[Rhodes22-list] Trailer Rebuild

[Michael D. Weisner]

Mike,

If the coupler is not straight I would replace the extension portion and put
a new coupler on it.  My 1981 extension failed as I was backing the trailer
and boat down a ramp.  When I applied the brakes, the front of the trailer
went up as the stern came very close to the tarmac.  The extension bar bent
mid span.  When the vehicle motion stopped, the tongue weight brought the
bow back down and bent the extension bar back.  With a 20 pound persuader I
was able to slide the bar back into the receiver and launch without the
extension at high tide an hour later.  Once the trailer was home, it was a
simple matter to replace the 2"x2" bar stock and attach a Walmart coupler
(non-braking) with screws.

I am not sure what the Triad trailer with coupler activated brakes is like
so I am not sure if it may fail in a similar matter.  Does it extend for
launch and recovery?  How would that be done with hydraulic brakes?

Mike
s/v Wind Lass  ('91)
Nissequogue River, NY



-----Original Message-----
From: Rhodes22-list [mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of
Michael Corley
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2018 1:23 PM
To: The Rhodes 22 Email List
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Trailer Rebuild

Good question, a friend who has seen the trailer asked me that too.  Stan
told me years ago; "You don't sail the trailer."
I guess mainly its age, 23 plus years, and the rust that is showing on the
axle, leaf springs and wheels and the coupler is angling upward. For the
last 19 years I have used the trailer primarily for winter storage with
occasional trips to Edenton for the boat to get worked on.  It is down
there now and I will use it to haul boat back and launch in a week or two.
Had the brakes redone locally in 2008, re-carpeted the boards, and some
welding in 2013. Now that I am retired I want to do some trailer sailing in
the Chesapeake and along the Carolina Coasts as well as some inland lakes.
Maybe take it to Miami/Key West next winter.
I guess I am thinking better safe than sorry.  Problems on the road are
disruptive and expensive!

Mike
S/V Ranger
99 Rhodes
Hampton Roads, VA