spare parts and tools...

[CliffA]

since i am not familiar with the past maintenance (or lack there of) on my newly acquired trailer i am thinking i should just replace the main components of the braking system and start fresh...it is equipped with drum surge brakes on the front axle only...i don't normally like to just randomly replace things that may not need replacing, but in this case i may make an exception since the condition of the trailer is so important...i do not want to have troubles with the trailer and possibly be stranded on the side of the road, if it can be prevented...

i will be adding a small storage box to the trailer soon and equip it with the items i would most likely need in case a problem develops...has anyone put together a list of items (and tools) they feel should be kept with the trailer in case of an emergency?...i have some basic ideas of the items but i have only been boating a couple years and luckily have had few issues with a trailer...i am a fair 'shade tree' mechanic so knowing how to do repairs to the trailer is not a real concern...i have repalced wheel hubs, wheel bearing, leaf springs, winches, etc on my other trailer so i am familiar with the basic components...i just want to be sure i have the materials and tools available when traveling...

also, any opinions of the material the storgae box should be made of (ie. steel vs plastic)?...

thanks

 

[tdappleman]

For the brakes, I would certainly remove the wheels and drum and inspect everything. If the shoes look good and there are no leaks then I would leave them alone. Check the drum for wear and scoring otherwise it should be fine as well. Check the fluid at the hitch coupler and make sure it's full and clean. On mine (disc brakes) - the surge ram needs to be lubricated to help with the engagement and the smoothness at which it engages.

For the storage box - that is a good idea. I had one when I was towing a race car - but with my tows with the boat being mostly local (less than 20 miles) I haven't worried about it. I would recommend a good floor jack - something rated to lift the trailer and boat. Also the following:

Some blocks of wood to support the jack if on the side of the road
Spare wheel bearings and the tools needed to replace them
Good breaker bar with correct wheel lug socket - or quality 4-way lug tool
Wheel chocks
Spare grease/ grease gun
Basic hand tools

Sounds like you have a good handle on the repairs if they are needed. Springs, etc I wouldn't try to keep a spare set of - that is mainly an inspect before your trips and if something does happen you can always deal with it then. I used a plastic box on my car trailer - just to avoid rust and the look of the metal after a few years. it held up well, had a lock - but of course have been cut with a good razor knife - but I didn't keep anything in there of value so it was just a way to organize it all.

 

[CliffA]

thanks Travis...that will give me a good start...i have read where some guys just keep a complete hub assembly with wheel bearings/races in their storage boxes in lieu of just keeping the bearings alone...it might would be an easier repair just to swap out the hub assembly vs replacing the bearings, especially if the bearing races were damaged and had to be replaced also...

when the cold weather breaks i will do a thourough inspection of the trailer to determine the condition of components before i just start throwing new parts at it...my wife has already warned me SEVERAL times about being 'careful' when spending money on the new boat...funny how she wants everything to be perfect and safe but doesn't fully understand what it cost in time and money to get them that way...

 

[Lazy Daze]

A few other ideas:

Waterless hand cleaner. A couple pairs of cheap gloves. Zip ties and other odds/ends.

You're going to want to, at a bare minimum, re-pack the bearings. If they look good (don't forget the races) I would re-use them. Like said above, it things are good, there's no reason to replace.

I use an aluminum diamond-plate tool box. More theft resistant than the plastic, but won't rust.

I tapped threads into the trailer frame so I could screw-in bolts from the inside of the box. Partly for theft resistance, partly for aesthetics. Mine is mounted to the vertical surface of the frame.

 

[KHARRIMAN]

While you are inspecting....anything you use...bring it or buy a spare. You'll be thankful on the side of the road...usually on the way TO your destination.
All above comments are GREAT!