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Cross chains or not when trailering
Please don't give the knee jerk reply, yes of course it's the law.
Hear me out. One time a few years back I was renting a small tractor. I went to cross the chains on the trailer when hooking it up and the rental guy said. Don't let the state cop see you do that or you'll be fined. The reasoning is, if you cross them and the ball fails you can continue driving merrily down the road completely unaware that it is off the hitch because the chains are holding it up. It's better for the failure to make a lot of noise to alert the driver to STOP immediately. This logic made perfect sense and I have not crossed them since. Now taking a new required boating test it says cross the chains. Also doing google searches everyone says cross them because that seems logical to prevent damage to the trailer hitch. But who gives a crap about the hitch. What is the safest thing to do to minmize further havoc and to me it makes sense to not cross them. It's sort of backwards logic, like it's required to have an electrical outlet installed near a new pool installation. Because otherwise people will use an extention cord that could end up in the pool, which is worse than having a properly ground faulted outlet nearby for the boombox or weed whacker. So I wonder if over the years people have screwed this choice up of crossing and not crossing trailer chains. |
Cross chains or not when trailering
mswlogo wrote:
Please don't give the knee jerk reply, yes of course it's the law. Hear me out. One time a few years back I was renting a small tractor. I went to cross the chains on the trailer when hooking it up and the rental guy said. Don't let the state cop see you do that or you'll be fined. The reasoning is, if you cross them and the ball fails you can continue driving merrily down the road completely unaware that it is off the hitch because the chains are holding it up. It's better for the failure to make a lot of noise to alert the driver to STOP immediately. This logic made perfect sense and I have not crossed them since. Now taking a new required boating test it says cross the chains. Also doing google searches everyone says cross them because that seems logical to prevent damage to the trailer hitch. But who gives a crap about the hitch. What is the safest thing to do to minmize further havoc and to me it makes sense to not cross them. It's sort of backwards logic, like it's required to have an electrical outlet installed near a new pool installation. Because otherwise people will use an extention cord that could end up in the pool, which is worse than having a properly ground faulted outlet nearby for the boombox or weed whacker. So I wonder if over the years people have screwed this choice up of crossing and not crossing trailer chains. Regardless if there is law, I will continue to cross the chains. It is a matter of control. If the ball failed, the hitch would be held in place by the chains. This would give better control in the stop than if the trailer were aloud to wander at the end of the chains. The more the trailer wander the greater the chance of the trailer jackknifing. Secondly with the chains crossed there will never be a shorter chain on one side than the other. A shorter chain would not allow the boat turn freely in both directions. -- Keith Nuttle 3110 Marquette Court Indianapolis, IN 46268 317-802-0699 |
Cross chains or not when trailering
I'm with the replies so far, but with a slightly different take. If the
chains are crossed (and the right length), if the trailer comes off the hitch, the crossed chains will keep the tounge off the ground. Imagine traveling at 60mph, and the tounge comes off the hitch and DIGS into the pavement. I can't imagine the end result, but I'm sure it wouldn't be pretty. If crossed, it creates a cradle of sorts, and the tounge stays off the pavement. You should be able to stop safely. --Mike "mswlogo" wrote in message oups.com... Please don't give the knee jerk reply, yes of course it's the law. Hear me out. One time a few years back I was renting a small tractor. I went to cross the chains on the trailer when hooking it up and the rental guy said. Don't let the state cop see you do that or you'll be fined. The reasoning is, if you cross them and the ball fails you can continue driving merrily down the road completely unaware that it is off the hitch because the chains are holding it up. It's better for the failure to make a lot of noise to alert the driver to STOP immediately. This logic made perfect sense and I have not crossed them since. Now taking a new required boating test it says cross the chains. Also doing google searches everyone says cross them because that seems logical to prevent damage to the trailer hitch. But who gives a crap about the hitch. What is the safest thing to do to minmize further havoc and to me it makes sense to not cross them. It's sort of backwards logic, like it's required to have an electrical outlet installed near a new pool installation. Because otherwise people will use an extention cord that could end up in the pool, which is worse than having a properly ground faulted outlet nearby for the boombox or weed whacker. So I wonder if over the years people have screwed this choice up of crossing and not crossing trailer chains. |
Cross chains or not when trailering
Huh?????
