RX951
New Member
Trailers and cost feature comparison
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If you "have to have a painted" trailer, at least get one that is powder coated. More material is applied gives for more protection. They are placed in a 400 degree oven for a smooth and hard finish. These trailers are the least inexpensive.
$$
Moderately priced, galvanized trailers are first cleaned by a hot alkaline solution and then given an acid bath to remove rust and scale. It is next immersed in liquid flux to remove oxides and then is dipped in molten zinc at 850 degrees. In order to become immersed, the box tube steel has openings. These openings permit coating both on the inside and on the outside of the tube.
$$$
At a slightly higher price scale, Aluminum Trailers are another option as they are strong and lightweight. The cost is slightly more but they don’t rust. Resale value is higher on an aluminum trailer.
:arrow: The Best Trailer Coatings: Galvanized; Powder Coat; and "GalCoat."
When selecting an axle for your application, remember to consider the following important specifications:
:arrow: • LOAD CAPACITY: the load rating of the axle must support the maximum gross vehicle weight rating. For multiple axle trailers divide the GVWR by the number of axles to determine the minimum load capacity of each axle.
:arrow: • TRACK LENGTH: measure your axle track length by determining the distance between the center of one tire to the center of the other tire. A more precise measurement can be made by measuring the distance from one 'HUB FACE' to the other. The hub face is also known as the mounting surface where the wheel studs are located.
:arrow: • SPRING CENTERS: measure the distance from the center of one spring to the center of the other.
NOTE: not required for replacement torsion axles
:arrow: • OVERALL LENGTH: measure the distance from the very end of an axle's spindle to the very end of the opposite spindle.
:arrow: • AXLE STYLE: important when reusing old mounting hardware and also for proper tire clearance. Includes straight axles (round or square), drop axles with offset spindles, and torsion axles. Also consider spindle size when reusing existing hubs or drums.
:idea: A great benefit of Torsion axles are that they provide a No-shock ride with independent wheel action.
Leaf spring[b/]
Torsion Axle
TAPERED SPINDLES With FLANGES
STRAIGHT TAPERED SPINDLES
:idea: MARINE TRAILER BEARING GREASE is made from a water insoluble formula ideal for marine applications. Provides excellent corrosion protection under severe conditions caused by salt water and air. Use on all trailer wheel bearings (including disc brake wheel bearings).
:idea: DISC/DRUM BRAKE WHEEL BEARING GREASE meets high temperature requirements of all disc and drum brakes and similar applications. Excellent water, rust, and oxidation resistance.
:idea: LMX "RED" GREASE is a lithium complex formula ideal for high temperature and pressure applications. Superior adhesion to bearing and moving parts, highly water insoluble.
WHEEL BEARING PROTECTORS
FULTON BEARING LIFE Or BUDDY BEARING wheel bearing protectors replace original equipment dust caps on trailer wheel hubs to provide permanent protection against damage from water and dirt entering the wheel bearings. Easily add bearing grease to the wheel hub to maintain proper lubrication and provide corrosion protection. Made of chrome plated steel, the Bearing Life wheel bearing protectors spring piston automatically maintains the correct internal pressure that will not damage grease seals.
BEARING PROTECTOR COVERS keep grease off trailer wheels. Bearing covers or 'bras' are used to prevent excess grease splatter from the pressure spring area.
TRAILER WHEEL HUBS
Trailer Parts kits in most kits include: 1 Hub, bearings, seal, dust cap, cotter pin, lug nuts or lug bolts.
:idea: Turbo Lube Hubs
These nifty hubs are al alternative to the traditonal greased hubs as they are made of Heavy Duty clear Lexan with a Tthreaded cap and O-ring. They are also OIL FILLED with a PLUG IN the Lexan Cover.
Trailer Lighting
Whether LED or conventional incandescent bulb, A proper trailer light configuration consists of several components, which must meet legal requirements that vary depending on the size of your trailer. Lighting requirements can be divided into two categories; trailers under 80" wide and trailers 80" wide and over.
L.E.D. is becoming more popular as they last much longer and most units are completely sealed. Also, if 1 LED bulb goes out, there are several still left on the circuit board.
Trailer Jacks
Trailer Jacks are an excellent addition to any trailer to ease loading and un-loading from the hitch ball. Marine jacks are available in a variety of weight capacities, height lift travel, and anti-corrosive finishes. Select the proper marine trailer jack for your use based on the trailer tongue weight and frame size.
Trailer tires
Although Bias Ply tires are still on the market today and work fine on single trailers, RADIAL TRAILER TIRES are one of the best trailer tires on the market today. Most offer double steel belts with full nylon plies for heavy-duty applications and increased tire life.
Tire 'inflation pressure' is also an important factor in proper handling as well as tire life. Maximum inflation pressure is indicated on the tire side wall and should always be checked when the tire is cold before operation.
Finally, an important safety procedure is to apply and maintain proper 'lug torque'. Too little torque may cause the wheel to wobble or fall off. Wheel nuts/bolts should be re-torqued after each wheel removal, re-torque after 50 miles and frequently thereafter. Follow the manufacturers recommended torque pattern:
Trailer bunker hardware
These can come in different forms. The bunks can be wood 2x4's, TREX or rollers. As for the 2x4 material type bunks, they are usually carpeted and aftermarket bunker "slides" can be added for easier sliding. Personal preference in using carpet or sliders.
The hardware on most trailers are adjustable to fit accomodate almost any personal watercraft.
Hitch (tongue) weight
Calculate the hitch weight in order to select a proper hitch. The weight of the hitch is usually 9-11% of the trailer gross weight and should be measured with the trailer loaded. Hitches fall into various categories: those that mount on the frame and rear bumper, the bolt-on or the weld-on type used for larger trailers. Axle mounted or clamp-on bumper hitches should never be used.
