Trailer upgrade

[Rich Walton]

Trailer upgrade

It all started with the need to replace my brakes, when it was time to replace my brakes I decided to up grade to disc. Well that is how this started. It is finished with a totally redone trailer. When I was looking at the disc conversion I found the tandem axel bolt on kit so I decided to install that kit, (no welding required) so I wanted to reuse my old axel but to do that I would have to have the spring saddles re-welded so I decided to go with 2 new axels. (I really like the spindles on the axels no need to pack the bearings with grease the spindles do that as you pump the lube in).

So I ordered the kit and at the same time the disc brakes to go on both axels, 2 new tires with the rims to match the old tires. I also ordered a new wench, why not do it all right?

When all the parts came I started my project, as soon as I started I noticed that the steel on the trailer was rusted bad! The bunks broke right off in my hand! The C channel was rusted badly under the spring hangers and under the bunks. The scale was so thick that I had to grind it down to get to metal. At this point I decided that the whole trailer would need to be repainted not just spot painted. After all the prep and sanding and grinding I settled on a paint product from Eastwoods (car paint guys that clam that the rust encapsulate paint is better than POR-15). First I wiped the frame down with a cleaning solvent then treated the rust areas with a rust converter then the paint (all put down with rollers and brushes) after the second coat was dry I was ready to start with the new parts install.

The new parts went on fairly straight forward I followed the very limited instructions and with my mechanic background I got it all done. I found a couple of short coming in the kit that was easy to overcome (fender brackets need to be 4 inches longer).

So with the trailer complete I took it out for a short road trip without the boat and that was fine. I noticed that the trailer didnt jump around as much. But then I put the boat on it and found that this is the best thing that I could have done! It tows like a dream! I tow with a Mazda B-4000 (Ford Ranger) I was ready to go out and get a Suburban But this mod has saved me the need. I no longer have any bouncing or trailer sway. When I get passed by a big rig all is fine. And this thing stops! I was surprised how good it stops, when I was doing the bump it shocked me! It just stops no more getting pushed around!

So would I recommend this to everyone? Yes for the tandem axels but for the time and cost I would try to buy a new Galvanized or aluminum trailer. But if you cant afford to do the kit or a new trailer do whatever you can and get tandem axels it is the best!

[Dimitri-2000X-Tampa]

I also ordered a new wench

I don't get what she had to do with it! The old one wouldn't let you spend the money on the trailer?

[Harrison]

Dimitri,

That's freaking great! That's just what I needed this morning after spending 16+ hours here at work yesterday! Thanks for the laugh!

---Harrison

[LOUIS B HOLUB]

Rich Walton....Im looking into doing the same with my Mac 26-X trailer. My trailer is in good shape...but I dont trust having just one axle, or the factory Mac brakes.

[Dell Anne]

Can I ask where you got the bolt on kits?

ThX...._/)~

[Bobby T.-26X #4767]

Can I ask where you got the bolt on kits?

ThX...._/)~

This Thread



Champion Trailers

Bob T.
"DaBob"
'02X w/ '04 90-TLDI & '06 2.5-Suzuki

[Rich Walton]

Louis, this is the best thing ever, before this i would cringe at the towing of my boat now it is easy! and boy it stops! Like i said this is a easy mod that i did 100% myself(the paint work was the hardest). If you do go with this kit tell Sherly that you are a mac owner and tell her that the fender mounts need to be longer. but other than that the kit works well.