If the trailer comes off the ball -- you'll know -- weight will shift & trailer will wobble nearly uncontrollably. The big reason to cross is so you can make sharp turns w/o binding up the chain. Just becuase some u-haul yard-monkey says "you'll be fined" doesn't mean he knows what he's saying.... I've been thru 4 states with a trailer & always cross the chains -- been stopped a few times, inspected & sent on my way -- never mentioned the chains as an "issue" -- except one time -- when my buddy just put the chains up and they were dragging & sparking. On 17 Feb 2007 17:40:11 -0800, "mswlogo" wrote: Please don't give the knee jerk reply, yes of course it's the law. Hear me out. One time a few years back I was renting a small tractor. I went to cross the chains on the trailer when hooking it up and the rental guy said. Don't let the state cop see you do that or you'll be fined. The reasoning is, if you cross them and the ball fails you can continue driving merrily down the road completely unaware that it is off the hitch because the chains are holding it up. It's better for the failure to make a lot of noise to alert the driver to STOP immediately. This logic made perfect sense and I have not crossed them since. Now taking a new required boating test it says cross the chains. Also doing google searches everyone says cross them because that seems logical to prevent damage to the trailer hitch. But who gives a crap about the hitch. What is the safest thing to do to minmize further havoc and to me it makes sense to not cross them. It's sort of backwards logic, like it's required to have an electrical outlet installed near a new pool installation. Because otherwise people will use an extention cord that could end up in the pool, which is worse than having a properly ground faulted outlet nearby for the boombox or weed whacker. So I wonder if over the years people have screwed this choice up of crossing and not crossing trailer chains. --- AntiSpam/harvest --- Remove X's to send email to me. |
Cross chains or not when trailering
"mswlogo" wrote in message oups.com... Please don't give the knee jerk reply, yes of course it's the law. Hear me out. Rental Guy = Moron |
Cross chains or not when trailering
Around 2/17/2007 7:02 PM, Mike wrote:
I'm with the replies so far, but with a slightly different take. If the chains are crossed (and the right length), if the trailer comes off the hitch, the crossed chains will keep the tounge off the ground. Imagine traveling at 60mph, and the tounge comes off the hitch and DIGS into the pavement. I can't imagine the end result, but I'm sure it wouldn't be pretty. BINGO. That right there is the primary reason to cross the chains. Nothing like having your boat and trailer pole-vault itself into oncoming traffic... If crossed, it creates a cradle of sorts, and the tounge stays off the pavement. You should be able to stop safely. Crossed chains or not, you'll know about it if the ball fails. -- ~/Garth - 1966 Glastron V-142 Skiflite: "Blue-Boat" "There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." -- Kenneth Grahame ~~ Ventis secundis, tene cursum ~~ |
Cross chains or not when trailering
"mswlogo" wrote in message oups.com... Please don't give the knee jerk reply, yes of course it's the law. Hear me out. One time a few years back I was renting a small tractor. I went to cross the chains on the trailer when hooking it up and the rental guy said. Don't let the state cop see you do that or you'll be fined. The reasoning is, if you cross them and the ball fails you can continue driving merrily down the road completely unaware that it is off the hitch because the chains are holding it up. It's better for the failure to make a lot of noise to alert the driver to STOP immediately. This logic made perfect sense and I have not crossed them since. Now taking a new required boating test it says cross the chains. Also doing google searches everyone says cross them because that seems logical to prevent damage to the trailer hitch. But who gives a crap about the hitch. What is the safest thing to do to minmize further havoc and to me it makes sense to not cross them. snip... So...you want your trailer to either pitch pole behind you... or smash into following traffic? Go ask the next 'state cop' you see and don't tpw anything until you do. |
