Trailer Service Question

[Fish_on_fly]

Anyone know a trailer expert in the South Shore MA area (Plymouth/Kingston)? Bought a boat that came with a trailer that I’d like to have checked out for safety (Bearings, springs, etc.)

It amazes me that cars have to be inspected by trailers do not.
Thanks

[Quicksilver]

Dartmouth, MA too far ?

[Mark Cahill]

Should have someone that can do the basics...

I've used the old place in Manomet before...brain cramp begins with a G, sells coffee and ice cream, but I haven't been there since the mid-eighties. It's probably a Starbucks now...

(actually all I had them do was replace the bearings and repack).

Assuming it's a small trailer, you'll want the bearing replaced and repacked, you'll want to have them check over the general health of the frame, welds, electrical system, etc.

Tires will also have to be checked. If they are cracked on the sidewalls, they are junk...if you need to buy one, buy two and keep the good old tire as a spare...you definitely want a spare. Buy a mount from Overton's for it and mount it right on the trailer frame. Also, put a lock on the tire so it stays on the trailer.

Checking the rollers would really require removing it from the trailer. I need to do that this season, as a couple are definitely in poor shape (read: split and no longer rolling). This is one thing you might not get the local shop to do, but just about anyone can replace a roller - it usually only takes a hammer to put a cap on the end of the roller axle.

Checking, and even replacing the wiring is also very easy. But you have to have a tester, and someone to work with you. I use a high grade wire, and each connection is soldered, coated with liquid tape, then shrink wrapped (remember to put the shrink wrap on before you solder).

Many like to go with a light bar instead of attaching the lights to the trailer, but I still use the trailer.

Holddowns, bow chain, etc. are pretty easy to check. If they look bad, they are.

Oh, don't forget that you need a jack that can lift the boat and trailer and a lug nut wrench that can fit it. You'd be amazed the number of people that don't carry these...

[Fish_on_fly]

Thanks Mark,
that's good advice.

[Mark Cahill]

It is driving me nuts that I can't remember it...

[Fish_on_fly]

is it GELLARS INC SERVICE STATION
MANOMET, MA 02345
(508) 224-2427

I looked up service stations in Manomet

[Mark Cahill]

I remember in the mid-eighties watching a guy get stuck on White Horse Beach in the middle of the winter. Churchill's came down and got three of their trucks stuck. Gellar's had to come down with their old Mac Bulldog tow truck and it pulled all 4 vehicles out.

I forgot to mention before, don't neglect checking the tow hitch on the truck and the safety chains. Also, I keep my trailer hitch locked with a latch lock at all times, especially when I am towing it...I hate surprises...

[InLancaster]

It is smart to carry a spare hub and bearings with you. had one fry om me om a Sunday evening on the way home from Newburyport. I had to leave the boat on the highway, and go hunting for a new hub and bearings. I found them, and bought 2!!!!! Ya never know..............

[Mark Cahill]

When I have mine replaced, I keep the old ones in a plastic bag with my trailering kit just in case. New would be better, but since I'm an old yankee, I'm a little frugal. Then at least I have one if I get stuck, although I'll admit I don't know how to change them myself ( but I'm told it isn't that hard if you have the tools).

[PeteV]

Mark, I'm in the process now of trying to learn how to change the Hubs & bearings. Although I'm not mechanicly inclined I feel it can't be that hard a thing. I think it would be too much of a pain in the rear if I had meltdown on the Highway and I had to abandon the trailer to search for help.
I figure it can't be much tougher than changing a spare tire.

So to help manage that risk I'm trying to learn how to do it ...just in case.

[Fish_on_fly]

PeteV,
Like you, I would prefer to do this myself.

If you find a good "how to" resource for maintaining/replacing hubs and bearings, please let me know. Also, do you know of a good check to determine if springs should be replaced?

I am almost mechanically inclinded, but always willing to take something apart and attempt to put it back together.

Thanks again
-Mark

[PeteV]

Nope but these are exactly the types of things I'm looking at.

This is probably another urban myth but one of my friends suggested an easy check for the hubs. He recommended that after you tow the trailer to place your hand on the hub. If the hub is getting super hot then you've got trouble coming. If you can touch it and its not too hot then things are looking good. He said it gives you some feedback for each trip.

He also told me to NEVER immediately back the trailer into the water. he said wait a few minutes once you get to your destination so the hubs can cool down. He said the cold water coming in contact with the hot hub will cause saltwater to get sucked into the hub therby shortening its operating life. who knows...but makes sense to me.

I don't know anything about the springs yet.

Please take this as only rumour....I'm stumbling in the dark trying to get smart.