Boat, Utility, RV & Commercial Trailer Parts

Well, the year is almost over and the staff here at Trailer Parts Superstore would like to wish you and your loved ones a very safe, healthy & happy New Year in 2012.

With cold weather covering the upper two thirds of the U.S. many of our recreational customers have put their Trailers, Boats and Recreational Vehicles into storage for the winter months ahead.  Proper winterizing and covering practices can keep your equipment protected during long periods of inactivity, and also make re-commissioning much easier come springtime.

In addition to offering a huge selection of tarps & semi-custom covers, Trailer Parts Superstore also offers a wide selection of Winterizing Products to help you get your equipment properly perpared for a long winters rest.

For those lucky enough to be able to use their Snowmobiles, Boats or RV’s during the coming months we want you to know that Trailer Parts Superstore keeps a full inventory on-hand of the items we stock year round at our Delaware distribution facility.

Best wishes from the staff at Trailer Parts Superstore !

Galvanized U-Bolts

Most boat trailers are bolted together. You should always start by inspecting all bolts, nuts and washers, especially those that get immersed during launch and retrieve. The most important hardware to check is the u-bolts that fasten the leaf springs and axle together. These u-bolts actually are the only thing holding the axle to the rest of the trailer. A little surface rust is not a problem but corrosion will actually degrade the u-bolts to the point that they can no longer handle the stress imposed at this point. Other suspect hardware is as follows:

* Axle to spring tie plate u-bolts
* Leaf spring center pins
* Spring shackle bolts
* Spring hangers and equalizers
* Fender hardware
* Bunk/roller bracket to frame hardware
* Lug nuts/bolts, studs
* Cross-member to frame hardware

In addition, the frame, axles and cross-members should be inspected where it has contacted corroded hardware. We have seen a few incidents where the cross-member or axle integrity has been compromised at this point, especially on trailers with aluminum frames.

The solution to these corrosion problems is to replace the compromised hardware with new stainless or galvanized such as this:

1/2″ Galv. Square U-Bolt, 2-1/16″ x 4-13/16″ #86223

If you cannot find galvanized or stainless hardware, a good compromise is to use zinc-plated products with a good coat of a product such as this:

Instant Galvanize Spray Coating, 13 oz. #06054

There are already enough hazards on the road when towing a boat. Don’t wait for corrosion to reduce your safety footprint. Try some of these tips and tow your boat with a more secure feeling. You can find these products along with many replacement trailer parts at our online store TRAILER PARTS SUPERSTORE

Boat Trailer Parts

The traditional method to help retard corrosion in boat trailer components is to galvanize using hot dip zinc. Zinc electro-plating will help but due to the plating porosity, corrosion will gradually erode the part. Aluminum is also frequently used as a material.

Eastern Marine specializes in replacement parts for boat trailers. Just about any part you need is available including axles, leaf springs, brakes, winch post parts, etc. If you have a Load Rite trailer; then select LOADRITE Factory Trailer Parts. If you have an EZ Loader trailer, select EZ-LOADER Factory Trailer Parts .

It a few weeks we will be offering a new product line that will be of interest to owners of older boat trailers… the galvanized square tube universal axle. These 2” x 2” axles will be supplied by Tie Down Engineering and be available in 2000 lb rating (up to 96 inch overall length) with a 1-1/16” straight spindle. The 3500 lb axles will also be available up to 96” overall length with a standard 1-3/8” x 1-1/16” spindle with brake flange. What makes them universal is that the customer will have to drill holes in the tube for the spring seat position exactly as it is on the axle being replaced. This position varies for each trailer manufacturer. We would recommend treating the drilled area with a corrosion preventive product.

This new product will be just the ticket for owners of discontinued trailer brands like Calkins, Cox, Shoreline, Holsclaw, Escort, Long, Dilly, Performance etc. and can be seen at TRAILER PARTS SUPERSTORE

It is well known that most trailer tires need to be replaced not because of tread wear, but due to sidewall dry rot (also called stress-cracking). This condition is due to the combination of ground moisture being absorbed into the rubber and daily sunlight causing the moisture to be forced out of the rubber.

Tip#1
- remove your trailer tires and store in a dark, dry place
- or safely jack up your trailer so that your tires are off the ground
- or use inexpensive tire covers
These measures will certainly extend the usable length of your trailer tires.

