We found I did not check the tightness of the lug nuts on our trailer yesterday and managed to destroy a wheel, the studs on the hub, probably the bearings, and maybe the axle on the drivers side before we stopped to figure out what "that noise" was. The trailer is unusable because of the damage so the boat on the trailer sits in Lida, Nevada until I can make a repair or, more likely, get the trailer on a trailer, bring it home, and do the work here. I think the Trail-Rite trailer is original to the 1986 Montgomery 15. I am almost certain the inside bearings were destroyed in the carnage and the axle was damaged where the inside seal rides. I admit to having almost no experience working on trailers but think it may make sense for me to plan on replacing the whole axle and hubs assembly, assuming I can get an appropriate quality axle / hub set. Although the first project is to get the boat home, any insights and advice on how to evaluate the damage to the trailer and go about getting parts for it would be greatly appreciated! David GrahMontgomery 15Bishop California
David Get a car carrier transport guy with a tilting bed to transport your rig home. Since Trail-Rite is long gone, you’ll find several sources for part replacement. I’ve had some luck with Walmart (for tire/wheel) Amazon for hubs and bearing assembly etc. they have more than we realize. Pacific Trailer just might have some generic parts as well but I know they are back ordered on new build trailers right now. Good luck Bob Sent from my iPad
On May 28, 2021, at 6:51 AM, David Grah via montgomery_boats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> wrote:
We found I did not check the tightness of the lug nuts on our trailer yesterday and managed to destroy a wheel, the studs on the hub, probably the bearings, and maybe the axle on the drivers side before we stopped to figure out what "that noise" was. The trailer is unusable because of the damage so the boat on the trailer sits in Lida, Nevada until I can make a repair or, more likely, get the trailer on a trailer, bring it home, and do the work here. I think the Trail-Rite trailer is original to the 1986 Montgomery 15. I am almost certain the inside bearings were destroyed in the carnage and the axle was damaged where the inside seal rides. I admit to having almost no experience working on trailers but think it may make sense for me to plan on replacing the whole axle and hubs assembly, assuming I can get an appropriate quality axle / hub set. Although the first project is to get the boat home, any insights and advice on how to evaluate the damage to the trailer and go about getting parts for it would be greatly appreciated!
David GrahMontgomery 15Bishop California
I've done that with a race car trailer. Any trailer dealer with a repair shop should have a selection of complete axle assemblies. Should be no big deal if you have AAA and have them send a rollback. On Fri, May 28, 2021, 8:33 AM Bob Eeg <montgomeryboats@hotmail.com> wrote:
David Get a car carrier transport guy with a tilting bed to transport your rig home.
Since Trail-Rite is long gone, you’ll find several sources for part replacement. I’ve had some luck with Walmart (for tire/wheel) Amazon for hubs and bearing assembly etc. they have more than we realize. Pacific Trailer just might have some generic parts as well but I know they are back ordered on new build trailers right now. Good luck Bob
Sent from my iPad
On May 28, 2021, at 6:51 AM, David Grah via montgomery_boats < montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> wrote:
We found I did not check the tightness of the lug nuts on our trailer yesterday and managed to destroy a wheel, the studs on the hub, probably the bearings, and maybe the axle on the drivers side before we stopped to figure out what "that noise" was. The trailer is unusable because of the damage so the boat on the trailer sits in Lida, Nevada until I can make a repair or, more likely, get the trailer on a trailer, bring it home, and do the work here. I think the Trail-Rite trailer is original to the 1986 Montgomery 15. I am almost certain the inside bearings were destroyed in the carnage and the axle was damaged where the inside seal rides. I admit to having almost no experience working on trailers but think it may make sense for me to plan on replacing the whole axle and hubs assembly, assuming I can get an appropriate quality axle / hub set. Although the first project is to get the boat home, any insights and advice on how to evaluate the damage to the trailer and go about getting parts for it would be greatly appreciated!
David GrahMontgomery 15Bishop California
Bob, Do you know if this will fit the original Trail-Rite trailer for first gen M17s? I'm thinking it might be a good idea to bring along a spare hub on a cross-country trip. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0014474DC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_AWQHNHFJST7... Henry Monita On Fri, May 28, 2021, 10:33 AM Bob Eeg <montgomeryboats@hotmail.com> wrote:
David Get a car carrier transport guy with a tilting bed to transport your rig home.
