Second Hand Trailer....

[Geoff_Jubb]

Hi,
I have bought a SIB that came complete with a trailer, but have only limited knowledge of trailers and hoped you could help me with some questions.

1; There is a picture below that shows my trailer wheel. It doesn't have a mudguard/wheel arch, but the wheel is under the bunk that the SIB tube sits on. Is this good enough?

2; The wheel sits about an inch from the bunk. Is this normal? If the suspension bounces, will the wheel touch the bunk?

3; Lastly, when I was towing the trailer home (a short journey), I could hear a sound when on the move, not a grinding, maybe a metal on metal rubbing noise. Is this the bearings?

Cheers,
Geoff

[Markyboyo]

Hi Geoff,

1.)I think that mudguards are a legal requirement. Claiming that the bunk of the trailer does the job if you get pulled over may not convince Mr Plod.

2.)I'd certainly think that the suspension would have more than an inch of travel and that it would touch. Is there evidence of this happening on the underside of the bunk?

3.) Jack up the trailer and spin the wheels. Any serious play/rumbling noises suggests its new bearing time! I wouldn't tow it again until you have done this, wheels falling off are definitely not good!

Cheers,

Mark

[Geoff_Jubb]

Hi Mark,
Thanks for your help. There is no sign of rubbing on the plywood bunk, but it is that close that it must touch, unless the suspension is already maxed out, which I doubt with the weight of my rig. I think I can raise the bunks a couple of holes. How high would you want it above the wheel?
I am hoping to take it to North Wales with me in August so what I am thinking of doing is this;
On ebay there is a store that sells build your own trailer kits. I could get a jockey wheel (which my trailer doesn't have, but is really well balanced), new suspension, mudguards, new hubs and bearings and maybe even new wheels. As I have never changed bearings or know how to measure them I could get a spare set at the same time, knowing I would have the right size. I would also have a new trailer barring the frame. The suspension at the moment is painted, so not sure how good it is.
Does this sound a good idea, or a waste of money?
Would you change the wheels, and if so do I get the biggest I can? Should I get them from a scrap yard, or purpose made ones?
If I get bigger wheels will it become more difficult to launch my boat?
Finally, do I need a winch for my boat (a 4.6m Sib), or is it not nessecary?
I know nothing of trailers, so please don't worry about teraching your granny to suck eggs!
Cheers,
Geoff

[PeteH]

Hi,i looked about for ages for a trailer,ended up making my own with help from guys on here.]

Your idea is a good one i think,strip the trailer down to its bones so you basicly have the frame then build on that,i got my trailer build kit from ebay think they are called rphl leisure, ithink if you build one up you will know from the out set that every thing is safe and sound and all the bearing wheels etc are good,let us know how you get on..
Pete

[Geoff_Jubb]

Originally Posted by PeteH

Hi,i looked about for ages for a trailer,ended up making my own with help from guys on here.]

Your idea is a good one i think,strip the trailer down to its bones so you basicly have the frame then build on that,i got my trailer build kit from ebay think they are called rphl leisure, ithink if you build one up you will know from the out set that every thing is safe and sound and all the bearing wheels etc are good,let us know how you get on..
Pete

I have been reading your thread with interest. Thats the company I am looking at Pete. I think this is the route I will take, also give me an idea of how the trailer and bearings are put together.
Any other advise, please feel free. Would you change the wheels?

[PeteH]

Ive added i picture for you too look at on how the bearings assemble to the hub you need to pack it all together using grease,marine grade would be best,i tighten the hub nut hand tight and lined up the split pin through the nut(castle nuts),dont over tighten tho.
I think you might be best off with new wheels and tyres to be honest considering the price,i seem to remember my trailer build kit cost £160 inc post,for that i got
2 suspention units and mount plates
2 hubs and bearings to suit.
2 8"wheels and tyres.
Jockey wheel and mount
2 mud guards
tow hitch
light board and cable 5m
Break away cable

http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/RPH-Tr...__W0QQ_armrsZ1

You may not need all this so you can buy direct from them the bits you need.

They where good to deal with but i did use the phone for the order rather than ebay,ordered the stuff on the monday afternoon delivered on the thursday.

Here is a link from pic below with more advice http://www.autow.co.uk/trailer_parts..._info_629.html

[chris123]

Might be useful to post a few more photos, showing the wheel / suspension unit from further way, and maybe one of the whole trailer?

Cheers

Chris

[Geoff_Jubb]

Does the size of the wheels matter?
Will I still be able to tow across the country with 8" wheels or would I be better off with 10" ones?
At work at moment, will try to post more pics later.
Cheers,
Geoff

[PeteH]

Originally Posted by Geoff_Jubb

Does the size of the wheels matter?
Will I still be able to tow across the country with 8" wheels or would I be better off with 10" ones?
At work at moment, will try to post more pics later.
Cheers,
Geoff

Bigger the better i would of thought,it all depends on the clearance you have on the trailer.

[chris123]

Originally Posted by Geoff_Jubb

Does the size of the wheels matter?
Will I still be able to tow across the country with 8" wheels or would I be better off with 10" ones?
At work at moment, will try to post more pics later.
Cheers,
Geoff

My (DeGraaf) SIB trailer has 8" wheels, and tows quite happily (longest single trip to date 250 miles).

Cheers

Chris