Posted 2011-11-23 10:17 AM (#139060) Subject: Took my trailer in for servicing, repair
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Posts: 504
I'm wondering what to expect at this point. They will do a service - check electrical and repack bearings and check the brakes - for $250. They replaced the plug, are rewiring the breakaway box and replacing the battery.They replaced two fuses - one for the running lights and one to the charge line.The charge line fuse is 20 amps. They mentioned that the charge line sometimes runs to a battery in the trailer. In my trailer it just runs the interior lights. Could I connect that charge line to a battery that runs other things in the dressing room?The brakes weren't working so they didn't know if it was the wiring (probably) or the magnets themselves. The magnets are $45 each and then the labor to replace them.I knew there were some problems but didn't know it was quite the mess that it is.If they don't have to change the magnets it should be about $370.I am really interested in knowing if that charge line can charge a battery of of which I can run 12v things.
Posted 2011-11-23 11:25 AM (#139061 - in reply to #139060) Subject: RE: Took my trailer in for servicing, repair
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Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Yes, the B+ can be used to charge a battery. Installing a battery, battery box, fuse/breaker, wiring and labour can run a few hundred dollars. You can do it yourself for the cost of materials. If you do a lot of just running around, the battery may not completely charge if it's depleted. Longer trips are usually not a problem.
If you don't have a LQ with a charger/converter, using a standard battery charger or battery tender during off times will maintain the battery.
If you are being charged $50 for a magnet, it might be worth while to purchase a complete new brake kit at $100. This includes the magnet, brake shoes and all the mechanical linkages; in essence, a whole new brake assembly. You will then have completely new brakes that should last years, instead of waiting for the next old part to wear out. It may be less expensive in the long run, by not having to pay additional labour charges.
Posted 2011-11-23 12:28 PM (#139062 - in reply to #139061) Subject: RE: Took my trailer in for servicing, repair
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Posts: 504
Originally written by gard on 2011-11-23 11:25 AM
Yes, the B+ can be used to charge a battery. Installing a battery, battery box, fuse/breaker, wiring and labour can run a few hundred dollars. You can do it yourself for the cost of materials. If you do a lot of just running around, the battery may not completely charge if it's depleted. Longer trips are usually not a problem.
If you don't have a LQ with a charger/converter, using a standard battery charger or battery tender during off times will maintain the battery.
Thanks for the information. I like the idea of the complete brake kit if they decide the magnets aren't functioning properly. I've been planning and working towards installing a limited weekend package on this trailer - just moving very slowly. The last thing I'm addressing is the electric. I do have the little honda generator (2000 EU)that I can run anything I want off of but it's not integrated into a "system". I was planning a diy on this, but as is pretty evident I don't know much:) I've read here about batteries, battery box seems pretty straight forward. The wiring should be easy enough. I'm not sure what breaker to get or about its installation. I've seen it mentioned here a lot, though.As always, you've been very helpful. Thanks!
Posted 2011-11-23 12:53 PM (#139063 - in reply to #139060) Subject: RE: Took my trailer in for servicing, repair
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Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
I bought two brake assemblies for my Dexter Torqflex axles. Total cost for Two was $105. Once thebrake drum is off. It is 5 bolts to remove the brake assembly. Almost faster than changing out the individual magents.
Posted 2011-11-23 1:27 PM (#139065 - in reply to #139060) Subject: RE: Took my trailer in for servicing, repair
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Posts: 504
So,if it comes back that the magnets need changing out, how should I proceed? Definitely, I want the brake assemblies. He's saying $45 per magnet plus I think 30 minutes labor - I assume labor is each also.If you are paying about 52.50 for the total assemblies, it seems that my guy is charging premium prices. Should I just bring it home and do the brakes myself? He will have fixed the electric and done the check up.
Posted 2011-11-23 1:53 PM (#139066 - in reply to #139060) Subject: RE: Took my trailer in for servicing, repair
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Posts: 504
I'll post when I find out what's going on and what they say about the brake assembly. They probably didn't want to mention the idea of a complete brake assembly until later:).I really like the idea of doing that if there is a current problem.
Posted 2011-11-23 2:45 PM (#139068 - in reply to #139060) Subject: RE: Took my trailer in for servicing, repair
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Posts: 504
They finished. They said that the magnets were fine so they didn't replace those. So,$385 and everything is checked and straightened out. My breakaway system needed straightening out and the battery replaced. The plug needed replacing. Then the annual maintenance thing with repacking the bearings (but not replacing them). There was some wiring repair relating to the brakes.I'm glad to have it working.
Posted 2011-11-23 4:14 PM (#139069 - in reply to #139060) Subject: RE: Took my trailer in for servicing, repair
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Posts: 406 Location: Minneapolis, MN
I had brake issues on the 2004 Featherlite 7k axles...friction material lost it's bond. I called Pioneer Rim & Wheel to price new shoes. $34 per/wheel. The the friendly parts dude told me I could get new backing plates...new shoes, magnets and all the hardware for $54/wheel. You guess which path I went.
Posted 2011-11-23 4:47 PM (#139070 - in reply to #139060) Subject: RE: Took my trailer in for servicing, repair
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Posts: 504
This has all been interesting to me. I learned a lot. I looked at the bill and it seems reasonable to me from what little I know. They missed a couple of little exterior lights on the fender. I didn't know they were out and they didn't see them.But, all seems well with the trailer from what I can tell.The guys who worked on it weren't there so I didn't get to talk to them and the owner had nothing to say so I don't know what was wrong with the brakes and didn't hear the condition of anything they looked at.
Took my trailer in for servicing, repair
