www.iFourWinns.com

I seem to recall someone (not sure it was this board) who uses some sort of pipe or something when putting their trailer hubcaps back on, so that the force is applied to the flange instead of the top of the cap.

I've looked high and low for 2 1/2" plastic pipe in Kansas City. They just look at me like I've got 2 heads. I found 2 1/2" PVC conduit, but it's actually a little under 2 1/2" so it won't fit.

I can make such a tool out of wood, but was hoping to not have to go to the trouble.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Mike - I recall seeing this somewhere - they use some sort of galvanised metal plumbing fitting...

Just checked Chamion, they say:

A short piece of 2" I.D. water pipe makes a good tool to install either a plain dust cap or the SPINDLE-LUBE® dust cap for the 3500# axle.


eTrailer.com says:

Install the Dust Cap:And then the next thing is to put your dust cap back on. Which there are a variety of different ways of doing it. Basically put it on here, take the side of a hammer and then use a block of wood and drive it home that way. However if you make a trip to the hardware store, you can get yourself a metal conduit union and split it apart, and these threads are just the right size for this. Slide it over, and thats it.

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Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport

Thanks, Alec! Metal conduit union... hmmm. I'll have to check that out. I've about got my own wood version done - couldn't wait any longer - but I'll check that out anyway.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Here's why I asked the question. It's always bugged me that my hubcaps were left unpainted, but had blue overspray on them from a poor/non-existent masking job at the factory. So I picked up some new ones that weren't all beat up, primed and painted them. And what the heck - might as well do the prop wrench too, 'cause it rusts constantly. Besides, who has a prop wrench that matches their boat?



The problem is, now there's no way to put them on without tearing up the paint.

Problem solved: I knew that 8/4 hard maple cutoff would come in handy for something.



The block only contacts the flange, and will leave the paint on the rest of the cap unblemished.

OK, altogether now: "MIKE, GET A LIFE!"

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

You have too many hub caps but they do look nice!!! One of a kind prop tool too!

I figured since I was going to the trouble, might as well paint the old ones too. I was in the mood to paint. I thought about getting out the airbrush and painting some spirals on them, but didn't want anyone to make fun of me. Good thing that isn't happening.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

You know a man loves his boat when he paints his grease caps!! You did good! I wish I had the patience. How much do you charge for 4?

$4,372 plus actual shipping. No handling fees, though.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Maybe Mike has a 4 axle trailer...??

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Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport

$4,372 plus actual shipping. No handling fees, though.


Not bad but I think I will pass!!!

Here's a pic to close the loop on this. It's an improvement over the unfinished look they used to have.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

I just replaced one of my drum brake clusters yesterday and just tapped the old one on with a wooden block.....
Mike I have to ask...why does one lug nut look more recessed than the others?

BTW the covers look nice....the spindle lube system has to be the best thing ever invented for trailer bearings...mine have been on 5 years (but limited lauches because the boat is moored all summer) and when I pulled the drum off there was no sign of water or milkyness in the grease....I usually re-grease em once a season....

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

Mike's got locking lugs on his aluminum wheels, just like I do

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Thanks! Fire's right. McGard wheel locks, prop lock, and drive lock.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Really? Mine came with locking lugs from the factory....

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225