Tip #2
For general protection against the elements, invest in a good tarp or cover for your trailer. If using a tarp, remember that it must be supported from the inside to prevent tearing and to allow rain or snow to runoff and not puddle. Tying the tarp down using all grommets will protect the tarp from wind damage.

There are specialized trailer covers available for many of the specific-use trailers such as RVs, Travel Trailers and Toy Haulers. This is a small expense to protect your investment.

Tip #3
Take the time to inspect and do some basic maintenance before putting your trailer to bed. Tires, brakes, lights, reflectors etc. should be inspected now so that the trailer will be ready for its next use. More importantly, it is a good time to repack or change bearings on the hubs / drums. Check out this link for more specific information on Trailer Wheel Hubs

Tip #4
While inspecting your hubs, it is a good time to inspect your electric or hydraulic brakes for wear and adjustment

Tip #5
Inspect your coupler (where the trailer hitches to the ball) for proper function and wear. Repair or replace if necessary. Also, make sure to tighten all bolted on accessories such as spare tire carriers, tag and light brackets etc

The Trailer Parts Superstore sells the replacement parts you’ll need to keep your trailer running safely for years. It is also a great source for trailer maintenance information.

Boat Trailer Wobble Roller

ROLLER TRAILER POINTS
Trailer more expensive to purchase and maintain
Boat weight distributed over many different points
Needs winch to retrieve the boat at the ramp
No need to submerge the axle
No friction points to deal with
Can launch or retrieve at any tide stage
Usually no “drive-on”

BUNK TRAILER POINTS
Trailer less expensive to purchase
Fewer parts to maintain
Use Keel rollers to center the boat and to support a small part of the boat weight
Drive-on capability
Trailer must be in relatively deep water to launch/retrieve
Running gear, brakes, hubs, springs etc will be submerged
Boat only supported at contact point with the bunk and keel rollers
Lighter weight winch can be used with “drive on”
Bunks can scrape paint due to friction
Some boat manufactures require the use of a bunk trailer

One of the main advantages of the roller trailer is that the running gear, which includes springs, axles, hubs, brakes etc does not have to be submerged. This is a great benefit, especially in salt water, which causes corrosion problems. In many ways, the decision between the two styles comes down to whether you want to drive the boat on the trailer. If yes, then the bunk trailer will be the best bet. If no, go with the roller trailer. Driving on works best if, during retrieval, a member of your crew is available to get the tow vehicle/trailer and back it down the ramp. If you are boating alone or with young kids, it can be a chore to tie the boat up, go get the tow vehicle/trailer and back it down the ramp. Then you have to leave the tow vehicle, get back on the boat and drive it on the trailer etc. You can see that it could also be dangerous leaving the tow vehicle unattended while retrieving the boat.
Trailer Parts Superstore carries a device that could make this operation a little more secure. This device is called the Snapper and is a remote controlled latching mechanism (securely latches boat bow eye to the trailer bow stop) using a handheld remote control.

Trailer Parts Superstore also carries many replacement parts for both styles of trailers including replacement rollers and bunks, winches, bow stops and more.

Disc Brake for RV & Utility Trailers

Here are some compromises associated with electric trailer brakes
1) Drum brakes need to be adjusted periodically to compensate for shoe lining wear – this adjustment is done mostly by “feel” and it is unlikely that the average person can get all four wheels calibrated properly
2) Drum Brake magnets tend to gradually lose their magnetic strength, causing more calibration problems and loss of braking power
3) Drum brakes are relatively complicated with many moving parts that can cause a failure and need some experience to rebuild the brake assembly
4) Drum brakes tend to accumulate corrosion faster than discs, especially in marine and snowmobile applications

Disc brakes do not have these issues to deal with and are relatively simple with fewer moving parts. Unfortunately, they are not available in an electrically actuated system like the aforementioned electric brakes. They are only available hydraulically actuated. In order to take advantage of disc technology, a new device has been developed to allow for electrically actuated disc brakes. It is called the Electric over Hydraulic Actuator. This device is nothing more than an electrically driven hydraulic pump and relief valve that is controlled by the standard cab mounted Electric Brake Controller, typically used for standard electric drum brakes.

