trailer brake overhaul

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Sumner

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Jan 31, 2009
5,254
Macgregor & Endeavour 26S and 37 Utah's Canyon Country
Good news!! Did you move the boat up to the mountain lake for the summer?

Sum
 

walt

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Jun 1, 2007
3,546
Macgregor 26S Hobie TI Ridgway Colorado
Yup.. and I got snowed on...

I had forgotten to mention another issue and that was an "oscillation" between just under 55 mph to about 60 mph. Feels like a tire is bouncing or something. It only happens when I'm pulling the trailer, fortunately goes away above 60 and I probably did most of the driving at 65 mph.

I'm guessing this is probably due to me leaving the boat and trailer sitting all winter with the weight on the tires. Maybe I should jack it up when it sits for a long time.
 
Aug 28, 2009
194
MacGregor 26D BC
Yup.. and I got snowed on...

I had forgotten to mention another issue and that was an "oscillation" between just under 55 mph to about 60 mph. Feels like a tire is bouncing or something. It only happens when I'm pulling the trailer, fortunately goes away above 60 and I probably did most of the driving at 65 mph.

I'm guessing this is probably due to me leaving the boat and trailer sitting all winter with the weight on the tires. Maybe I should jack it up when it sits for a long time.
Hi Walt
1). ---- Check for mud or ice inside wheel rims.
2) ---- Check inflation pressures
3) ----- Put another 10 lbs pressure in. Feel for bumps (week spots) on tire walls. and take for a run then release air to orignal pressure and check again. This help get rid of winter flat. Move the trailer a few time over winter helps prevent it.
4) ---- Get tires ballanced.
5) ---- Maybe 1a) Check the spring attach bolt holes with a flash light and mirror. They crack on the top against the frame under the hanger. This happened with both of my springs. Didn't you replace your spring recently?
If non of this works check the age of the tires (ask a tire shop to tell you) if over 6 to 8 years they harden and need replacing irrespective of wear.

Cheers
Mic
 

walt

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Jun 1, 2007
3,546
Macgregor 26S Hobie TI Ridgway Colorado
Ill check the spring / bolts. Nope, I have not done anything with the springs. The tires are new from last spring, I bought both new tires and rims (went from 14 inch to 15 inch) and had them balanced at that time and don't remember the 55 to 60 mph bouncing last year. Of course, this could be that I "just dont remember" rather than something changing..

Ill have to check tire pressure - it probably was a little low - and try the 10 pound tip.

If this is due to the boat sitting for 5 months in one spot, I think Ill put it on jack stands next time (pretty much Nov through March every year). Moving it during this time is not easy so I'm not likely to do. Maybe the tires I got are a little sensitive to sitting around for a long time under weight. These tires are rated something like 2500 pounds each, maybe that has something to do with it??
 
Jun 3, 2004
1,863
Macgregor 25 So. Cal.
My tires are Towmasters and are nylon corded AND do get flat spots after setting for a while and get better after running for awhile.
 

walt

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Jun 1, 2007
3,546
Macgregor 26S Hobie TI Ridgway Colorado
Just wonderful... I checked the surge brakes this weekend and was able to easily depress the master cylinder - meaning there was no back pressure.

I checked the master reservoir - completely dry... Looks like I have a leak somewhere and over the 100 miles I pulled the trailer, pumped all the fluid out - hopefully I will be able to see where it is (I didn't look this trip).

Maybe I should have replaced the lines..

Good thing i REALLY enjoy working on trailer brakes:Liar:
 
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