6 replies to this topic

[thumper]

just had the trailer serviced and the wheel bearings are on their way out already after just one years use (salt water launches), greased all the grease nipples and the trailer brake started working again! as it had seized, although we have a different mechanism to your us braking system here in the uk - dont understand for the life of me why they galvanise the trailer chasis but not anything else - oh well one gallon of waxoyl coming right up.

[tda3]

just had the trailer serviced and the wheel bearings are on their way out already after just one years use (salt water launches), greased all the grease nipples and the trailer brake started working again! as it had seized, although we have a different mechanism to your us braking system here in the uk - dont understand for the life of me why they galvanise the trailer chasis but not anything else - oh well one gallon of waxoyl coming right up.

Galvanise what else? Obviously the bearings can't be nor the bearing races nor the spindle. As for brake components, there's limits there too.

Tom

[thumper]

the drums (or at least an alloy), back plates, springs etc, axle cross member - basically all the bits that are rusty! - i know they cant do the brake mechanism in galvanised steel - and 316 stainless would be a tad expensive - but i am sure there is a suitable allow that would suffice - but i guess they like to keep these things a cheap as possible.

[nookie201]

Hello thumper,

I'm looking to convert my 4-tec trailer to a braked version.
Can you post some pics on your brake setup ?. was that standard or did you convert it yourself.

Who makes your trailer and which model ?.
Who makes the brakes ?., electric or hydraulic ?

I'm looking at dics/hydraulic setup myself, but have not figured out what is easier,
new axle or do conversion.

Thanks for the reply

 

[thumper]

basically the standard us trailer has its hitch taken off then a uk hitch applied making the trailer about 2 ft longer - we have a greased ram at the hitch that when the towing vehicle brakes the ram closes under the weight of the trailer and applies the brakes via a set of cables into the drums - its fairly basic but it does mean the towing vehicle can be smaller than your average 4x4, i have a 4x4 which weighs in at 2 tons so its not really a problem for me, but our ramps in the uk are fairly steep due to a 7m tidal range so you need a 4x4
i didnt do it myself - its changed because of uk/eu laws - we couldnt use disc brake system here because most lauching is in salt water and there are far too many moving parts in a disc system which would rust far too quickly. if you could make the whole lot out of titanium or another stainless alloy then fair enough but i suspect there are cost implications and heat dissapation on the discs may alos be a problem......

[tda3]

Hello thumper,

I'm looking to convert my 4-tec trailer to a braked version.
Can you post some pics on your brake setup ?. was that standard or did you convert it yourself.

Who makes your trailer and which model ?.
Who makes the brakes ?., electric or hydraulic ?

I'm looking at dics/hydraulic setup myself, but have not figured out what is easier,
new axle or do conversion.

Thanks for the reply

-Gabe

nookie- Any reputable trailer repair place would be able to give you advice on the conversion of your trailer. Additionally, check out the trailer parts section of Boater's World catalog here:

http://www.boaterswo...3Bciwheels-accs

Since your boat is relatively light, I would suggest you go with a hydraulic surge brake setup. Electric brakes are nice, but are much more expensive and more difficult to setup properly since they also require a controller in the tow vehicle. With a surge system, you're not limited to a specific tow vehicle.

thumper - the above link should also be useful to you as well.

Hope this has helped some.

Tom

[thumper]

thanks for that tom - good idea although the postage for me would make it silly!
but at least they are available.