Roller Trailer Maintenance

Grazer · Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2014 11:49 pm Post subject: Roller Trailer Maintenance

Hey all you roller trailer Brats! I am new to the roller trailer after using bunk systems on trailers for all of my previous boats. Be that as it may, and not wanting to get into the whole bunk vs roller debate, I was wondering about what sort of maintenance one should do. My EZ loader manual says to grease the roller shaft. What does that mean? Do you need to pull the clip off and then each roller, apply some marine grease and reassemble? Could you spray some white lithium grease on the ends of the roller and spin them around a few times? I have no idea. What are some of the other roller trailer folks doing out there? Any suggestions are welcomed.

Thanks,
Grazer

journey on · Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2014 10:55 am Post subject:

I've had 2 ea E-Z Loader roller trailers; one in the mid '80s and one in the mid '00s

They required different roller care. For the '80s one, I got spray lube (grease preferably) and shot it between the rollers and axles, just before I would load the boat. The wait gave the trailer some chance to dry. Otherwise the rollers stuck.

On the '00, the rollers and their axles seem a loose fit, so the only maintenance I do is hose down the rollers when I get home. Actually I hose down the whole boat and trailer when I get home. Lasted for 9 years now.

Yesterday, whilst getting ready to go North (by northwest,) I replaced the carpeting on the guide-ons. When I went to adjust them and tried to loosen the U-bolts holding the supports, I sheared the U-bolts. The nuts and bolts rusted together over the last couple of years. So my suggestion is to have new bolts on hand before you do any adjustments. Both San Diego and, I assume, the Yukon are far from any E-Z Loader parts supply. Toms Outboards in Olympia have a good supply of parts. Yes they're just as far away, but they're open a lot longer than the factory, you can talk to them and they know their business.

Boris

T.R. Bauer · Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2014 11:42 am Post subject:

I don't do anything other than give the roller trailer a good rinse once I get home. I pack wheel bearing once a year in the fall, and give the whole thing a good look over. I have changed lots of broken hardware and parts on my old trailer - mostly due to corrosion and rough roads - like the very roads you are talking about in the Yukon. As Boris noted, getting stuff off that is frozen is tough - that is if you don't hit it with the torch. All you need is a little MAP torch from the hardware store to get it hot enough to come off. It makes all the difference in the world.....really does. EZ Loader in Spokane has been great to work with online. And they don't really stick it to you for shipping - at least to Wasilla, Alaska.

Grazer · Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2014 12:31 pm Post subject:

Thanks fellas. I have been doing exactly what you both suggested. I typically rinse the rollers off once out of the water. I guess the problem with applying grease to the axles of the rollers it that they'll attract the dirt and grime which will likely get sticky.
As for wheel bearings, I did mine yesterday and noticed the axle oil seal portion was not very smooth (pitted and corroded). Has anyone every used the Bearing Buddy spindle seal to correct the back side of the hub?

http://www.bearingbuddy.com/spindle.html

journey on · Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2014 2:04 pm Post subject:

I've used seals similar and discussed them here: Repairing Trailer Brakes. I use SKF or National. Nice to know that another source exists. Those rubber seals wear out the spindle something fierce and those sleeves are the only way to fix the problem.

Boris

T.R. Bauer · Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2014 2:08 pm Post subject:

I have not used the Bearing Buddy version but it is probably great. I had pitting and a leak and nobody had any of the sleeve repairs on the shelf so this is what I did with sucess:

-Brush the spindle area where the seal rides with wire brush in your cordless drill to knock off the scale, rust, and other gunk.

- Cut some emery cloth into 2" X 15" strips and machine the spindle surface by hand until you get a machine like polish. Put it on the spindle area you are tring to clean up and pretend you are a pro shoe polisher trying to get the toe as shiney as possible. You can also use a belt sander abrasive belt if you have one. I actually found those to work better, but with more clean up because they have aluminum....but they work. This won't take as long as you think....LOL.....

-Take a new seal and check how it spins and fits on the spindle. If it is rough, you need to polish more. Look for high areas and mark them with a sharpy. Hand machine/polish more in the those areas.

If it is really bad, you are going to have to sleeve it or replace the spindle/axle. Hope this helps......

T.R. Bauer · Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2014 2:12 pm Post subject:

Grazer · Posted: Sun Jul 13, 2014 2:03 am Post subject:

Thanks again fellas. I was thinking along those lines with the emery cloth. Looks like I'll be needing some more oil seals and elbow grease. Wink

Grazer

Grazer · Posted: Tue Jul 15, 2014 2:04 am Post subject:

Shined up the spindle shoulder and applied a skr double grease seal, adjusted the brakes and should be good for the rest of the year. Used the 3M emery cloth, thanks T.R.