Trailer needed attention

[BoatGuy]

I never had a spare since I purchased the boat in 2002. Just stupid and just lucky. But now that the tires are dry rotted, I got a new rim and 2 new tires. I went with the Goodyear Endurance. I was advised not to use the cheaper knock-off. Anyway, they extra rim wasn't too bad and the spare tire holder was like $20.

I have neglected the trailer for too long. I had to give attention to the:

• Lug nuts and studs need attention. Rusted and doubt I could have gotten the rim off if I did have the spare. Got everything off, chased the threads and lubed everything.
• The trailer lights didn’t work. The lights just didn't need new bulbs. Everything was rotted. I got a set of lights (LED) and ran new wires
• the trailer winch strap needed to be replaced.
• The tongue Jack needed some rewelding. (actually replacement, but welding was free)
• And the biggie, the tongue flexed and I noticed the bottom had rotted out. Nothing was there. I replaced it with Stainless steel. That was a job. I had to get cobalt bits to make holes for ball coupler.
• The safety chain had rusted away. That was replaced too.
• Last, but not least, I needed a new multi-ball receiver for the truck.
  
  *sign* Haven't even started on the boat or my fishing tackle. *deep sign*
  

 

[jpd]

2002 is a long time ago, is this just a twice a year trailer in the salt water or a regular ramp launcher?
I'll guess 2x.

 

[BoatGuy]

This is not to say this is the first maintenance since 2002. The trips weren't that long. 5 min tops to the water. So you feel you can risk a breakdown that close to home and that it was unlikely to happen.

But now I have started going to Mattituck and considering longer hauls. That makes breakdowns more problematic. Plus now that I am retired, I have more time to do what needed to be done.

 

[pequa1]

I replaced the tires due to dry rot 5 years ago, the winch 4 years ago as the cable all but broke and the winch was rusty, but replaced the whole trailer three seasons back when trying to fix the rollers was the last straw. From 1999 when all was new until 2005 I used the boat a lot. Since 2005 when I started kayaking, I use the boat maybe three to five times all year. Even though am but two blocks from the town ramp I just did not want to break down. I never did buy a spare. Every year I say I am either going to sell or use it more. Every year I just paddle.