Cross chains or not when trailering
On 17-Feb-2007, Garth Almgren wrote: Nothing like having your boat and trailer pole-vault itself into oncoming traffic... It IS funny, though...might win $10K if you get it on video. |
Cross chains or not when trailering
mswlogo wrote:
Don't let the state cop see you do that or you'll be fined. Bull****. The reasoning is, if you cross them and the ball fails you can continue driving merrily down the road completely unaware that it is off the hitch because the chains are holding it up. Moron. I'll bet he also said not to put a safety link through the hitch lever because there is plenty of hitch pressure to keep it locked (actually had a U-haul moron tell me that). It's better for the failure to make a lot of noise to alert the driver to STOP immediately. Nope. Hitches have this strange deal where then they come unhitched they kind of want to go down and dig in - which, at speed, will pitch pole the boat, trailer and what not with the resulting carnage. This logic made perfect sense and I have not crossed them since. I don't know who is dumber - you or the guy who told you. Now taking a new required boating test it says cross the chains. Also doing google searches everyone says cross them because that seems logical to prevent damage to the trailer hitch. But who gives a crap about the hitch. What is the safest thing to do to minmize further havoc and to me it makes sense to not cross them. Cross them - make sure they aren't too long and don't forget to hook up your brake safety cable if you have one. |
Cross chains or not when trailering
"Garth Almgren" wrote in message
... Around 2/17/2007 7:02 PM, Mike wrote: I'm with the replies so far, but with a slightly different take. If the chains are crossed (and the right length), if the trailer comes off the hitch, the crossed chains will keep the tounge off the ground. Imagine traveling at 60mph, and the tounge comes off the hitch and DIGS into the pavement. I can't imagine the end result, but I'm sure it wouldn't be pretty. BINGO. That right there is the primary reason to cross the chains. Nothing like having your boat and trailer pole-vault itself into oncoming traffic... I saw that once. It *is* interesting to watch. |
Cross chains or not when trailering
"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
m... mswlogo wrote: Don't let the state cop see you do that or you'll be fined. Bull****. The reasoning is, if you cross them and the ball fails you can continue driving merrily down the road completely unaware that it is off the hitch because the chains are holding it up. Moron. I'll bet he also said not to put a safety link through the hitch lever because there is plenty of hitch pressure to keep it locked (actually had a U-haul moron tell me that). It's better for the failure to make a lot of noise to alert the driver to STOP immediately. Nope. Hitches have this strange deal where then they come unhitched they kind of want to go down and dig in - which, at speed, will pitch pole the boat, trailer and what not with the resulting carnage. This logic made perfect sense and I have not crossed them since. I don't know who is dumber - you or the guy who told you. Now taking a new required boating test it says cross the chains. Also doing google searches everyone says cross them because that seems logical to prevent damage to the trailer hitch. But who gives a crap about the hitch. What is the safest thing to do to minmize further havoc and to me it makes sense to not cross them. Cross them - make sure they aren't too long and don't forget to hook up your brake safety cable if you have one. But Tom, crossing the chains requires an extra 2 seconds. Putting a link or padlock through the lever takes what - 3 seconds? What if you're really in a rush? |
Cross chains or not when trailering
