Trailer Question

[BZG Wagon]

That time of the year again - boat trailer failed the warrant, this time on the wheel bearings .

I priced up some new bearings, and they are going to cost at least $60 each (x4! - odd size apparently). So I'm thinking its going to be cheaper to replace the hubs and use this as an excuse to put some bigger wheel's on it (currently mighty 12" tyres).

Has anyone had any experience with a hub replacement? I take it I may have to replace the wheel stubs - are these usually welded on?

Sorry for the nobish questions - I haven't had much luck searching the internet.

Each year I spend loads of $$$'s on a boat I only manage to take out a handful of times - I'm sure there will be plenty of others who can sympathise.

[evil_si]

go to twl, you can pick up an axle stub and hub set for under $100, they have a range of stud patterns to choose from as well

the axle stubs then get welded inside a section of steel tube or box section. not hard. just needs to be straight and square and have a decent weld

[TRD Man]

Just fix the issue with the bearings - maybe a tighten, or a grease, or replacement.

[strx7]

put bearing buddies on the hubs, after you've dunked it in the tide, wash around the hubs with a hose.

[BZG Wagon]

The bearings are poked & beyond repair (I think - they rumble when they move). They are also quite old wheels (12") / bearings to they dont seal that well against water. I actually had the hubs sealed with silicone - water may have come in from the back.

Anyway - New bearings = $60 x 4 (2 for each wheel) = $240.

Hubs + Axles Stubs + Bearings = $120 (from TWL - thanks evil_si for the info).

I figure I will get some cheap rims / tyres from pick a part & make some mudguards myself for the bigger wheels.

The only thing now is I need the axles stubs welded to the trailer & the old ones cut off. This is a bit beyond my skills & I have been quoted $160 to get that done; but its probably the best option long term (as metric bearings are very cheap - if I have to replace again down the line it suddenly becomes worth it).

[85AW20v]

Talk some more to evil_si - he does welding/fabrication.....

[evil_si]

twl also do galv trailer rims and tyres for about $160 a set - 2 rims + 2 tyres
and galv guards about $60 a pair

i can make a axle to suit, the steel is the most expensive bit i think i paid $46 a meter for the stuff i used

[BZG Wagon]

twl also do galv trailer rims and tyres for about $160 a set - 2 rims + 2 tyres
and galv guards about $60 a pair

i can make a axle to suit, the steel is the most expensive bit i think i paid $46 a meter for the stuff i used

Trying to keep the costs down, I think I will opt for 2nd hand car rims / tyres.

I was also under the impression I wouldn't have to replace the existing axle, which looks to be in good condition still.

If mudguards are that cheap its probably the way to go - thanks again for the info...

Where are you based evil_si?

[evil_si]

using existing axle can be done but would depend on a few things,
that it is straight, and the id is the same as the od of the ned stubs

im in pakuranga about 2 mins from the end of the south eastern,
021 2560978

[BZG Wagon]

Hmm unfortunately you are a bit far for me to get to.

The axle is sweet - perfectly straight and in good condition. The existing axle stubs are about 2.5mm smaller in diameter than the axle, and from looking on the net I expect replacement stubs to be roughly the same size.

A mate of mine reckoned (without seeing the trailer) the existing stubs could be cut away using a blow-torch, and new stubs welded in place.

I've gone from needing new bearings, to now needing new mudguards, tyres, rims, hubs, stubs and maybe an axle... I wonder if I should just give up and buy a bigger boat .

[BZG Wagon]

To give this post a bit of closure; all is well and came together at the last minute.

Summary of costs:
$75 Hub & Stub Kit
$40 Mudguards
$90 13" Dunlop Daytona Tyres (x4; hoping to flick the other two on trademe)
$160 Stub welding
$10 Galv Paint (for stubs etc)

Total cost = $375 (hoping to get $45 back on the tyres + some more on the old parts) and about an hour of my time to fabricate the mudguards on.

Tow's really nicely now; a lot more stable at high speeds.