Since Trail-Rite is long gone, you’ll find several sources for part replacement. I’ve had some luck with Walmart (for tire/wheel) Amazon for hubs and bearing assembly etc. they have more than we realize. Pacific Trailer just might have some generic parts as well but I know they are back ordered on new build trailers right now. Good luck Bob
Sent from my iPad
On May 28, 2021, at 6:51 AM, David Grah via montgomery_boats < montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> wrote:
We found I did not check the tightness of the lug nuts on our trailer yesterday and managed to destroy a wheel, the studs on the hub, probably the bearings, and maybe the axle on the drivers side before we stopped to figure out what "that noise" was. The trailer is unusable because of the damage so the boat on the trailer sits in Lida, Nevada until I can make a repair or, more likely, get the trailer on a trailer, bring it home, and do the work here. I think the Trail-Rite trailer is original to the 1986 Montgomery 15. I am almost certain the inside bearings were destroyed in the carnage and the axle was damaged where the inside seal rides. I admit to having almost no experience working on trailers but think it may make sense for me to plan on replacing the whole axle and hubs assembly, assuming I can get an appropriate quality axle / hub set. Although the first project is to get the boat home, any insights and advice on how to evaluate the damage to the trailer and go about getting parts for it would be greatly appreciated!
David GrahMontgomery 15Bishop California
On 5/28/2021 8:51 AM, David Grah via montgomery_boats wrote:
We found I did not check the tightness of the lug nuts on our trailer yesterday and managed to destroy a wheel, the studs on the hub, probably the bearings, and maybe the axle on the drivers side before we stopped to figure out what "that noise" was. The trailer is unusable because of the damage so the boat on the trailer sits in Lida, Nevada until I can make a repair or, more likely, get the trailer on a trailer, bring it home, and do the work here. I think the Trail-Rite trailer is original to the 1986 Montgomery 15. I am almost certain the inside bearings were destroyed in the carnage and the axle was damaged where the inside seal rides. I admit to having almost no experience working on trailers but think it may make sense for me to plan on replacing the whole axle and hubs assembly, assuming I can get an appropriate quality axle / hub set. Although the first project is to get the boat home, any insights and advice on how to evaluate the damage to the trailer and go about getting parts for it would be greatly appreciated!
David GrahMontgomery 15Bishop California
Hi David, Years ago I was in Clearwater, Florida riding around the local area on my bicycle. In those days (BM - before Montgomery 15) I had a Bolger MICRO, which was a great boat, but, ..... stepping a free standing mast had become a problem. I had to hold the mast at about an 80 degree angle to get it into the front compartment and into the mast step. Ergo, I needed a solution for that problem. In my bicycle travels, I discovered a derelict ComPac16 sitting on a rusted out trailer. I stopped and had a look. The ComPac16 had an aluminum deck-stepped mast with shrouds and a forestay. It whispered to me; "I'm the solution to your mast-stepping problems" so I inquired among the neighbors; got the owners name phone number; called him and made a ridiculous offer, that was instantly accepted. So, a day later, I became the owner of the derelict ComPac16 and the rotted trailer. My first problem was to repair / rebuild the trailer so that I could get the ComPac16 from Clearwater, FL back to Glastonbury, CT where I could do a boat overhaul. Knowing nothing about trailers, my first job was get knowledge. I finally found, and can only highly recommend a_*"GLEN-L MARINE" Glen-L.com, tel. 562-630-6258 published book on TRAILERS. *_ This gives you detailed information about trailer construction; suspension systems; bearings; wiring; State Trailer Laws; proper trailer balance and trailer tongue weight .... I found it to be the Trailer Bible, answering all my questions; telling me what to do; and why to do it this way. Now, equipped with knowledge, I bought a hack saw; bottle jack; scrounged some concrete blocks, jacked up the trailer, and then cut off all the rusty (and immovable) bolts. I removed the whole axle; took off the badly rusted wheels; and the springs; and removed all the wiring. Then using the YELLOW PAGES of the Telephone Directory (remember Yellow Pages - the Internet of its time?) I located a Trailer Supply Shop. There I was able to buy a new axle with bearings; new springs; new bolts and nuts; a trailer electrical wiring harness; a trailer jack .... and go to work. Reassembly was the easy part. Our trip from Florida to Connecticut was completed without a problem. I gave the ComPac16a total overhaul. When we drove to Lake Champlain for sailing trials, and sailing the ComPac for a week, I quickly discovered that I'd bought in haste: and now repented at leisure ...! The ComPac was a miserable excuse for a sail boat. Sail to windward...? You want me to do that? Sorry, I only do broad reaches. So, I unloaded it as fast as I could. That's when I became a Montgomery 15 owner. Get the Glen-L Trailer book and a major part of your problems will be solved. Ciao, Connie
How far are you from the boat right now?
