Trailer update

[Jim Stumpf]

Been pecking away at the trailer, it is not very exciting but I assume many of you are suffering cabin fever anyway.

Where we started

All parts prep'd and painted waiting reassembly

I had not planned on replacing the axle but the spindles are shot, just FYI for you non wrench types like myself...even though you can buy spindles for about $12 there is no good way to remove, install and realign them.

I have a new axle and hubs coming from trailerpart.com, has anyone had any experience with this outfit? I suppose it is a little late to ask as I have already ordered the parts. $115 including the shipping and the u bolts.

http://www.trailerpart.com/2ktrailerAxle.htm

Thanks for all the help in the earlier thread, next stop Harbor Freight for accessories.

Thanks Again,

Jim

[hokeyhydro]

I built several trailers - welded tube steel - and I think I got all my running gear from Harbor Freight. Been a few years ago. I usually got drop axles to keep the trailer deck low and went for 7' width so I could see it behind then van I was towing with back then. Plus the stack of hydros were about 5' wide. Yes, stack three high. shaking dust bunnies outta my brain, axles were 3500# and so were the hubs, and I also got wheels/tires from Harbor Freight. Since a stack of hydro race boats didn't weigh much, and the outboards were not heavy (American Hot Rod engines 15 & 20 cubes = 55# apiece) I went with 13" rims, but did us e`14" on a trailer I built my friend since he raced heavier classes.

Make sure your springs, shackles and shackle mounts are still good to go. Dang things rusted away on my pleasure boat trailer.

Looking good! Nice project to fill in those snow days that keep us off the water.

[Frank Hagan]

I've ordered from Trailerparts.com, and the service was good. Another source is NorthernTool.com. I found hubs with bearings already installed at Northern Tool cheaper than I could buy the bearings from West Marine, so it pays to shop around on the net.

[PAR]

Spindles are easy enough to weld on, if you have the ability. Getting them straight isn't really much of a problem with reasonable prep.

[hokeyhydro]

I've ordered from Trailerparts.com, and the service was good. Another source is NorthernTool.com. I found hubs with bearings already installed at Northern Tool cheaper than I could buy the bearings from West Marine, so it pays to shop around on the net.

Now that you mention it, Frank, maybe I got my trailer stuff from Northern Tool instead of Harbor Freight. I got Hubs w/bearings as well - cheap - I think they were running about $45 for a 3500# hub back when I was stick welding trailers together.

[Steve Day]

"I found hubs with bearings already installed at Northern Tool cheaper than I could buy the bearings from West Marine, so it pays to shop around on the net."

Don't forget that West Marine price matches any verifiable price found on the Internet, or at local stores, for the exact same item. You can find it at West and get it for the lower price with a little research (and not have to pay freight). Very convenient if you have a local store.

Steve