Trailer tire seized up. Need advice...

[Learpilot2]

I have a 21.5 foot sea ray express cruiser that i trailer on a dual axle ez load trailer. I tow with a big SUV expedition. The boat looks big and heavy for the length.

I pulled it out and 1 of 4 wheels is locked and digging into the dirt. I jacked it up, took off the tires, and no spin.

I sprayed the crap out of it with wd-40 and beat the shoe housing with a hammer. Rust fell out of the brake housing, unfroze and makes scraping noises when turned. More wd-40. Less scraping.

I then towed it to my 4th of july party. I am afraid i just postponed a very bad towing day. What should i do. I do no long distance trailering. my boat ramp is 5 minutes away.

The local mechanic says deactivate and remove the hydraulic brakes on the front two wheels or on all 4 wheels. I have hydraulic surge brakes on the trailer. He says I need no brakes with small boat and big suv and no long distance towing.

Any ideas what to do? Also repair place wont take loaded trailers. Where does one take their boat during trailer maintenance if they have no slip?

Thanks
Rick

 

[Woody]

Your mechanic gave you very poor advice. You are required to have brakes on all wheels if you’re over 3,000lb. Your boat with fuel and stuff, plus the trailer is probably around 6,000lb. To tow as your mechanic suggested is illegal and dangerous. What you need is a new mechanic and a complete brake overhaul

 

[IanBat]

Your mechanic gave you very poor advice. You are required to have brakes on all wheels if you’re over 3,000lb. Your boat with fuel and stuff, plus the trailer is probably around 6,000lb. To tow as your mechanic suggested is illegal and dangerous. What you need is a new mechanic and a complete brake overhaul

Plus one.

Of course only towing 5 minutes, nothing is going to happen, you obviously will never get over 20mph, an will obviously never have anyone stop in front of you.



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[KC_Sundancer]

I agree brakes are a good idea but I don't think the "all wheels" statement is a requirement.
Every boat trailer I have ever purchased, even new, have only had brakes on the front two wheels (tandem axle) or 4 wheels (tri-axle).
Any marina near you may temporarily rent you a slip for the repair time.

 

[SeaRide]

Rick,

Try calling The Boathouse or Broad Creek Marina. Either one should be able to drystack your boat while the trailer is being worked on. Drum brakes typically have a short lifespan in saltwater. I would recommend converting to disc brakes at this time. Your mechanic will also repack/replace the bearings during the upgrade.

 

[moparlvr4406]

I would be as worried about the bearings as the brakes...if the drums haven't been off in a period of time for the brakes to do that ...god knows what the bearings are like

 

[CliffA]

even if you only travel 5 miles to the ramp there is still opportunity for you to be involved in an accident.....even if it is not your fault if the insurance company finds out you had inoperative trailer brakes they could make a case against you and not cover any repairs or loss of the boat.....

cliff

 

[Woody]

I agree brakes are a good idea but I don't think the "all wheels" statement is a requirement.
Every boat trailer I have ever purchased, even new, have only had brakes on the front two wheels (tandem axle) or 4 wheels (tri-axle).
Any marina near you may temporarily rent you a slip for the repair time.

He should check on SC regs. I got that from Roadking trailer manufacturer web site and perhaps they are wrong. http://www.roadkingtrailers.com/brakelaws.htm

 

[Pachanga Boy]

I agree with Jim, I'd be checking the bearings as well. also remember drum brakes on trailers are not self adjusting, for the immediate future I'd suggest backing off the brake shoes a bit and see if that helps your cause. all you need is a jack stand and a flat blade screw driver...I'd outline the process for you but I'm sure there are full youtube videos that would do a better job.

 

[MrFL54]

Remember, if you do get in an accident while towing your boat, and it was required that you have breaks on your trailer your insurance company could refuse to pay if it were your fault. FOOD FOR THOUGHT