trailer breaks VS Saltwater

[just_anglin252]

I baught a used boat and the person had it on a lift the life of the boat. He would take it out every now and then. When i looked at the trailer i noticed the brakes had be removed. They were rusted from the saltwater. He said he sprayed them off everytime but they locked up on him and he removed them. Also the springs are rusted. Not bad but just a little surface rust. What should i do about the breaks on the trailer. Its a 26 ft boat and i really need breaks on this trailer. And for the leaf springs, should i be concerned???? Please help me out if you can.

[fish stories]

You should be fine on the leaf springs - based on your description, although you don't give much info....these will always get rusty; I assume you can tell that they appear 'reasonable', meaning they look sound, they lack major chunks of rust falling off, etc.?

The brakes MUST be replaced - it's the law, given the weight capacity of a trailer that size - at least in MD. Your best bet sounds like complete new assemblies. Your local guy or Trailer Parts Superstore (internet) are good sources. Just went through this last year on a 26 footer on a poorly maintained dual axle: New brake assemblies, new lines, new actuator, new tires, and a SPARE.

Do yourself a favor, and get that trailer right! If I can help, let me know, B Mail is best as I don't access this particular forum often...

Good Luck-

Joe

[Sandtiger]

Trailer Parts Superstore - Recreational & Commercial Trailer Parts Dealer Since 1981