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message m... mswlogo wrote: Don't let the state cop see you do that or you'll be fined. Bull****. The reasoning is, if you cross them and the ball fails you can continue driving merrily down the road completely unaware that it is off the hitch because the chains are holding it up. Moron. I'll bet he also said not to put a safety link through the hitch lever because there is plenty of hitch pressure to keep it locked (actually had a U-haul moron tell me that). It's better for the failure to make a lot of noise to alert the driver to STOP immediately. Nope. Hitches have this strange deal where then they come unhitched they kind of want to go down and dig in - which, at speed, will pitch pole the boat, trailer and what not with the resulting carnage. This logic made perfect sense and I have not crossed them since. I don't know who is dumber - you or the guy who told you. Now taking a new required boating test it says cross the chains. Also doing google searches everyone says cross them because that seems logical to prevent damage to the trailer hitch. But who gives a crap about the hitch. What is the safest thing to do to minmize further havoc and to me it makes sense to not cross them. Cross them - make sure they aren't too long and don't forget to hook up your brake safety cable if you have one. But Tom, crossing the chains requires an extra 2 seconds. Putting a link or padlock through the lever takes what - 3 seconds? What if you're really in a rush? Stupid is as stupid does. |
Cross chains or not when trailering
On Feb 18, 6:21 pm, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote: JoeSpareBedroom wrote: "Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message om... mswlogo wrote: Don't let the state cop see you do that or you'll be fined. Bull****. The reasoning is, if you cross them and the ball fails you can continue driving merrily down the road completely unaware that it is off the hitch because the chains are holding it up. Moron. I'll bet he also said not to put a safety link through the hitch lever because there is plenty of hitch pressure to keep it locked (actually had a U-haul moron tell me that). It's better for the failure to make a lot of noise to alert the driver to STOP immediately. Nope. Hitches have this strange deal where then they come unhitched they kind of want to go down and dig in - which, at speed, will pitch pole the boat, trailer and what not with the resulting carnage. This logic made perfect sense and I have not crossed them since. I don't know who is dumber - you or the guy who told you. Now taking a new required boating test it says cross the chains. Also doing google searches everyone says cross them because that seems logical to prevent damage to the trailer hitch. But who gives a crap about the hitch. What is the safest thing to do to minmize further havoc and to me it makes sense to not cross them. Cross them - make sure they aren't too long and don't forget to hook up your brake safety cable if you have one. But Tom, crossing the chains requires an extra 2 seconds. Putting a link or padlock through the lever takes what - 3 seconds? What if you're really in a rush? Stupid is as stupid does.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - I cross them, it makes sense to me that crossing them is better idea concerning saftey. besides when I was towing my single axle trailer with my Mercury Grand Marquis, the chains would drag the pavement. and yes, they can wear out really quick! |
Cross chains or not when trailering
"Steve" wrote in message ... On 17-Feb-2007, Garth Almgren wrote: Nothing like having your boat and trailer pole-vault itself into oncoming traffic... It IS funny, though...might win $10K if you get it on video. Once upon a time...... I was driving through downtown Detroit at rush hour. Stop and go traffic both directions. There was some sort of distraction on the road and traffic stopped suddenly in the opposite direction. A guy towing a boat without it being tied to the trailer slams on his brakes and the boat climbs over the front of the trailer and goes flying over the center barrier.. Here comes a boat heading straight for my car, I was still moving and the boat passed over the rear quarter of my car and landed right behind me. Must of scared the crap out of the guy behind me. |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
This thread brings up a good question...
