Help, need advice on weighing down the trailer a bit

[samagy16]

I took my trailer in for a makeover and one of the things that I decided along with the Trailer Manufacturer was to take off the brake system. It was not in working order, this was the second time this happens in the 5 years that I've had the trailer. The saltwater had done its magic once again.

We removed the calipers and discs thus taking away some weight from the two axles.

My dilemma is that the first two times that I have attempted to retrieve my boat with little current my trailer is moving very lightly to the side but just enough to make reloading the boat on the trailer a pain. I have gone out during the week on both occassions so I can take my time at the ramp.

I suspect its the lack of weight.

Absolutely nothing else besides lights, hubs etc was done to the trailer, none of it affecting the weight on the rear.

What do you think? What are your suggestions?

 

[roscoe]

Re: Help, need advice on weighing down the trailer a bit

put new brakes on.

 

[Jetwash]

Re: Help, need advice on weighing down the trailer a bit

bolt on a pyramid anchor holder and drop in a pyramid anchor. They are available from 10-45 pounds in most tackle stores and drift boat dealers. You dont want to leave it in while your driving because its not secured and it could get stolen at the launch. Make it accessable.

 

[JB]

Re: Help, need advice on weighing down the trailer a bit

What Roscoe said. Put in new brakes made for salt and then maintain them.

Most trailer brakes are required by law, all trailer brakes are required by good sense.

 

[samagy16]

Re: Help, need advice on weighing down the trailer a bit

Without replacing the brakes on the trailer. Earlier in the spring I replaced the whole braking system on my Excursion. Spent lots of $$ on high performance calipers, pads and rotors.

Any other suggestions??

 

[Fishing Dude too]

Re: Help, need advice on weighing down the trailer a bit

If near a skeet club see if they sell used shot. There is one here it's cheep, for 10 lb bags. Throw some accross axles. Another option is buy a used wieght set at a garage sale use what you need bolt to frame of trailer.

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: Help, need advice on weighing down the trailer a bit

We removed the calipers and discs thus taking away some weight from the two axles.

You have tandem trailer with a GVW heavy enough to require brakes on all 4 wheels? Don't take it on the road with the brakes removed. You will be SOL if you hit somebody. I'm glad the Excursion is in top shape but that doesn't alter the dangerous situation with the trailer. Put the brakes back on unless it's just a yard trailer.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Help, need advice on weighing down the trailer a bit

ALL tandem axle trailers require brakes by law.

Don't ask us to aid you in breaking the law and endangering our families.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Help, need advice on weighing down the trailer a bit

I took my trailer in for a makeover and one of the things that I decided along with the Trailer Manufacturer was to take off the brake system. It was not in working order, this was the second time this happens in the 5 years that I've had the trailer. The saltwater had done its magic once again.

We removed the calipers and discs thus taking away some weight from the two axles.

My dilemma is that the first two times that I have attempted to retrieve my boat with little current my trailer is moving very lightly to the side but just enough to make reloading the boat on the trailer a pain. I have gone out during the week on both occassions so I can take my time at the ramp.

I suspect its the lack of weight.

Absolutely nothing else besides lights, hubs etc was done to the trailer, none of it affecting the weight on the rear.

What do you think? What are your suggestions?

Please don't shoot the messenger because you don't like the message!

No responsible members here would 'bless' your proposal...and I can't envision a "Trailer Manufacturer" telling you to do this. The liability alone would put a manufacturer out of business just as soon as you had an issue.

Bite the bullet and do the right thing: put your brakes in working order, and just plan on making repairs down the line. Spring for the upgrade that can handle your salt water situation (the rest of us do this), and feel good about yourself in the process. You don't know heartache until you are on the side of the interstate with someone totally unrelated messed up because of you....

Happy boating!