Trailer brakes and bearings....

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by mawshj

I need to replace my trailer soon , I wonder if you could help me understand in what ways does your trailer tow better with 4 wheels? thanks

While I cannot speak for anyone other than myself, I will state that 4 wheels has greater stopping power (assuming the brakes are all working properly) and it seems to tow better due to better weight distribution in the rear. Also if I get a flat I won't have a suddenly swaying boat going all over the road until I can come to a stop. I admit that these are all subjective reasons, but to me the increased peace of mind is well worth it.

[bgreene]

Re attaching new brake pads and squeezing the rotor between was a bit of challenge.

Piston moves back when pushed, but then moves back out leaving little room.

I see it's not a complicated job, but definitely one where experience can make the whole job a lot easier, faster, and cleaner !!

Re packing the bearings and such..........I probably made more grease mess than any job except foaming in a fuel tank....but that was another story.

[bradford]

Originally Posted by bgreene

I probably made more grease mess than any job except foaming in a fuel tank....but that was another story.

I don't foam in fuel tanks either, just a different way of thinking, LOL

A tandem like Destroyer said has a lot better balance, less up and down jerking on the trailer tongue, which makes hauling especially long distance less tiring. Rides smoother usually. Weight is distributed across more springs, hardware, axles, tires etc thus when one of the above goes bad its is usually less of a hazard. Having said all that the right single axle is way better than the wrong tandem.