Axle repaired!

[RussGW270]

We got the axle set and hooked up. I really want to get the other one replaced now because this one was easy peasy

not sure if the springs are set correctly so going to call the trailer place in the morning, but one looks too high, we will see.

so, small list of stuff left to do, but coming together!

R

 

[DennisG01]

That's an equalizer setup - it constantly moves/rotate to help keep loads... well... "equal" between the two axles. Take it for a short trip and see if it equals out. But if the ground you are currently on isn't level, it's basically just doing it's job. If the the older spring isn't up to snuff, or the weight on the two axles isn't equal, that will cause that to happen, too. Take it for a ride and see how it feels.

 

[RussGW270]

Thanks Dennis. Come to Txas...if we do not go fish, I’ll cook a nice dinner to thank you for all the great help

 

[Bloodweiser]

How far is cedar creek from Stafford?

 

[seasick]

The bolts on the equalizer bracket should not be so tight that the parts can't pivot on both the spring end and the equalizer. If they are too tight, the bracket won't level out.
If they do allow movement but the bracket doesn't 'level out', and the other end of the leaf spring to the right is attached to a fixed hanger, then the new spring may be too long but I would think you compared the new to the old.

 

[RussGW270]

Stafford is 147 miles according to google maps

 

[RussGW270]

Trip was a bust. The damn brakes were locking up again. All I have left is an axle and an actuator and the whole damn thing has been rebuilt.

Going to call around and see what I can do about just getting a damn new trailer. I am sick of this trailer.

R

 

[Parthery]

If you have replaced the entire brake assembly and they are still locking up, the only thing left that could be a problem is the actuator (which is not releasing if they are locking up going forward) or the reverse solenoid (if they are locking up going backward).

A new actuator is $300 or so. It might be worth one last shot at it. The price of a new aluminum trailer will knock you off your chair. I just bought one a month ago. Tariffs on the aluminum have pushed prices up 10-15%. And throw in the fact that Dexter now controls most of the axle, coupler and brake market, and you realize that companies are looking at Deemaxx and UFP as options.

Good luck.

 

[RussGW270]

Agreed, but right now, I know the 2nd axle needs replacing.

When we replaced the front axle, it offset the middle of the double springs and pulling it did not fix that. Now, springs really are not that expensive to repair so, in for a dime... just need to figure out if I can/should/will it help to upgrade from 4-leaf springs to 5-leaf.

Good to know about the trailer costs. I will have to factor that all in.

since I know I can get an actuator for about $360 with shipping, and an axle for about $580, and the springs for about $230, that is my budget and...it means another 2-3 months on the sidelines, max. So, is what it is. That is probably the route I will have to go.

Now, IF I can get a brand new trailer, then that would be nice, but I am not against repairing this one....just not going to piecemeal it...the entire trailer gets an overhaul this time...heh.

in the meantime, I will continue to make whatever improvements I can with the Grady....get her a good wax etc. oh, got the vhf lines working albeit the old vhf will transmit but not receive....probably an easy fix of the squelch control.

Tried filling the potable water tank...seemed like it was full but I emptied it...so may be a backflush valve or something. Wish they had a damn indicator.

 

[seasick]

Trip was a bust. The damn brakes were locking up again. All I have left is an axle and an actuator and the whole damn thing has been rebuilt.

Going to call around and see what I can do about just getting a damn new trailer. I am sick of this trailer.

R

First things first: What kind of brakes do you have, drum or disk?
Did you replace them when you replaced the axle?
Is your actuator the right type for the brakes you have? ( Have you checked that the actuator does slide back and forth?
Is there a reverse lockout, electric or mechanical that might be engaged?
When you reassembled, did you spin the wheels to make sure they spun freely?
What locks up? On or both wheels? Do they run OK until you apply the brakes and then lock up? If so one or both wheels?
As mentioned, if the spring hngers are not too tight and the springs didn't level out, you new springs may be too long.
A new aluminum trailer will start at about $3,000 and to that you will want to add options. If your old frame is in good shape, replacing the moving parts will be a lot less expensive.

