tewitt1949
Explorer II
Joined 22 years ago
User Profile
User Widgets
All Activity
Tavel Trailer springs and shackles
I have a question about the springs and shackles on my travel trailer. My trailer is a 32 foot and weighs about 8500. Back when it was new they used brass./bronze for bushings. All moving points on the springs have grease zerks and are greased regularly/yearly. I have greased them but they are a pain to get them to take grease sometimes. I've replaced them with bronze bushings which is the same that came from the factory. Its been a few years since I replaced them and I'm thinking it probably needs rebuilding again. My question is instead of bronze/brass bushing, what are your thoughts on something different that bronze/brass. A few years ago I bought some black stuff that appears to be nylon but I they had a different name for it. It appeared to be a little harder than nylon. New bushings have graphite buttons made right in the bronze that don't need greasing. I have a friend that works at a rv trailer dealership and he says the new bronze/graphite bushings aren't what they are cracked up to be. Ok, what's you thoughts on nylon type stuff for bushings. I am a mechanic/machinist with all the equipment (lathes)to make the new bushings..783Views1like6CommentsRe: question about trailer brakes.
The trailer in question has 12 inch drums. 8500lbs empty, double axle. I think they are 3500 lbs axles and are 8 lug hubs. I'm 71 and have been a mechanic all my life so I have worked on many drum brakes. I realize if you get them adjusted with slight drag they will work better and may lock the tires easier. But over the last 71 years there have been a couple of times I adjusted them too tight and after a few miles they got too hot. (on cars). So I probably tend to leave them a looser than some people. On my trailer it has drop axles and the drop part of the axle is right in front of the little adjusting slot which leaves maybe 2 inches to get that little brake tool in there. All most impossible. So, if I remember correct when I put the new brakes on, I think I adjust the shoes out as far as I could and still get the drum on. There was no worn area where the shoes rode so I'm guessing they are fairly close to being adjusted close enough. One thing that will affect lock up is the height of the tire. The trailer came with Goodyear 235/85R16 which is a good size tire. The taller the tire the more force it takes to stop it.881Views0likes0CommentsRe: TT Tire Recommendation
My trailer came with 10 ply Goodyears, and they lasted 16 years and still looked like new. Finally the tread came off one so I figured it was time for new tires. So my tire dealer had 10 ply tires but I asked if he had any thing heavier duty? He said he had some 14 ply tires used on equipment trailers for $20 per tire more. I said go for it. After 3 radical blow outs with in 5000 miles, and finding out they were made in china, I said enough is enough. I then went to 10 ply Michlin. I've never heard anything bad about Mishlin but we will see. Only had them 1 year, so far so good.771Views0likes0CommentsRe: Trailer brake advice
I would tow it home with out brakes or plug in and see if they work. If the brakes and don't lock up the tires it shouldn't hurt anything. Many trailers brakes won't lock up even with max voltage. With out a controller, your brakes will either be on or off.530Views0likes0CommentsRe: question about trailer brakes.
Thanks for your relys. I understand you don't want the brakes to lock up under normal or emergency conditions. I would prefer that they would lock up them have to dial down the voltage going to them. Since I can have max voltage to them without them locking up, it almost seems as though they are under sized for my trailer.883Views0likes0Commentsquestion about trailer brakes.
I have an older 32 ft pull behind trailer which I bought new. When new I could feel the trailer breaks working but I could not get them to lock up and slide the tires. On a gravel road they might sort of slide a tire but not 100% lock up. I put all new magnets, shoes, backing plates etc in it a couple years ago. Still won't lock up. The trailer weighs 8500 empty which is not all that heavy, or is it heavier than the normal trailer? Maybe I should have questioned it when it was under warranty but it too late for that now. With max voltage going back to the brakes, will your lock up the tires? I'm curious if some do and some don't.3.8KViews0likes14CommentsWhat is a good camp stove to buy now days?
I've always used these green Coleman stove for the last 35 years. Now ours has seen its last days, its time buy something new. What is a good make and model stove to get? Is there something better than Coleman? I'd prefer to stay with something small rather than a stove on legs. Any recommendations and links would be appreciated.6.5KViews0likes24Comments
Groups
Motorhome Group
Join in here to discuss all things motorhomes.Feb 13, 202538,707 Posts RV Newbies
We all start out new. Share lessons learned or first-time questions!Jun 15, 20174,026 Posts Travel Trailer Group
Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Feb 06, 202544,025 Posts