$
If you "have to have a painted" trailer, at least get one that is powder coated. More material is applied gives for more protection. They are placed in a 400 degree oven for a smooth and hard finish. These trailers are the least inexpensive.
$$
Moderately priced, galvanized trailers are first cleaned by a hot alkaline solution and then given an acid bath to remove rust and scale. It is next immersed in liquid flux to remove oxides and then is dipped in molten zinc at 850 degrees. In order to become immersed, the box tube steel has openings. These openings permit coating both on the inside and on the outside of the tube.
$$$
At a slightly higher price scale, Aluminum Trailers are another option as they are strong and lightweight. The cost is slightly more but they don’t rust. Resale value is higher on an aluminum trailer.
:arrow: The Best Trailer Coatings: Galvanized; Powder Coat; and "GalCoat."
When selecting an axle for your application, remember to consider the following important specifications:
:arrow: • LOAD CAPACITY: the load rating of the axle must support the maximum gross vehicle weight rating. For multiple axle trailers divide the GVWR by the number of axles to determine the minimum load capacity of each axle.
:arrow: • TRACK LENGTH: measure your axle track length by determining the distance between the center of one tire to the center of the other tire. A more precise measurement can be made by measuring the distance from one 'HUB FACE' to the other. The hub face is also known as the mounting surface where the wheel studs are located.
:arrow: • SPRING CENTERS: measure the distance from the center of one spring to the center of the other.
NOTE: not required for replacement torsion axles
:arrow: • OVERALL LENGTH: measure the distance from the very end of an axle's spindle to the very end of the opposite spindle.
:arrow: • AXLE STYLE: important when reusing old mounting hardware and also for proper tire clearance. Includes straight axles (round or square), drop axles with offset spindles, and torsion axles. Also consider spindle size when reusing existing hubs or drums.
:idea: A great benefit of Torsion axles are that they provide a No-shock ride with independent wheel action.
Leaf spring[b/]
Torsion Axle
TAPERED SPINDLES With FLANGES
STRAIGHT TAPERED SPINDLES
:idea: MARINE TRAILER BEARING GREASE is made from a water insoluble formula ideal for marine applications. Provides excellent corrosion protection under severe conditions caused by salt water and air. Use on all trailer wheel bearings (including disc brake wheel bearings).
:idea: DISC/DRUM BRAKE WHEEL BEARING GREASE meets high temperature requirements of all disc and drum brakes and similar applications. Excellent water, rust, and oxidation resistance.
:idea: LMX "RED" GREASE is a lithium complex formula ideal for high temperature and pressure applications. Superior adhesion to bearing and moving parts, highly water insoluble.
WHEEL BEARING PROTECTORS
FULTON BEARING LIFE Or BUDDY BEARING wheel bearing protectors replace original equipment dust caps on trailer wheel hubs to provide permanent protection against damage from water and dirt entering the wheel bearings. Easily add bearing grease to the wheel hub to maintain proper lubrication and provide corrosion protection. Made of chrome plated steel, the Bearing Life wheel bearing protectors spring piston automatically maintains the correct internal pressure that will not damage grease seals.
BEARING PROTECTOR COVERS keep grease off trailer wheels. Bearing covers or 'bras' are used to prevent excess grease splatter from the pressure spring area.
TRAILER WHEEL HUBS
Trailer Parts kits in most kits include: 1 Hub, bearings, seal, dust cap, cotter pin, lug nuts or lug bolts.
:idea: Turbo Lube Hubs
These nifty hubs are al alternative to the traditonal greased hubs as they are made of Heavy Duty clear Lexan with a Tthreaded cap and O-ring. They are also OIL FILLED with a PLUG IN the Lexan Cover.
Trailer Lighting
Whether LED or conventional incandescent bulb, A proper trailer light configuration consists of several components, which must meet legal requirements that vary depending on the size of your trailer. Lighting requirements can be divided into two categories; trailers under 80" wide and trailers 80" wide and over.
L.E.D. is becoming more popular as they last much longer and most units are completely sealed. Also, if 1 LED bulb goes out, there are several still left on the circuit board.
Trailer Jacks
Trailer Jacks are an excellent addition to any trailer to ease loading and un-loading from the hitch ball. Marine jacks are available in a variety of weight capacities, height lift travel, and anti-corrosive finishes. Select the proper marine trailer jack for your use based on the trailer tongue weight and frame size.
Trailer tires
Although Bias Ply tires are still on the market today and work fine on single trailers, RADIAL TRAILER TIRES are one of the best trailer tires on the market today. Most offer double steel belts with full nylon plies for heavy-duty applications and increased tire life.
Tire 'inflation pressure' is also an important factor in proper handling as well as tire life. Maximum inflation pressure is indicated on the tire side wall and should always be checked when the tire is cold before operation.
Finally, an important safety procedure is to apply and maintain proper 'lug torque'. Too little torque may cause the wheel to wobble or fall off. Wheel nuts/bolts should be re-torqued after each wheel removal, re-torque after 50 miles and frequently thereafter. Follow the manufacturers recommended torque pattern:
Trailer bunker hardware
These can come in different forms. The bunks can be wood 2x4's, TREX or rollers. As for the 2x4 material type bunks, they are usually carpeted and aftermarket bunker "slides" can be added for easier sliding. Personal preference in using carpet or sliders.
The hardware on most trailers are adjustable to fit accomodate almost any personal watercraft.
Hitch (tongue) weight
Calculate the hitch weight in order to select a proper hitch. The weight of the hitch is usually 9-11% of the trailer gross weight and should be measured with the trailer loaded. Hitches fall into various categories: those that mount on the frame and rear bumper, the bolt-on or the weld-on type used for larger trailers. Axle mounted or clamp-on bumper hitches should never be used.