How do you determine the proper length of the chains? |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
Bob wrote:
This thread brings up a good question... How do you determine the proper length of the chains? I once read somewhere that the appropriate length is 70 degrees from the points of attachment meaning that the angle between the tow vehicle and the trailer is 70 degrees without the chains dragging on the ground. I don't know if that is correct or not, but it seems right. |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
... Bob wrote: This thread brings up a good question... How do you determine the proper length of the chains? I once read somewhere that the appropriate length is 70 degrees from the points of attachment meaning that the angle between the tow vehicle and the trailer is 70 degrees without the chains dragging on the ground. I don't know if that is correct or not, but it seems right. What about hooking up the chains, taking the hitch off the ball, letting it rest on the chains, and see if it appears to have enough clearance to deal with any road irregularities it's likely to encounter if it cuts loose? Then, test for cornering, and ba da bing. I guess the other question is this (for me, at least): If you: - Use a safety link through the lever - Replace the ball if it looks like the stem's being weakend by rust (or something) - Go over all the hardware with a torque wrench regularly ....what's likely to fail? |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message ... Bob wrote: This thread brings up a good question... How do you determine the proper length of the chains? I once read somewhere that the appropriate length is 70 degrees from the points of attachment meaning that the angle between the tow vehicle and the trailer is 70 degrees without the chains dragging on the ground. I don't know if that is correct or not, but it seems right. What about hooking up the chains, taking the hitch off the ball, letting it rest on the chains, and see if it appears to have enough clearance to deal with any road irregularities it's likely to encounter if it cuts loose? Then, test for cornering, and ba da bing. I guess the other question is this (for me, at least): If you: - Use a safety link through the lever - Replace the ball if it looks like the stem's being weakend by rust (or something) - Go over all the hardware with a torque wrench regularly ...what's likely to fail? None of the above. |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
... JoeSpareBedroom wrote: "Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message ... Bob wrote: This thread brings up a good question... How do you determine the proper length of the chains? I once read somewhere that the appropriate length is 70 degrees from the points of attachment meaning that the angle between the tow vehicle and the trailer is 70 degrees without the chains dragging on the ground. I don't know if that is correct or not, but it seems right. What about hooking up the chains, taking the hitch off the ball, letting it rest on the chains, and see if it appears to have enough clearance to deal with any road irregularities it's likely to encounter if it cuts loose? Then, test for cornering, and ba da bing. I guess the other question is this (for me, at least): If you: - Use a safety link through the lever - Replace the ball if it looks like the stem's being weakend by rust (or something) - Go over all the hardware with a torque wrench regularly ...what's likely to fail? None of the above. Have you seen or heard of failures in other parts of the system? If so, where? |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
Have you seen or heard of failures in other parts of the system? If so, where? Tires - improperly inflated or dry rotted, wheel bearings and brake systems - surge and electric. I've seen older trailers with bad bunks and rollers drive a hole in a hull so I suppose that counts. |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
m... JoeSpareBedroom wrote: Have you seen or heard of failures in other parts of the system? If so, where? Tires - improperly inflated or dry rotted, wheel bearings and brake systems - surge and electric. I've seen older trailers with bad bunks and rollers drive a hole in a hull so I suppose that counts. Whattya think of this: I've got bearing buddies on my trailer, bought in 1999. My mechanic's a boater, so during the trailer's NY inspection, he says "Let's jack it up & listen to the bearings". I know he's not looking for extra work because he refuses to work on trailers, except his own. His shop's a half mile into some woods, nice & quiet. He spins the wheels, says "Listen - I don't hear a thing. I wouldn't clean those bearings. Just keep adding grease when they need it". Good advice? Bad advice? Moderately good/bad advice? |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
Short Wave Sportfishing wrote: JoeSpareBedroom wrote: Have you seen or heard of failures in other parts of the system? If so, where? Tires - improperly inflated or dry rotted, wheel bearings and brake systems - surge and electric. I've seen older trailers with bad bunks and rollers drive a hole in a hull so I suppose that counts. The rollers on my trailer on the 23' marquis arn't in good shape, I noticed that a couple of them look like they're about to break in two. That's going to get a priority work over, but I gotta get the boat off the thing, first! Probably wait till the weather breaks really well and dump it in my brothers pond for a couple days while I replace the rollers, and paint it. |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
