rapide trailer urgent help needed!!!!

win-or-bin · 04 September 2011, 14:26

Hi all,
Just got a new boat and it came on a Rapide roller trailer of 95 vintage, the boat is 21ft and the trailer is a twin axle unit, now to cut a long story very short!! the boat was delivered to me on the back of an AA flatbed

GRRrrrrr The actual suspension arm from the axle to the hub has actually twisted on one wheel meaning the trailer is obviously untowable. I am looking to replace ASAP but need advice, the trailer doesnt need to be braked (currently has Al-Ko hubs that are diconnected) so am looking at the fact that I will have to replace the whole axle, any idea what Kgs axle I will need and type?? Was also thinking of getting a bit of galvanisied(sp) 4x4 box section and then fitting idespension hubs to it?
Really want to get the trailer towable so I can get it into a large shed at work and commence my new winter project!!
Thanks in advance

Courageous · 04 September 2011, 14:39

I would start with what weight you require? I would imagine the suspension would need to be 750kgs units giving you 1500 from the 2 axles. At a guess the trailer itself will be 400kg leaving you 1100kg for the boat. Does that sound about right? The bay of theives has pairs of 750's at £115. Your idea of box section and these units is a good'un

Ian M · 04 September 2011, 15:26

Do you know why this one suspension arm has twisted? Did it take a knock?
In your position I would want to carefully check out the other three!

win-or-bin · 04 September 2011, 17:19

Thanks for the replies, I am not sure what happened as I was not towing it at the time, the trailer was *cough* road legal *cough*

but was unbraked and every hub as you say Ian, is pretty ropey. I really dont want to spend much cash on it as I launch in front of my house and dont need to tow any distance on the road, just need to get it rolling so to speak, thanks for the info on the suspension hub ratings wasnt sure how it worked

Will look into fitting hubs to box section for that axle as cant make head or tail of complete axle assembles.
Thanks four info guys

Chris · 04 September 2011, 18:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by win-or-bin

Thanks for the replies, I am not sure what happened as I was not towing it at the time, the trailer was *cough* road legal *cough*

but was unbraked and every hub as you say Ian, is pretty ropey. I really dont want to spend much cash on it as I launch in front of my house and dont need to tow any distance on the road, just need to get it rolling so to speak, thanks for the info on the suspension hub ratings wasnt sure how it worked

Will look into fitting hubs to box section for that axle as cant make head or tail of complete axle assembles.
Thanks four info guys

You can get a single axle for that trailer that can take 1900KGs The guys that make Rapide can supply this so that a 7 meter Rib can be put onto a single axle trailer.

I prefer single axles certainly for manouvering a trailer, especially by hand...

Chris · 04 September 2011, 18:11

Unfortunately for you this would mean dealing with Mersea trailers who by all accounts seem pretty difficult to deal with so good luck !

Trailer Guy · 04 September 2011, 21:04

Your drop arm has fatigued and given up the ghost, although if it's the front axle, this may have been helped along by kerbing...

The easiest way to tell the weight capacity of the axle you need is to look at the chassis plate (should be n/s/f of the trailer chassis) and see what the GVW (gross vehicle weight) of the trailer is and then divide it by the two axles.
i.e. if your GVW is 2000kg then each axle capacity is 1000kg

Additionally, as they're Alko axles there should be an axle plate riveted to the rear face of the axle (check both, in case one has fallen off). On this will be stated the axle type (i.e. part number), it's capacity and date of manufacture. With this information you will be able to get an Alko axle from any Alko dealer, meaning you're not reliant on just the trailer manufacturer. Expect to pay around £300 for a new Alko axle.

Your idea of fitting box section and units is ok, but it will mean that if you don't do both axles then one will be higher / closer to the ground than the other and therefore will take more load than the original one. Bear that in mind 'beef' it up a little more than required.

How far is the workshop? If it's close by then it's possible you may be able to drop the knackered axle out the way (only four bolts) and tow it (carefully!) on the remaining axle...

Poly · 05 September 2011, 07:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by win-or-bin

I am looking to replace ASAP but need advice, the trailer doesnt need to be braked (currently has Al-Ko hubs that are diconnected)

So are you not taking it on the public road?

Courageous · 05 September 2011, 08:53

"So are you not taking it on the public road?" - What's the weight limit on trailers that they require brakes then?

Leapy · 05 September 2011, 09:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Courageous

"So are you not taking it on the public road?" - What's the weight limit on trailers that they require brakes then?

750kgs all up...trailer + boat + fuel + kit + all else

Just as a calibration, my RC5.3/90hp on a single axle braked trailer weighs over 1100kg with the 'all else'

Poly · 05 September 2011, 09:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Courageous

"So are you not taking it on the public road?" - What's the weight limit on trailers that they require brakes then?

As per Leapy's post 750 kg (assuming the car is rated to take that weight) gross weight. And I think it is based on the rating of the trailer not the actual load (so even with no boat on it a double axle trailer is almost certain to 'need' working brakes).

If it really isn't carrying a heavy load then presumably ditch the back axle on go single is an option - although obviously you'd want to be reassuring yourself this won't happen to that axle too.

win-or-bin · 05 September 2011, 10:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polwart

So are you not taking it on the public road?

Only for a couple of miles once a year to where I store the boat over winter, I might reconnect the brakes to the rear axle if I ever need to tow it any distence on the road.

Courageous · 05 September 2011, 11:53

Crikey Leapy! That must cover most boats above dinghy size then as the trailer itself weighs a fair whack eh? I must be close to that with my 2 bike trailer with 400kg of superbikes on the back. Good to know thanx.

Is this a Europe wide regulation does anyone know?

I know regs do differ as here in Spain the trailer has to be "homologated" and gets a periodic MOT to boot. That's not such a bad idea based on experience......