On May 28, 2021, at 9:51 AM, David Grah via montgomery_boats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> wrote:
We found I did not check the tightness of the lug nuts on our trailer yesterday and managed to destroy a wheel, the studs on the hub, probably the bearings, and maybe the axle on the drivers side before we stopped to figure out what "that noise" was. The trailer is unusable because of the damage so the boat on the trailer sits in Lida, Nevada until I can make a repair or, more likely, get the trailer on a trailer, bring it home, and do the work here. I think the Trail-Rite trailer is original to the 1986 Montgomery 15. I am almost certain the inside bearings were destroyed in the carnage and the axle was damaged where the inside seal rides. I admit to having almost no experience working on trailers but think it may make sense for me to plan on replacing the whole axle and hubs assembly, assuming I can get an appropriate quality axle / hub set. Although the first project is to get the boat home, any insights and advice on how to evaluate the damage to the trailer and go about getting parts for it would be greatly appreciated!
David GrahMontgomery 15Bishop California
I ask because I am not sure... lug nuts usually wheel and studs. Or bearings could take out the hub and spindle. But it sounds like you have a right proper mess. Hub, bearings etc, in your spot, I might go etrailer. Better info for ordering, but you would need spindles sizes etc. If you do need a simple axle and then probably a wheel. How about any trailer place that does service. (Not camper) or maybe northern tool? Should be able to have an axle in a day or two. Dont forget new shackles. Is the boat in a secure location. Get a flatbed to move into a fenced storage. Buys you time. Just trying to help you get your head around it. Mike
On May 28, 2021, at 9:51 AM, David Grah via montgomery_boats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> wrote:
We found I did not check the tightness of the lug nuts on our trailer yesterday and managed to destroy a wheel, the studs on the hub, probably the bearings, and maybe the axle on the drivers side before we stopped to figure out what "that noise" was. The trailer is unusable because of the damage so the boat on the trailer sits in Lida, Nevada until I can make a repair or, more likely, get the trailer on a trailer, bring it home, and do the work here. I think the Trail-Rite trailer is original to the 1986 Montgomery 15. I am almost certain the inside bearings were destroyed in the carnage and the axle was damaged where the inside seal rides. I admit to having almost no experience working on trailers but think it may make sense for me to plan on replacing the whole axle and hubs assembly, assuming I can get an appropriate quality axle / hub set. Although the first project is to get the boat home, any insights and advice on how to evaluate the damage to the trailer and go about getting parts for it would be greatly appreciated!
David GrahMontgomery 15Bishop California
Sorry, u-bolts. Not shackles.
On May 28, 2021, at 1:04 PM, Mike Z <speedernut2@gmail.com> wrote:
I ask because I am not sure... lug nuts usually wheel and studs. Or bearings could take out the hub and spindle. But it sounds like you have a right proper mess.
Hub, bearings etc, in your spot, I might go etrailer. Better info for ordering, but you would need spindles sizes etc.
If you do need a simple axle and then probably a wheel. How about any trailer place that does service. (Not camper) or maybe northern tool? Should be able to have an axle in a day or two. Dont forget new shackles.
Is the boat in a secure location. Get a flatbed to move into a fenced storage. Buys you time.
Just trying to help you get your head around it.
Mike
On May 28, 2021, at 9:51 AM, David Grah via montgomery_boats <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> wrote:
We found I did not check the tightness of the lug nuts on our trailer yesterday and managed to destroy a wheel, the studs on the hub, probably the bearings, and maybe the axle on the drivers side before we stopped to figure out what "that noise" was. The trailer is unusable because of the damage so the boat on the trailer sits in Lida, Nevada until I can make a repair or, more likely, get the trailer on a trailer, bring it home, and do the work here. I think the Trail-Rite trailer is original to the 1986 Montgomery 15. I am almost certain the inside bearings were destroyed in the carnage and the axle was damaged where the inside seal rides. I admit to having almost no experience working on trailers but think it may make sense for me to plan on replacing the whole axle and hubs assembly, assuming I can get an appropriate quality axle / hub set. Although the first project is to get the boat home, any insights and advice on how to evaluate the damage to the trailer and go about getting parts for it would be greatly appreciated!
