spike99
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Joined 22 years ago
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Re: Would you swap 205s for 215s ?
If one has available space inside the vender cavity area, then YES. Do the +1 tire upgrade. Especially if the larger tire size has better weight support numbers. If wondering, I "up size" my trailer's axles, leaf spring packs and tire (rubber) all the time. Never had problems with my "up sized" upgrades. Especially across double railway tracks and seen "too late" deep pot holes.680Views0likes0CommentsRe: Tire wear, bent axle, replace or trade
Axle replacement is a simple DIY task - using simple auto mechanic tools. Like all my trailers (RV, utility, Boat, snowmobile, canoe/kayak, etc.), I simply buy new axles (do +2 up size) and up size their leaf spring packs as well. Dry fit, then get your local welder guy to weld on new leaf spring saddles. Lots of online info on how to measure "hub face to hub face" and how to install new / better brake wiring - from factory linear design to much better STAR design. Stuff like this is easy DIY..... Note: For 2 of my factory bought trailers, I got their axles 1" longer (that's 1/2" longer on each side) as well. Thus, much better fix - compared to factory design. Your trailer may need slightly longer axle (for better position of its wheel inside its fender cavity) as well.....697Views0likes0CommentsRe: Would you swap 205s for 215s ?
If there is physical space for +1 larger size tires, then do it. Remember that many trailer makers install "at minimum" parts. Anything more means less profits out of their pockets. Thus, always upgrade to +1 larger tire size (even if only wider size on same rim size). If wondering, I do +1 up size tires with all my store bought trailers - including boat and utility trailers. Never had a problem up-sizing them. This works for me...681Views0likes0CommentsRe: Lippert frames
Many trailer makers build to minimum specs and nothing more. Anything above the minimum (whether it be frames, axles sizing, tires, etc) is lost dollars from their pocket. IMO, it's always better to over build instead of meeting minimum specs. Especially if being pulled down the road - where others are at safety risk as well... When I build trailer frames, I use gussets in every inside corner. Over build, yes. Do I see gussets on may "factory bolt" trailers (including RV and utility trailers)? NO. If you love the trailer but hate its factory frame, take to a welding shop and get them to "improve" factory build - like using gussets. Might be worth it - if you plan to keep your trailer for 8+ years (like I do). And if getting frame work done, replace its factory brake wiring with much better STAR design wiring using 10 gauge upgrade as well. All of my trailers with brakes have STAR design wiring and its much better than factory as well.854Views0likes0CommentsRe: Jacking single axle trailer
IdaD wrote: I use a bottle jack under the spring perch on the axle (I did an axle flip so the springs ride on top now). I don't know what is recommended in my manual but it's never given me any trouble. Same with me. re: Lift under leaf spring pack and only lift tire 1" or so off the ground. Raising too high is both dangerous on the person and makes things twist too much. And like you, I've never had problems with my RV, Boat and utility trailers - for tire changes and/or yearly brake inspection/bearing maintenance tasks...419Views0likes0CommentsRe: Broke a leaf spring. Shop says I should instal bigger ones?
kevink619. Yes. Upgrade all leaf spring packs to their next size up. re: +1 up size. I would - without hesitation.. To validate +1 upgrade isn't too much, simply take trailer's GVWR, divide by 4 (assume 4 x wheel hubs) and round up to the nearest available size. If you load heavy and/or tow on bumpy roads, then round up +1 more - for extra safety buffer. This works for me. When you have more dollars in future, then upgrade its other moving parts - like shackle plates, worn out bolts, etc. And if possible, upgrade to wet bolt system. Hope this helps.546Views0likes0CommentsRe: Leaf springs flat on 2015 Aerolite 294RKSS
When off warranty and/or fixing axle area problems, I alway +1 "up size" its leaf springs packs. And where possible, upgrade the axle as well. For example, replace factory 3.,000 lbs axle with mew 3,600 lbs axle. And, upgrade with 3,600 lbs leaf spring packs as well. Remember that many trailer makers subtract 13% off the Trailer's GVW number (assume 13% weight is on the Tow Vehicle's hitch), then divide remaining number by the number of axles. On the "white board", it appears the smaller axle / small leaf spring packs are the correct size. And, save RV maker parts money. Maybe true for some lawyers as well. But IMO (being a certified Engineer), the factory axle and leaf spring packs are "under sized" for the trailer's GVW number. Thus, why I always "up size" without using the 13% Tow Vehicle hitch weight number. Like I always tell my wife and others... Better to be over engineered / over safe instead of at minimum factory build specs (and risk leaf spring pack breaks across double railway tracks). But, that's a topic for a different post....431Views0likes0CommentsRe: Roof conditioning
I conditioned my RV's roof every 6 months. And, manually wax its sides with NuFinish product as well. Did the work myself to ensure if was done right - and I quality inspected with my own eyes. I also manually wax my Tow Vehicle as well. Was all this a waste of time and/or dollars? I don't think so. Had that RV for 15 years without roof problems. And, it had very few black streaks down its sides as well. My neighbour would often lecture me about wasting dollars. Yet, his RV had roof problems in 10 years. Then, total re-skin in 16 years. And, the sides of his RV has permanent black stains. Yet, he still lectures me about was of time and money (for materials only) today. Ya. He's a funny guy... In my family, we treat / take care of things like we want them to last forever....322Views0likes0CommentsRe: axle replacement issue
When I replace axles, I measure HUB face too Hub Face. I tell the seller what axle weight size and also buy new U-Bolts to match as well. And where possible, I "up size +1 as well. re: If warped or broken axle is 3500 lbs axle, I ask for 3800 lbs axle and I "up size" +1 its new leaf spring packs as well. When I get the axle and springs, I then measure my leaf spring saddles location myself and get my local welder guy to weld them on. When replacing axles, don't over think it. Just +1 up size and mount the leaf spring saddles yourself. It's that easy...411Views0likes0Comments
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