Boat Trailers

Trollin · 02-09-2001, 06:08 PM

Bought a new sled last fall, 18' with a sport jet weights around 3000lbs came with an ezloader single axle trailer no brakes. Plan to keep the boat many years should I think about upgrading to a wielded trailer? Do I need brakes? Towing with a full size PU.
Thanks for your help.

Steve · 02-09-2001, 06:15 PM

I bought a new Rouge trailer from Stevens Marine, I originally wanted a tandem axle with surge brakes, they talked me into a single axle with surge brakes...wish I had gone with my instincts...haven't had any problems,,to be fair but the squish on the tires tells me that they are taking the load and suspension....

Trout,myster · 02-09-2001, 06:25 PM

Follow Steve's advice. Go with a tandem. Little bit harder to manuever in tight places, but the tires will slide. Boat rides smoother (face it, boats were designed to sit in water, not on a trailer!), and if you have a blowout, you can get stopped under control.

As far as brakes, I'm open. Have read goods and bads and so far I'm sold on disc brakes if you're going that route. My boat is also about 3000 lbs so it's been on my list of wishes. The discs wash off better than drums and are out in the open so they don't collect things they shouldn't (like rust) as bad as drums. Since I tow with a full size rig, I don't worry about 3K lbs too much. Smaller rig? Definitely get brakes of some kind.

------------------
Troutmyster

Rippenlips · 02-09-2001, 07:45 PM

I should have gotten a tandem with my 20' N.R. but only got the single axle. I love the surge drum brakes when they are working. They take a lot of maintanance to keep them working properly. I've never seen disc brakes on a trailer but they would be better than drums any day. I do like the single axle for backing up. I have to almost jack knife my trailer to get it into my driveway, so I think it would kill the tandem tires.

Pete · 02-09-2001, 09:48 PM

I have a single axle Rogue with surge brakes under my 20. I wish I'd bought the twin for the safety of a second wheel and the leveling effect of second wheel. After two years I developed a bad bearing. When I pulled it apart to fix it I discovered a production date on the brake assembly showing it was built nearly 2 years before my boat was ... and I bought them as a package. I would also switch out the lights right away. Anderson Marine makes submersible tail lights for $35 a pair that are much better than the ones that come on the trailer. West Marine carries them.

Trout,myster · 02-10-2001, 05:47 AM

Trailer disc brakes for boat trailers website :
www.ufpnet.com
phone 800-854-1905
Company is called Trailer Buddy Products

They have disc brakes, axles, brake actuators, etc.

Bass & Walleye Boats magazine (can't find the issue now) had an excellent tech article on installation and setup of disc brakes. One of the best magazines I've found if you own a boat, even if you don't fish for bass or walleye. Highly recommended "reading room" material.

------------------
Troutmyster

Kerry · 02-10-2001, 09:56 AM

I have heard that disc brakes have a problem with the rotors when you put them in the water and they are a little hot they are no longer true. Anyone have this problem ??

backlash · 02-10-2001, 10:29 AM

Yeah, disc brakes are easier to maintain, and work well on the proper application. The problem is that they tend to " glaze up" after pulling them out of the salt. It can take several miles on the way back home to function properly. This may not be a problem with a full size rig but anything less could be trouble if a panic stop is needed. Go with the drums, add a brake washdown, and do the maintainence.

Pirate · 02-10-2001, 10:38 AM

Backlash
Where can I go to find a trailer maintenence schedule to keep the brakes in shape and how do you know they are even working properly since I tow with a big rig? Thanks

------------------
B

Pirate · 02-10-2001, 12:56 PM

Backlash
Thanks for the info, I better pay a little more attention to those things. Again Thanks.

------------------
B

backlash · 02-10-2001, 11:13 PM

N.R.B, I'm not really a expert here, just speaking from experience. As far as a schedule goes just flush them out well after every outing and take the drums off once or twice a year (depending on how much use),inspect all parts replace badly corroded springs,etc. and clean everything else you can with a wire brush. Knock the rust off the outside of the drums and spindles, add some quality black paint and you're good to go. Not sure how to tell if surge brakes are working properly other than feel for your rig. Mine will lock up if need be.