David GrahMontgomery 15Bishop California
On 5/28/2021 8:51 AM, David Grah via montgomery_boats wrote:
We found I did not check the tightness of the lug nuts on our trailer yesterday and managed to destroy a wheel, the studs on the hub, probably the bearings, and maybe the axle on the drivers side before we stopped to figure out what "that noise" was. The trailer is unusable because of the damage so the boat on the trailer sits in Lida, Nevada until I can make a repair or, more likely, get the trailer on a trailer, bring it home, and do the work here. I think the Trail-Rite trailer is original to the 1986 Montgomery 15. I am almost certain the inside bearings were destroyed in the carnage and the axle was damaged where the inside seal rides. I admit to having almost no experience working on trailers but think it may make sense for me to plan on replacing the whole axle and hubs assembly, assuming I can get an appropriate quality axle / hub set. Although the first project is to get the boat home, any insights and advice on how to evaluate the damage to the trailer and go about getting parts for it would be greatly appreciated!
David GrahMontgomery 15Bishop California
Hi David, Chapter 2 in Trailerology: I had a trailer tool box in my car's hatch whenever we traveled. It contained: - A grease gun for my Bearing Buddies. A can of wheel bearing grease. A small oil can for the trailer ball connector, and for the trailer tongue jack. (prevent corrosion) - A set of wheel bearings; inner bearing and outer bearing; as well as my home-made tools to putting them back in place if I ever had to do the job at the side of the road - A 12 inch square of plywood. The thicker the better. You need this so that your bottle jack base doesn't sink into soft ground. - A bottle jack - Lug wrench with extension if your lug bolts are rusty (I grease mine to make sure I don't have to call for King Kong to undo the lugs) - A hammer if you need some persuasion when installing the bearings - A cheap volt / ohm meter to check trailer light wiring continuity / bulb filaments - Enough wrenches or sockets to fit every nut on the trailer. (my boat tool box had pliers and screwdrivers) Spare bearing cotter pins. - A warning triangle - A cheap led flashlight or a flashing warning light. Remember, MURPHY will always pick the worst time to do his mischief. These things happen only at night; when it's raining; and you are far from help Your intent should be to "defeat the bastard". Ciao, Connie
If you can assess the damage...see if the axle stub is OK, or not. Meaning the stub axle that takes the bearings that the hub turns on. You'd need to pull off the wheel and the hub and all the old grease to see it. The end will look similar to the bright metal shiny parts of this: https://www.couplemate.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/1.8TDEX.jpg ...except if yours is damaged then some of the nice smooth surfaces in the above pic will not be so nice and smooth. Gouges, scoring, dents, etc. not good. If the axle stub is not damaged then you just need bearings. RV/trailer shops will have those and if you bring in the trashed ones they can see the numbers and get you replacements. Otherwise you'll have to get the numbers yourself off the old bearings and order online. If the stub axle is damaged then yeah you need a new stub axle...what that means depends on how your trailer is put together, I'm not familiar with what you have. Some are in multiple parts, and you could replace one side stub axle. Others, it's all one piece of metal with stub axles on each end and you'll have to replace the entire axle beam. Then there's the hub - for the studs that hold the wheel on, usually those can be replaced by a shop if the hub itself is not busted up or bent and the bearing races on the inside are not damaged. Same as for stub axle above, you'd need to get it apart and the bearings out and look at the races inside the hub. I almost did something like this the first year I had my M17...but I only got a mile or two heading thru town at low speed before I heard "that noise," so no damage done. Hope the fix is not too difficult! cheers, John On 5/28/21 6:51 AM, David Grah via montgomery_boats wrote:
We found I did not check the tightness of the lug nuts on our trailer yesterday and managed to destroy a wheel, the studs on the hub, probably the bearings, and maybe the axle on the drivers side before we stopped to figure out what "that noise" was. The trailer is unusable because of the damage so the boat on the trailer sits in Lida, Nevada until I can make a repair or, more likely, get the trailer on a trailer, bring it home, and do the work here. I think the Trail-Rite trailer is original to the 1986 Montgomery 15. I am almost certain the inside bearings were destroyed in the carnage and the axle was damaged where the inside seal rides. I admit to having almost no experience working on trailers but think it may make sense for me to plan on replacing the whole axle and hubs assembly, assuming I can get an appropriate quality axle / hub set. Although the first project is to get the boat home, any insights and advice on how to evaluate the damage to the trailer and go about getting parts for it would be greatly appreciated!
David GrahMontgomery 15Bishop California
-- John Schinnerer - M.A., Whole Systems Design -------------------------------------------- - Eco-Living - Whole Systems Design Services People - Place - Learning - Integration john@eco-living.net - 510.982.1334 http://eco-living.net http://sociocracyconsulting.com
participants (7)
-
Bob Eeg -
Conbert Benneck -
David Grah -
gary perser -
Henry Rodriguez -
John Schinnerer -
Mike Z