear tires break contact with the pavement and push the tow vehicle sideways.

aye to that but braking on a turn even with trailer brakes isnt always helpfull seen a semi few weeks ago take out a car wet road slamed on his brakes on a crownd road he was on the top side, trailer slid down took out the car ahead of me i was luckly 30 feet behind the other car. just remember your trailer is not capable of stopping on a dime and often if tried ends in disaster as your trailer and vehical will aburptly sway and stagger add in some wind, water, or obsiticals and your in big trouble.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Trailering Newbie Question

See what the laws pertaining to what needs brakes and what doesnt.some states don't until the trailer gross weight (on Label) reaches a certian point. If you get involved in a accident your fault or not and trailer was supposed to have brakes it will be your fault.