 

[RussGW270]

@seasick - all valid points. At some point, the trailer is solid, just moving parts and those can be replaced. It is a question of time vs money vs peace of mind.

disk surge brakes and the brakes are new. I did not replace them after I added the axle, but I did before.

this is all the actuator. The 2nd axle needs replacing no matter what. The springs are just because they are the last moving part and the least expensive...and would be swapped for the sole reason of, “I have the damn thing up and off the ground, I will be damned if I am doing this all and they are jacked up and I have to do it again...” lol. 200-250 bucks, my time and sanity are worth more.

so, all told, that vs, “dump it and get a tri-axle.

so, all options on the table but number1 is repair.

Come too far to let this trailer win.

R

 

[seasick]

A surge actuator for drums won't cost $300 I think. You didn't answer all my questions though about what locked up and when. Did it lock up when in reverse and then not release, did both wheels lock and did it happen right away or after a while when things warmed up?

Regarding the water tank. How do you know it is empty? Just because the pump runs and no water comes out of the fixtures, doesn't necessarily mean the tank is empty. The feed between the tank and the pump could be blocked. Do you hear the pump running and sputtering?

What model hull is this ( I forgot)

 

[RussGW270]

Sorry, was waiting on breakfast tacos and could not type more.

All 4 wheels were locked. They locked in both directions. The “surge brakes” did not surge. We watched the actuator and it did not move when the truck went forward or reverse. It worked the other day when I went to get the trailer inspected, so intermittent at best. As we drove the 20-ish miles, I would pull over and stop then take off a little less gradual to force the surge. It worked a couple of times, but as soon as I had to re-apply the brakes to slow down, it locked again. Temps got over 180 on the two older hubs...135 on the new ones. Tested all four wheels at the house, none would free spin.

You are right, the actuator costs over $400, not $300.

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That is the actuator I have. I have disc brakes, not drums.

Regarding the water tank, I ran it till the pump stopped last time, so yes, an assumption but not the highest priority nor do I think any sort of major issue, I just have not looked at it. Friend said he tried adding water to the tank and it came back out the opening (the tank under the 2nd captain chair).

I have a 2004 Islander 270.

I appreciate the help, bud, was just getting breakfast tacos so trying not to type when they were ready.

Repairing the trailer is not a bad deal, I just want to not peace-meal it anymore....repair all moving parts and call it done.


Russ

 

[seasick]

So to be sure on my part; Disks brakes now on four wheels and before repairs?
If there is a next time that all four wheels lock up, open one of the bleed valves. If it spits and then the wheels free up, the actuator is probably bad. The fluid could be contaminated and the fluid is boiling and increasing pressure but that is not a common event.

 

[RussGW270]

They all locked up and I bled the valve and they freed up, hence why I said it was the actuator.

The actuator was always suspect, but the axles were deteriorated and so got replaced first. The actuator worked for about a month but I think it is just gone now.

 

[seasick]

I agree. Actuator is probably bad.

 

[Parthery]

I should have looked up the price of a model 10 with solenoid....more like $500.

in any event, as others have said, that’s probably where the issue lies.

 

[Paul_A]

Don't know if you have tried this but they make a rebuild kit for that actuator.

I had a Titan 10 and along with rebuilding the brakes I did the actuator and they worked great.

Might be worth a shot.

 

[RussGW270]

Appreciate the idea. I thought about it, but going to wait to see what the trailer mfg says tomorrow then either order a new actuator, or a new trailer heh. All depends what I can get.

My goal is to get the boat on the water in June. One way or another, that is happening. I think the fastest way would be an all new trailer.. but, I will settle for an all new actuator

R

 

[leeccoll]

Took my boat out yesterday to Donner Lake in CA.

Splashed it using my new expensive fancy dancy trailer.

Happiest day in my life, easy to launch, load, and tow.

Better yet, no hull damage and I don't believe it will going forward.

If it's any consolation Russ, I got skunked fishing

There is definitely a process we all have to through to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

You gotta be gettin close~