"Bob" wrote in message ... This thread brings up a good question... How do you determine the proper length of the chains? Long enough so that they won't bind in a tight turn, but short enough to cradle the tongue off the ground with chains crossed should the ball or mount fail. Overall, as short as possible without binding in a tight turn. The exact length will be different for each application. |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
Whattya think of this: I've got bearing buddies on my trailer, bought in 1999. My mechanic's a boater, so during the trailer's NY inspection, he says "Let's jack it up & listen to the bearings". I know he's not looking for extra work because he refuses to work on trailers, except his own. His shop's a half mile into some woods, nice & quiet. He spins the wheels, says "Listen - I don't hear a thing. I wouldn't clean those bearings. Just keep adding grease when they need it". Good advice? Bad advice? Moderately good/bad advice? I wouldn't buy it. Visually inspecting the bearings is the only proper way to determine if there is any damage to the races or bearing assembly themselves. In particular after seven years. You may have BB on the bearings, but that doesn't mean that they haven't picked dust, dirt and other contaminants which hurt bearings. Over time, even grease can't prevent heat buildup which can also damage bearings. Also after seven years, the seals are probably worn which just increases the chances of failure. |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
m... JoeSpareBedroom wrote: Whattya think of this: I've got bearing buddies on my trailer, bought in 1999. My mechanic's a boater, so during the trailer's NY inspection, he says "Let's jack it up & listen to the bearings". I know he's not looking for extra work because he refuses to work on trailers, except his own. His shop's a half mile into some woods, nice & quiet. He spins the wheels, says "Listen - I don't hear a thing. I wouldn't clean those bearings. Just keep adding grease when they need it". Good advice? Bad advice? Moderately good/bad advice? I wouldn't buy it. Visually inspecting the bearings is the only proper way to determine if there is any damage to the races or bearing assembly themselves. In particular after seven years. You may have BB on the bearings, but that doesn't mean that they haven't picked dust, dirt and other contaminants which hurt bearings. Over time, even grease can't prevent heat buildup which can also damage bearings. Also after seven years, the seals are probably worn which just increases the chances of failure. OK fine. I'll get the parts this weekend. Stop nagging me. |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
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Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
"Tim" wrote in message
oups.com... wrote: Waiting for a bearing to make noise before it is replaced is sorta like saying, "I'll wait until it breaks a little and then I'll fix it...." -- Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Oak Island, NC. Or, in the automotive world. "I'll wait for the idiot light to come on before I check the coolant, or oil...." Not exactly. What do you know about Bearing Buddies? |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"Tim" wrote in message oups.com... wrote: Waiting for a bearing to make noise before it is replaced is sorta like saying, "I'll wait until it breaks a little and then I'll fix it...." -- Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Oak Island, NC. Or, in the automotive world. "I'll wait for the idiot light to come on before I check the coolant, or oil...." Not exactly. What do you know about Bearing Buddies? I know that you can overload them with grease and blow out the seals. |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
On Feb 19, 3:57 pm, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote:
"Tim" wrote in message oups.com... wrote: Waiting for a bearing to make noise before it is replaced is sorta like saying, "I'll wait until it breaks a little and then I'll fix it...." -- Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Oak Island, NC. Or, in the automotive world. "I'll wait for the idiot light to come on before I check the coolant, or oil...." Not exactly. What do you know about Bearing Buddies?- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - I know I don't trust them that much. Even with the BB's, I still pull the wheels check and replace, every other year. |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
