Shot brakes & Hubs - Boating & Fishing Information and Reports Forum

jonafare · #1 (**permalink**) 12-05-2007, 09:48 PM

Need your thoughts...

Here are some basic facts

Trailer bought April, 2005. Probably has been pulled 10,000 miles. Try to wash trailer down after every launch -- simply not possible when doing overnight trips or cruise trips lasting a few days... otherwise trailer allways washed down. Trailer is a Road King, Tandem axle, tires are truck size... not the small typical trailer tire. Boat weight is 8-9000 lbs. depending on its load.

When the trailer was purchased, I hired a tow company to take the trailer to Fla and pick up mu new boat. 30 miles away and he calls saying the brakes are locked up and is comming back. Dealer looks at it and says the actuater is stuck and the weight of the trailer is not enough to disengage. They put a screw in the side of the actuater to disable it. Upon picking up boat, screw is removed. All seems well.

Have allways noticed that trailer does not stop well and the truck does all the work.

Now the issue...

While doing some minor maintenance on my trailer, dealer calls and says, you gota come out and look at your brakes and hubs. They are rusted and they look like the brakes have never worked. They are not shiny at all, everything is badly rusted. Dealer says RoadKing offers hub packages including brakes & all, $210.00 per hub and he wants $100/hub to replace them -- has to grind / cut off old lugs.

Is the price reasonable?

I think, given the history, this is a warranty issue.

Dealer says only structural is warranteed.

offshore · #2 (**permalink**) 12-05-2007, 11:55 PM

Frank,
Are they disk or drums? If they are drums I would replace them with disks if possible. If they are disk I would take the rotors and have them turned then put new pads on. What puzzles me is why are the hubs in such bad shape. As long as they are greased and the seals were OK they should be fine. Sound like there is something wrong with the hydraulics for sure. Could be the actuator or the solenoid. I would make sure they bleed the brakes when all the work is done and make sure all the components are in good working order. If I am not mistaken someone on the other forum had problems with their road king trailer and it took a act of congress but they repaired the trailer. I think it was Cracker...Mark

Daddy'O · #3 (**permalink**) 12-06-2007, 07:35 AM

Frank,

Here's my thinking. Before anymore work is done, I would want to know why the system is not working. I would address this first, then work on getting the hubs/brakes corrected.

I'm not sure about your warranty question. I hope everything works out for you.

Wayne

Capt. Fred · #4 (**permalink**) 12-06-2007, 08:26 AM

Yup, I bet they won't cover it even though you brought it up early. If the mechanic can determine that it is a factory mistake you may be in business but that may be a long shot.

jonafare · #5 (**permalink**) 12-06-2007, 08:39 AM

Thanks folks... yea Mark, they are disk brakes. I am going to call the shop right now.

Daddy'O · #6 (**permalink**) 12-07-2007, 02:38 PM

Any updates yet Frank?

Wayne

cdail28590 · #7 (**permalink**) 12-07-2007, 04:57 PM

I know a guy with a 25 carolina classic with a triple axle road king. He said the trailer was great but the brakes suck. He said he can't keep brakes on the thing so he's not running any. The bad part is this guys owns a ford dealership, fixing it should not be a problem.

Garett · #8 (**permalink**) 12-11-2007, 04:25 PM

I would have to think "IF" you have had the trailer in several times in regards to the brakes (one way or the other) then the dealer should be stepping up to the plate in regards to the brakes being all rusty and looking like they have never been used.

Now let's say the dealer doesn't come through for you, then I'd sand down the rotor surfaces, remove and give the brake pads a quick sanding, make sure the pistons in the calibers are free, then reinstall everything, bleed the brakes out and then keep an eye on how they are working. Oh sure you can spend your money on brand new equipment, but why? What you have there is brand new, it's just that they are rusty.

Daddy'O · #9 (**permalink**) 12-15-2007, 10:43 PM

Frank,

Any updates on the trailer?

Enquiring minds want to know.

Wayne

jonafare · #10 (**permalink**) 12-16-2007, 09:12 PM

Hi Folks,

Been away from the computer for a few days traveling on business in CA. Phoned the dealer Saturday when I got back and he says its repaired and braking perfectly... says he can't wait for me to test it. Says he did not have to replace the actuator. I'll test it this week and let you guys know the results.

Frank