trailer casters

[bayoukid]

We just recently purchased a new trailer, it's a Forest River EVO 18.6'. The trailer came with strap skid plate material on the rear of the trailer. I would like to change those but I don't know what size I would need.The trailer capacity is 3800 pounds .I figure that a caster that can handle 900 lb. Should be enough to handle the job.If you don't think so please let me know as I need to put these o asap. Thanks

[Ron3rd]

jdog wrote:
Why do you need skid wheels? Does your rear drag? A trailer your size should not be dragging.

X2, I had the skid thingies like the OP on my old 25ft trailer and never considered casters. Unless you routinely go in and out of a very steep driveway at home, I don't see the need for them on most trailers. Could be wrong, but I've never needed them.

[Dave_H_M]

I think Larry nailed it. You want that skid strap to give instead of a strong castor trying to rigidly suspend the rear corner.

I had a oops once and the skid strap compressed down by 1/2. Just get it repaired when you get a chance. Easy grind off, straighten and reweld.

[LarryJM]

bayoukid wrote:
We just recently purchased a new trailer, it's a Forest River EVO 18.6'. The trailer came with strap skid plate material on the rear of the trailer. I would like to change those but I don't know what size I would need.The trailer capacity is 3800 pounds .I figure that a caster that can handle 900 lb. Should be enough to handle the job.If you don't think so please let me know as I need to put these o asap. Thanks

While wheels instead of the existing strap skid plates might sound like a good idea the reason IMO they use what they do is that they indicate when you are in danger of damaging your trailer and are meant to give. If you use wheels and accidently engage those there is no give except to "TWEET" and permanently damage your frame. Unlike MH and vehicles the frames of trailers are not designed to support the their weight at the corners, but in the middle where the wheels are.

Leave the strap skid plates there and pass on the wheels.

Larry

[pitch]

The reason those skid plates are on there is the manufacturer KNEW you were going to slam the rearend down eventually. I would not put any thing on there that hangs any lower than the existing plate.

I don't know your level of expertise or if you have access to a fabricator, but the tips of a pallet jack have some pretty serious casters in them.

[cpmath]

Thats why I said an 18x42" plate.

[Lynnmor]

Do not get too large of a wheel or mount it down too far. If the frame takes the weight of the trailer at the tail end it may be damaged. Many frames made today are way too weak and are easily bent.

[jdog]

Why do you need skid wheels? Does your rear drag? A trailer your size should not be dragging.

[cpmath]

I would not go smaller than 1100 lbs or a plate 18x42".