"JoeSpareBedroom" wrote in message ... "Tim" wrote in message oups.com... wrote: Waiting for a bearing to make noise before it is replaced is sorta like saying, "I'll wait until it breaks a little and then I'll fix it...." -- Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Oak Island, NC. Or, in the automotive world. "I'll wait for the idiot light to come on before I check the coolant, or oil...." Not exactly. What do you know about Bearing Buddies? I've been using this stuff on my trailer's bearings since 1999, about 40K miles. I find it less of a mess when you have to inspect the bearings. The clear plastic cover lets you easily inspect the lube level. http://www.liqualube.com/ |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
m... JoeSpareBedroom wrote: "Tim" wrote in message oups.com... wrote: Waiting for a bearing to make noise before it is replaced is sorta like saying, "I'll wait until it breaks a little and then I'll fix it...." -- Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Oak Island, NC. Or, in the automotive world. "I'll wait for the idiot light to come on before I check the coolant, or oil...." Not exactly. What do you know about Bearing Buddies? I know that you can overload them with grease and blow out the seals. Well, you've got have some sort of feel for these things, and read the friggin' instructions. "Add grease until ring protrudes 1/8" from housing." |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message m... JoeSpareBedroom wrote: "Tim" wrote in message oups.com... wrote: Waiting for a bearing to make noise before it is replaced is sorta like saying, "I'll wait until it breaks a little and then I'll fix it...." -- Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Oak Island, NC. Or, in the automotive world. "I'll wait for the idiot light to come on before I check the coolant, or oil...." Not exactly. What do you know about Bearing Buddies? I know that you can overload them with grease and blow out the seals. Well, you've got have some sort of feel for these things, and read the friggin' instructions. "Add grease until ring protrudes 1/8" from housing." Ok - read that again and tell me that mistakes can't be made. :) |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
. .. JoeSpareBedroom wrote: "Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message m... JoeSpareBedroom wrote: "Tim" wrote in message oups.com... wrote: Waiting for a bearing to make noise before it is replaced is sorta like saying, "I'll wait until it breaks a little and then I'll fix it...." -- Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Oak Island, NC. Or, in the automotive world. "I'll wait for the idiot light to come on before I check the coolant, or oil...." Not exactly. What do you know about Bearing Buddies? I know that you can overload them with grease and blow out the seals. Well, you've got have some sort of feel for these things, and read the friggin' instructions. "Add grease until ring protrudes 1/8" from housing." Ok - read that again and tell me that mistakes can't be made. :) Disclaimer: The next statement is not meant to preclude servicing the bearing in the near future. And, the statement applies only to me, not anyone else who might be unfortunate enough to glean information from this discussion. You have been disclaimed. This is the statement referred to in the above disclaimer: Seven years and no problems means something. End of statement. |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
Trailer problems that can occur:
1 Was passed by a car I had been towing, herded it into a field, and found the ball in the hitch,(BOLT BROKEN!) both chains broken at the dragging area, and of course electrical spaghetti. Many many years, and lessons ago. 2 Moved out from a stop sign, and rear view mirror filled with the bottom of the 18ft bass boat. S L O W E D down, and the boat reseated itself. The SAFETY CHAIN hooked to the bow eye, clip had failed. The winch payed out and the gear reduction controlled the speed. Just lucky there except for the damage to the transom. A 45 degree angle 1/4 inch of glass ground off right at the bottom/transom area. Now install the drain plug from the engineroom side. 3 Found out that a small single axle trailer with a sailboat sways wildly from one side to the other when hanging on by ONE chain. Thank God I was behaving. (In the right hand lane under 55MPH) yep California, not Arizona. In AZ I have towed a Jetski at 75MPH, legal. but stoopid. If it ever got away, it would go a mile before stopping. Someone will calculate that out, and prove me wrong. Oh welll Crossed chains only way to go. Put a BIG pipewrench on ball nut and pull, Check chains, and hooks, yes hookup brake cable (for obvious reasons). Drive a sensible speed. I drive an old Porsche 944 at a pretty good clip, and have been passed by SUV's pulling a river Jetboat. It kinda tightenes my gut. Bearing noises: Returning from a cross country tour in Mass, I felt,heard a change in the left front wheel (Dodge van) Drove into a Chrysler place, and bedded down for the night. In the morning ,awakened by someone I went in to git a bearing replaced. The mechanic couldn't hear anything. I told him that the grease had probably thickened. He pulled the bearing, and races, and did find a gall. He said it was the least damaged bearing he had ever seen. I told him I had 1400 more miles to go, and didn't want to take a chance. on boat trailers, Bearing Buddys work, just keep them pressurized. |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
