Checking the Hubs

[mosquito13]

I just replaced all four tires on my rig. The new lug nuts finally arrived so finished up the install of the new tires when I noticed some play in a hub . Ended up tightening two of castle nuts. Memo to self ,  pick up some spare locking tab washers. Had replaced hubs/bearings about 800 miles ago and greased every other time in the water. Kinda surprised at the play already. New tires are balanced unlike the old biased tires but plan on lifting the axles more often and checking for play in the future. I do a lot of 50 plus mile tows at high speeds. Think I will add brakes to one axle when I replace axles next year. 

[Juan]

Good luck. Unless it's a really heavy rig (over 3,000 lbs) or your'e pulling it with a Volkswagen, adding brakes to a trailer that's regularly dipped in saltwater is a waste of time and money IMO. I bet standard brakes won't last a year. Stainless steel maybe a little longer.

[mosquito13]

Yeah I know about longevity of them. Have talked to some guys that do the redfish circuit and they said their tow vehicle tires last a lot longer after they added brakes. Also kind of like the idea of the extra breaking while driving 80 on the highway. Afraid to admit that is regular thing for me in the early AMs. But like I said just on one axle.

[Juan]

They may be right. I've never heard that brakes will make the tires last longer and can't think of how they would but honestly don't know. I pull mine a minimum of 80 miles one way every time I go fishing and I usually run 10 mph over the posted speed limit so that puts me running 65-70 mph and never needed any extra stopping power but trailer brakes would probably be good to have in the rain. They're just a maintenance nightmare and don't last long in saltwater. If they did, I'd put them back on my trailer too. Good luck

[mosquito13]

tow vehicles tires last longer when trailer has its own brakes or so I was told. These guys run Carolina-Fla - Texas . Yes it is for rain and hard stopping. Talked with owner of Sturdy Built Trailers( great company with a online site/shop) based in my area. He suggested a all hydraulic system for a longevity reasons and simplicity. But brakes are good fodder for another thread .

[Juan]

I did some searches on the topic yesterday and didn't find a blog that said anything about breaks making tires last longer but who knows? I don't. Most said trailer tires will usually wear out faster from oxidation than road use but there were many reasons for premature tire wear.... bias tires, misaligned, not balanced, worn bearings, etc. but none stated anything about not having breaks. I don't see how but it may be true but I just don't believe it.

[mosquito13]

Need to put my boat trailer (with full load/fuel) on the scale at the dump(free) . May need brakes regardless of pro's and cons. Besides FLA I have gotten into Georgia,Tenn.,Alabama, and South Carolina drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/trailer-brakes/ I do try to long trailering with no fuel , if I can source of non ethanol at or near destination, usually a marina. Had never thought about being compliant in other states before.

[Juan]

Brakes are probably a big safety factor and depending on how they're rigged, the 2100s get close to the 3,000 lb weight requirement but you should be within the law on weight. I think AL. Ga. and Fl all have the same 3,000 lb requirement.
1998 - 2003 SV2100 = 1600 lbs
2004 - up = 1900 lbs

54 gallons fuel = 320 lbs

outboard = 300 - 600 lbs


doesn't leave a lot of room for gear and beer but I've never seen a trailer pulled over and being weighed for compliance.

[985crabs]

Don't forget about the weight of the fish. Some people actually come home with coolers full of fish that have to be taken into consideration.

[freezerfiller]

It's pretty common after replacing bearings to get some play in just a few hundred miles while the bearings smooth out. It usually gets much better once you tighten them up the first time. I always jack mine up and check play at the beginning of every season, and if I see any temp issues with any of them on the road. This reminds me, I need to do this soon!

[fraydknot]

Like Juan had posted the weights but you need to add the weight of the trailer as well for the total weight.