The E/H actuator will be added to the trailer and connected electrically to the brake controller through the 7- blade RV socket on the tow vehicle bumper. Also connected in line will be a Breakaway kit with a 9 amp-hour battery that provides enough power to actuate the pump should the trailer accidentally separate from the tow vehicle while on the road. The output will be connected to the trailer hydraulic system through a standard trailer hydraulic brake line. The E/H system can handle trailers with up to 4 axles by providing 1600 psi maximum. The E/H actuator device does add some expense to the installation.

Of course, the electric brake assemblies and drums on the trailer will have to be replaced with hydraulic disc brake assemblies and brake lines.

The Electric/Hydraulic actuation system also has advantages over trailers that already have hydraulic disc brakes with a Surge Actuator.

1) The E/H actuator keeps the trailer brakes active while in reverse – with the surge actuation, the brake lines must be locked out so that the trailer can be backed up. There is no need for a brake line lock out device.
2) In hilly or mountainous areas, the surge system can incidentally engage the brakes while going down a grade; this will not happen with the E/H system
3) The tongue mounted Surge brake actuator can still be used as the trailer’s ball coupler with a small modification

The Electric/Hydraulic actuation system blends the advantages of disc brakes with the benefits of the cab mounted brake control for the safest experience in trailer towing.

The Trailer Parts Superstore carries a complete lineup of TITAN Brake-Rite E/H actuators as well as the DEXTER 1000-1600. We also carry a complete assortment of KODIAK Disc Brake assemblies for to fit most any trailer application. You can check out our complete trailer brake selection online at: http://www.easternmarine.com/em_store/trailerbrakes/

Trailer Leaf Springs

One of the major components of a trailer’s running gear is the leaf spring. These provide an inexpensive and effective method of cushioning the ride of a trailer, thus protecting the cargo on a trailer from the shock of rough road surfaces. The springs also protect the rest of the running gear e.g. axles from damage. Occasionally, springs will need to be replaced prematurely due to hitting a pothole or in the case of a boat trailer, excessive corrosion.

In a leaf spring system, the springs are mounted to the frame-mounted hanger (or shackles) with a bushing and fluted shackle bolts. The axle in this system is fastened to the leaf springs with u-bolts (called a tie plate kit).

In recent years, some trailer manufactures have added the newer Torsion Axle to their line-ups as an option. The cushioning function is “built-in” to the axle and this precludes the need for leaf springs. However, you will find that most trailers on the road today have the leaf spring design.

There are several components that make up a leaf spring; the leaves, center-pin, straps and eyes. The number of leaves, the width, thickness and the heat treatment of the leaves all can affect the Load Rating of the spring. The springs have a load rating from the manufacturer and matching this to your trailer is a primary concern when replacing springs. Typically, we recommend that you replace your springs with the same part that was originally on the trailer so that it matches the rest of the running gear components like axles, coupler, brakes and tires / rims. Also, we recommend replacing both springs on an axle even if only one is damaged.

Many trailer manufacturers recommend that the springs be replaced approximately every five years as part of the maintenance plan.

There are several types of leaf springs used on trailers. The double eye spring is unique in that it mounts to the spring hangers using a pair of shackle links. Measuring this spring for replacement is to measure a straight line from the center of the front eye to the center of the rear eye. This measurement can be done on the trailer.

The Open Eye Slipper design uses a special hanger that allows it to flex. This system does not use shackle links. It is also measured on the trailer from the center of the front eye to the center of the rear shackle bolt

The Hook-End Slipper spring is measured on the trailer from the center of the front eye to the middle of the rear spring hanger.

The Radius End Slipper and the Flat End Slipper are both measured on the trailer from the center of the front eye to the end of the spring

Boat trailers face the same road hazards as utility trailers plus the corrosion that is caused by immersion in water, especially salt water. Several attempts have been made to design springs that will not corrode but these have met mixed reviews.

In salt water, salt crystals work their way between the leaves, causing corrosion from the inside out. The best way to prevent this from happening is to rinse the springs in fresh water immediately after immersion in salt water. Also, the best treatment to prevent corrosion is to use a product like CRC Marine Corrosion Inhibitor. This is a spray that will deposit a wax-like substance on the springs, inhibiting water and salt crystals from spring leaves.

We have about 80 different sizes and styles and it isn’t often that we cannot fill a customer’s needs for new replacement leaf springs and accessories at the Trailer Parts Superstore. Check out our complete Leaf Spring selection online at: TRAILER LEAF SPRINGS