"Gene Kearns" wrote in message ... On Mon, 19 Feb 2007 19:10:08 -0500, D.Duck penned the following well considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats: I've been using this stuff on my trailer's bearings since 1999, about 40K miles. I find it less of a mess when you have to inspect the bearings. The clear plastic cover lets you easily inspect the lube level. http://www.liqualube.com/ No problem with liquid over grease, but please explain how this liquid, "virtually eliminates dirt and water contamination in Marine Trailers." Isn't virtual elimination a bit like being a little pregnant? -- Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Oak Island, NC. Homepage http://pamandgene.idleplay.net/ Rec.boats at Lee Yeaton's Bayguide http://www.thebayguide.com/rec.boats I didn't write the promotional material. 8). I've used the product for about 40K miles. I check the bearings every year, I'm still on the originals and they look just fine. When I first installed this system I started with fresh bearings and cleaned out all the lubricant they come with when new. Now all that's doing the lubricating is the Liqui-Lube product. Works for me and several of my friends. I'm not trying to sell anything. |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message . .. JoeSpareBedroom wrote: "Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message m... JoeSpareBedroom wrote: "Tim" wrote in message oups.com... wrote: Waiting for a bearing to make noise before it is replaced is sorta like saying, "I'll wait until it breaks a little and then I'll fix it...." -- Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Oak Island, NC. Or, in the automotive world. "I'll wait for the idiot light to come on before I check the coolant, or oil...." Not exactly. What do you know about Bearing Buddies? I know that you can overload them with grease and blow out the seals. Well, you've got have some sort of feel for these things, and read the friggin' instructions. "Add grease until ring protrudes 1/8" from housing." Ok - read that again and tell me that mistakes can't be made. :) Disclaimer: The next statement is not meant to preclude servicing the bearing in the near future. And, the statement applies only to me, not anyone else who might be unfortunate enough to glean information from this discussion. You have been disclaimed. This is the statement referred to in the above disclaimer: Seven years and no problems means something. End of statement. Not what I asked. Read that again and tell me that mistakes can't be made. :) |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
Gene Kearns wrote:
On Mon, 19 Feb 2007 19:10:08 -0500, D.Duck penned the following well considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats: I've been using this stuff on my trailer's bearings since 1999, about 40K miles. I find it less of a mess when you have to inspect the bearings. The clear plastic cover lets you easily inspect the lube level. http://www.liqualube.com/ No problem with liquid over grease, but please explain how this liquid, "virtually eliminates dirt and water contamination in Marine Trailers." Isn't virtual elimination a bit like being a little pregnant? Hey - there is no FDA when it comes to marine trailers. :) I have oil filled bearings on my Ranger and they have been relatively maintenance free. I say relatively - they can disintegrate under stress. Which is a story for another time. :) |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
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Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
. .. JoeSpareBedroom wrote: "Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message . .. JoeSpareBedroom wrote: "Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message m... JoeSpareBedroom wrote: "Tim" wrote in message oups.com... wrote: Waiting for a bearing to make noise before it is replaced is sorta like saying, "I'll wait until it breaks a little and then I'll fix it...." -- Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Oak Island, NC. Or, in the automotive world. "I'll wait for the idiot light to come on before I check the coolant, or oil...." Not exactly. What do you know about Bearing Buddies? I know that you can overload them with grease and blow out the seals. Well, you've got have some sort of feel for these things, and read the friggin' instructions. "Add grease until ring protrudes 1/8" from housing." Ok - read that again and tell me that mistakes can't be made. :) Disclaimer: The next statement is not meant to preclude servicing the bearing in the near future. And, the statement applies only to me, not anyone else who might be unfortunate enough to glean information from this discussion. You have been disclaimed. This is the statement referred to in the above disclaimer: Seven years and no problems means something. End of statement. Not what I asked. Read that again and tell me that mistakes can't be made. :) Hang on. Need coffee I. |
Length of chains? (Was 'Cross chains or not when trailering')
"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message m... Many people don't know how to properly pack a bearing anyway. That's why I'm leary about dia-assembling and re-packing. What if I screw something up? |
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