Bunks update, got it done and then some

[fratri]

Well changed my bunks and carpet on the boat trailer the other day.... I took Ricks advance and raised up the boat one side at a time. It wasn't too hard to do with a little forward thinking.... Hardest/longest part was stapling the carpet onto the new boards. My hand was/is soar from stapling 1,000 times. (used the entire 1,000 package)...... I ended up finding some inexpensive outdoor carpet ($44 total) at Lowes, one thing I didn't like is when they cut the carpet to size, it leaves the ends frayed....I could not find the same colour I had so just went with the blackish/grey...



Then, thinking I should repack my bearings since I am giving the trailer a once over. I pulled the outer nut and went to inspect the bearings....... Glad I did because my bearings were shot. The seal was practically none existent. I should have inspected them before I stored it for the winter but I didn't.... I post this so others can learn. (failed bearings on the road so much not fun)....
Should I know better, absolutely but sometimes, laziness gets in the way........ Before I stored it all I did was top up the bearing buddies leaving all the water in the bearings to freeze......Should have done the inspection (repacking) last fall.....Now with new bunks and bearings, we should a little better piece of mind

[rick_iles]

Just keep a eye on your new bearings if they are made in China. There’s a high failure rate with Chinese bearings.
A mechanic told me he had a set fail with very little mileage. For chits and giggles, he pulled the rollers out of the carriers and mic’s them. They were all different sizes....after I hear that, I pulled all my bearings out of both trailers and put Timkens in.....

[sabmgb]

how are your tires. I replaced my bearings this spring, took a look at the tires, they looked good, so off I went. On my way back from my first outing of the season, blow a tire on the road. Was told by the tow truck driver that trailer tires only good for 5 years. Bought all new tires and the guy at the tire shop said same thing. So I guess I will have to pay more attention to the length they been on, not the visual look of them.

[fratri]

Ya tires are a few years old as well. Might look them over again....
As for the bearings.. I bought them from the boat dealer... so
Hopefully they last....

[M_P]

Had to do a bearing change at the LCBO in Cayuga last summer. Had just passed the OPP station when I caught a spark from the passenger side wheel in my mirror. Left the trailer in town, ran home to grab some tools, tub of grease and some hand cleaner and was waiting at the parts store in Caledonia at 8 am. Had the bearing changed and were launched out of Dunnville by 9:15 am. The woman working at the LCBO came out with tounge planted firmly in her cheek to call me a dumba_ _ for not pulling and repacking in the spring.

[Bushmoose]

I havent moved my boat/trailer yet this year, but your story suggests I get off my duff and check things out. Thanks for the reminder....

[smokeeter]

Great job. Having trailered for a long time and many miles , I'd like to share a tip. If the hubs aren't in bad shape I suggest when you are going to re bearing it ( both inner and outer bearings c/w seals) do yourself a favour and get a complete spare set of hubs to travel with. Nothing like being prepared at 2 in the morning on a cold wet desolate section of the highway when your bearings let go. ( As me how I know). Oh yah and get a spare wheel nut and cotter pin too.