Trailer axles and brakes

[NautiDuck]

I want to upgrade the trailer for my Catalina 22. It is a Trailrite trailer. Specifically I plan to add a second axle and surge brakes. The existing surge equipment is badly corroded, non-functional, and should be replaced. My questions are: I am mechanically inclined - is this a job I can do myself? Who would be a good supplier? With a dual axle setup are there surge brakes on both axles? I will launch mostly in fresh water but occasionally in salt water - does this change things for the brakes?Thanks.

 

[Herb Parsons]

A Few Answers (opinions)

Randy, I'm NOT mechanically inclined, so opted to have my surge brakes professionally installed.My boat is an O'Day 25, weighs about 4800 lbs dry, and the trailer I suspect weighs about 1500 (dual axle galvanized).The surge brakes are only on one axle. Salt water hasn't been a problem on the brakes, although it did once cause me problems on the wheel bearings. I now regrease the bearings any time it goes in salt water. I also rinse down everything after it comes home.As a side note...I recently helped a friend launch his Catalina 22 He got the boat and trailer, but the ex got the truck. We were talking, and he was bemoaning the fact that he's finally got his boat back, but can't splash it. I volunteered to drop it in the lake for him.It was a single axle trailer, and did not have brakes. We didn't tow it far (about 5 miles), but I noticed two things. 1) The trailer seemed to tow "sloppy", which I attributed to the single axle. 2) It really did not seem to need the surge brakes. This may have been just because I was "used to" a boat/trailer combo that weighed almost double, or it may just be that surge brakes are overkill for a Catalina 22.My opinion, go with the double-axle, but you might want to check with other Catalna 22 owners on the brakes.Finally, I've heard others (in the past) express concerns about insurance handling on both DYI trailers, and DYI component installations. Might be something to think about.

 

[Steve]

I did this to my

dual axle trailer for my O'day 23. Same situation. I replaced the coupler, lines and brake assembly on the front axle. You can set up both axles but it probably isn't necessary with the size boat you're trailering. I did not replace the drums as the ones that were on there where OK. I purchase my kit from Trailer Parts Superstore online, I think it is actually Eastern Marine. About $330 to replace the above items. Did mine in one afternoon. Wasn't difficult as long as you don't run into problems removing the old hardware. Not sure of the implications with salt water but I believe some offer a wash down kit. I repack my own bearings and have done few brake jobs on personal vehicles but it's not too tough if you are mechanically inclined.

 

[Richard, P-23]

Not all that difficult...

I totally re-did the brake system on our trailer when we bought the boat. It is a tandem axle, with brakes only on the front axle. I bought all the components from Northern Tool (northerntool.com) I bought everything, actuator/coupler, brake lines, and 2 brake kits. At the time they were selling brake hose kits, so there was no cutting and fitting of solid brake lines. The job is much easier if the boat is off the trailer. You might want to check out their disk brake kits. I think they are about $50 to $100 more than the drum brake kits.Why do you want the second axle? Two more sets of bearings to maintain, and 2 more tires to buy.

 

[NautiDuck]

Stability and safety

Richard, I figured that a second axle would add better stability for towing and that it would also help in the event of a tire blowout. I will be trailering about 250-300 miles each way, mostly on Interstates.

 

[Dave]

Single axle works fine for me

I pull an O'Day 222 on a single axle trailor with a Ford Expedition and typically tow it 500-1000 miles per year. I had a trailer shop add electric brakes a couple of years ago and have been happy with the setup. I think if you get the tongue weight right, there is no problem with a single axle trailer swaying when you pull it. However, I think some type of trailer brakes are a necessity to avoid undue wear and tear on the vehicle's brakes, and more importantly to be safe. I have had to lock up the brakes to avoid hitting a deer, and the boat and trailer stopped with no side movement. I also had a flat at 55-60 mph and had no problem decelerating and getting off the road safely. Obviously you should do what you are comfortable with. My own comfort level says brakes yes; dual axle not needed.Daves/v Hakuna MatataO'Day 222

 

[larry w]

surging

A Catalina 22 doesn't need brakes or a second axle. I towed one for years with a '71 El Camino and actually removed the corroded brake parts when I rebuilt the trailer myself. A friend in the same sailing club towed one with a Toyota 4X4 truck with the 4-banger engine.

 

[Ross]

It depends on the load rating for the axle.

All of these systems are built on modules. So many pounds per axle. so much tongue weight. Tire ratings, brake sizes, spindle capacity and spring ratings are all pre-engineered. All that you have to do is specify the load and pick the parts that will give you a safe margin.

 

[OldCat]

Trailer Laws

Oregon seems an exception to most states - trailer brakes do not appear to be required. This info is from the Boat US website linked below, you should probably verify its accuracy with your state vehicle folks or state police.Tow to another state, even if on vacation, and you will need to comply with its laws - so brakes may be a good idea even if not needed to comply with Oregon law. Also - if your tow vehicle is on the small side for the trailer weight, then brakes on the trailer are a good idea even if not legally required.Check the link below for a summary of state trailer laws.OldCat

 

[OldCat]

DIY

Doing the job is no more difficult that a major resto of a car brake system, one where brake lines and all the cylinders are replaced. If you do brakes on your cars, have modified or restored a car or truck, then it is easy to do the trailer brakes yourself.The link below is to Champion Trailers - they work with boat trailers - so will know the right parts for the application.Weigh the trailer and boat at a CAT scale (trucker's scale, many truck stops have them, also moving companies). Then check the VIN plate for the trailer - it should have the axle rating on it. As long as the single axle is rated for the load, I do not think I would go to the trouble and expense of a second axle. OldCat

 

[Rick Webb]

Champion Trailer Makes a Kit for Just That

They have a bracket that mounts to the rail of the trailer and makes the job real easy. The link to the Champion Trailers website was provided in an earlier post. Acording to the article in their catalog both axles should have brakes but if brakes are only on one axle they should go on the rear one.

 

[NautiDuck]

Thanks!

Great information. Although Oregon does not require brakes for my trailer/boat it looks like Washington does and that is where I'll be towing to. So, it's looking like the first project is to add the brakes and then think about the second axle after doing some towing. I tow with a GMC Yukon.

 

[Jack Hart]

Rinsing brakes and axles.

Hi folks, after a friend had to replace all of his springs, hangers, etc. way too soon we came up with this;We have a 2 gallon bug sprayer like you buy at wally world, home depot, etc. and just fill it with water. As soon as the trailer comes out of the water both on the put in and the get out we rinse all axles, brakes and anything that came in contact with the water. That was two years ago, hardly see any rust on them now.Fair winds.Jack

 

[Richard, P-23]

Another thought

Randy,At one point we had a Catalina 22 on a Trailrite trailer. When we bought the boat the tongue weight was more than 300 pounds. Even with a full size Chevy van there was so much weight on the hitch that the steering was very light and flighty. We ended up moving the axle ahead a couple of inches to get the tongue weight around 250 pounds. It really helped the steering feel and tracking.