Trailer making poping sound

This topic has 8 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 17 years, 11 months ago by Bass Cat Boats.

Viewing 9 posts - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)

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June 28, 2008 at 3:15 am #312986

Merc200
Participant

Noticed that my tandem axle trailer makes a loud pop when you either hit a pothole or have to cut sharply to either side when backing or going forward. I have notice this at the ramp several times when Im still in the boat being put in or taken out of the water. Seems to be front axle I think. Should I be concern. BTW this is 05 Classic. Thanks, Richard

June 28, 2008 at 3:23 am #312993

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

It could be shackles, equalizers, or brake coupler. Check the news on the Home Page and read about the caliper bolt recall and make sure yours is not effected. It often is the noise from needing a brake bleeding, which is from fluid loss somewhere. We dont use our brakes like cars, and when they sit things deteriorate at a higher pace if they are sitting more. Hope this helps! BCB

June 28, 2008 at 3:49 am #313014

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Boat was mfg in Sept 04, if memory services me correctly I dont think my trailer was one with the caliper bolt issue. Did just look and brake master cylinder is about half full, whats the recommended fluid brand/type for this? I will look tomorrow under the trailer, could you tell me what I might be looking for if its one of the other problems. Thanks for fast responce, I guess Im not the only one who is not fishing tomorrow (Saturday) and is bored out of my skull tonight!! LOL BTW: Thanks BCB, I am really enjoying my boat…. great, great product!!!

June 28, 2008 at 4:09 am #313035

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

DOT 3 fluid, and check the bushings in the holes on the equalizer. You can also lubricate the springs themselves with a spray on lube and see if that stops some of the popping, which is spring pop from the rubberization wearing out from between the springs. The springs on a trailer flex sideways and the rubber coating which separates the leaves can wear out. The vehicles springs do not get the twist on them. We dont think it is fluid if you have that much in the cylinder, and do not overfill it. There is a small dip stick in the cap and it should be below that about 1/4″ or so. Also the popping could be the coupler spring not holding pressure. Which an observer could ID that for you. BCB

June 28, 2008 at 6:25 pm #313065

Skipjack68
Participant

We had some noise issues with the boat trailer when we tried it our on a new car. My grand son says it is because the tandem trailer is at balance at the ball height. The ball weight is only about 10 lbs. So it is bouncing up and down. The ball weight is suposed to be about 10% of the trailer weight. The new cars have the receiver mounted below the bumper. We are going to try a drop hitch to make more trailer weight on the ball so it wont bounce so much and make a lot of noise over small bumps. Skipjack68

June 28, 2008 at 8:51 pm #313086

txmrbass
Participant

My trailer makes the same noise. Most likely it is spring pop. Mine pops when you make a sharp turn like at a boat ramp before backing down. What I did is got a spray can of motorcycle chain wax. and I spay it on when I notice any spring pop. It helps if you jack up the trailer by the frame and take some pressure off of the springs when you apply it. It lasts a few months or more. I use the chain wax because it does not attract dirt like oil would which would cause wear. Give it a shot.Last edited by txmrbass on June 28th, 2008, 8:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.

June 29, 2008 at 1:15 am #313102

oldtimer57
Participant

One thing that really catches my eye, although not on the original topic, is that a 10 pound tongue weight is dangerous. That will make the trailer very unstable in tow, particularly if you get a gust of wind or pass a big truck… 10% of GTW is recommended as the typical tongue weight. 5% is acceptable, which is 200 pounds on a 4,000 pound boat/trailer… As far as the popping, I assume there is no chance it is in the trailer coupling stuff? From hitch itself, to the drawbar having slop in the receiver, to ball/coupler slop???2008 Pantera Classic2014 Mercury Pro XS 200

June 29, 2008 at 3:37 am #313120

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Mine has popped like that ever since it was new. It only does it when youre turning while going slow, usually when backing up. Ive been told that its normal for it to do that. Mine is an 06 Cougar FTD/tandem trailer. Ive got a buddy who has a 21Cape Horn with a tandem trailer, but no brakes on it and it pops also. Totally different brand of trailer obviously.

June 29, 2008 at 5:05 am #313139

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

OT57, Tongue weight varies based up on the load and engine. The original engines were 2.5 EFi engines, and we sell some still with 2.5 blocks on that set up. Then the larger engines weigh more and deduct from tongue weight, as would an extra battery, an added fuel tank (10 gal), the second console, gear loading and more. It is hard to hit a perfect world for everyones uses, and they pull pretty well. The more gear in the rear and equipment, the less tongue weight.
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