2004 Four Winns trailer upgrade

gerard76 · **Posted:** Tue Jul 10, 2012 12:02 pm

I just bought a 2004 Four Winns 268 Vista with the custom Four Winns tandem axle trailer. The previous owner obviously used it in salt water and never rinsed it off. The nuts and bolts are delaminating and falling off and the brakes are completely rusted. I am looking to refresh the trailer. I haven't pulled anything apart yet and the axles seem to be bolted on to the axle housing (not sure on the terminology). I am looking to replace the hub, brakes and springs. Are the axles bolted on or are they one solid piece and I am looking at the back side wrong?

LazyCAT · **Posted:** Tue Jul 10, 2012 7:15 pm

If the trailer is rusted that bad, I would look into a new aluminium trailer. Hardly worth repairing a steel trailer covered in rust.

I've spent a lot of time and money refreshing our rust infested trailer. If I'd known then what I know now, we would've bought a new trailer 2 years ago instead of in the next few weeks.

ric · **Posted:** Tue Jul 10, 2012 7:24 pm

My trailer was similar, it was cheaper to replace with a fully galvanized one then what my labor was worth to polish a turd.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

If u have a painted trailer used in fresh water splashes you are fine if well maintained.....my last one was going strong at 15 years old......but but but but if used in salt there is no amount of maintenance that will save a painted trailer used in salt.

Galvanized or aluminum is only way too go if to be dunked in salt....otherwise anew or lightly used paainted :evil:

LouC · **Posted:** Wed Jul 11, 2012 6:33 am

Check the frame carefully, it can rust from the inside out, your best bet is a galvanized trailer. Even in freshwater I would not want a painted trailer. I have a galvanized trailer that's a 94, no rust on the frame, only salt water use.

gerard76 · **Posted:** Wed Jul 11, 2012 10:09 am

The trailer is aluminum I believe and only the suspension parts were rusted. I ordered all new suspension and brake parts and it cost me around $1000. :cry:

I doubt I can get a new trailer for that amount. I was able to find the answer to my original question and was able to order new spindles with the 5 bolt flange. Thanks everyone!

Paul I. · **Posted:** Wed Jul 11, 2012 10:31 am

LouC wrote:

Check the frame carefully, it can rust from the inside out, your best bet is a galvanized trailer. Even in freshwater I would not want a painted trailer. I have a galvanized trailer that's a 94, no rust on the frame, only salt water use.

Yep!

Thalasso · **Joined:** Tue Jan 18, 2011 8:45 pm **Posts:** 333

gerard76 wrote:

The trailer is aluminum I believe and only the suspension parts were rusted. I ordered all new suspension and brake parts and it cost me around $1000. :cry:

I doubt I can get a new trailer for that amount. I was able to find the answer to my original question and was able to order new spindles with the 5 bolt flange. Thanks everyone!

When in doubt use a magnet.

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2004 Four Winns trailer upgrade

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