Replacement Parts for KARAVAN Trailer

[PKBloodworth]

My 2005 Sport [of what much later in the thread was revealed to be a 15-foot hull length has what was much later in the thread revealed to be a c.1983 or 37-year-old] Karavan trailer. [The] axle split open near the wheel hub when the trailer was around the corner from my house and not on the highway.

I can't read the VIN label. I need to replace the axle, the hubs, the springs, and so on.

What is the correct axle replacement part?

What is the correct hub replacement part?

[frontier]

Buy a new trailer. My experience with Karavan trailer from Boston Whaler is after they are three to five years old they are not worth fixing. They are just fair quality even when new. They rust quickly. You fix one thing and another thing pops up. New trailers are not that expensive. Shop around. Get a good quality galvanized one like an E-Z-LOADER.

[PKBloodworth]

Thank you for your suggestion and advice.

[jimh]

In order to help you discover the correct axle replacement, you should tell us the model of Boston Whaler boat that was sold with this KARAVAN trailer. You can also contact Boston Whaler customer service for information,

If the axle is damaged, you can easily buy a replacement axle. New bearings are not expensive.

If the trailer is used continually in saltwater, replacement of rusted parts is a continual maintenance expense. Since the trailer is already 37-years-old, the advice to just get a new trailer may be quite prudent advice. Rebuilding a trailer on a part-by-part basis gets expensive.

[frontier]

Our local boat dealer has 1000-lbs capacity E-Z-Loader galvanized bunk trailers with torsion suspension (no leaf springs) and tongue jack for $895. Those trailers would be great for classic or newer style 13-foot Boston Whaler boats.

[jimh]

If you buy a new trailer, apply several coats of wax to the VIN label. This will keep the trailer VIN number visible for the next 37-years. Also, write down the trailer VIN number and keep it with other records related to your boat.

[biggiefl]

Are you handy with tools? Can you do the repairs? If so, go to any trailer supply store and price out new parts and go from there. You can probably use your old hubs. Springs are cheap and a small axle is not expensive. You might be looking at a couple hundred bucks.

[Phil T]

Hull weights for 2005 models listed as "XX" Sport

11 Sport - 460 lbs.
13 Sport - 600 lbs.
15 Sport - 900 lbs.

For each, add the weights of the engine, rigging, fuel tank, fuel, safety equipment, anchor, chain, rode, other accessories and gear stored in the boat. Add 10%.

[PKBloodworth]

Thank you for your replies and suggestions.

[jimh]

What boat is the trailer intended to carry? You still have not revealed the model.

[PKBloodworth]

The boat is a 2005 150 Sport purchased in 2019 in Florida. It came with a Karavan trailer which has a ramp parking sticker dated 1983, and thus quite old. The VIN label is corroded away.

I called Karavan earlier today to get information about an axle and hub replacement They emailed a measurement form which I'll complete this weekend. Again, thanks to everyone for provided insight and advice.

[jimh]

If the trailer is, indeed, 37-years old, a new trailer may be a consideration. However, if the trailer was and remains to be used exclusively in freshwater, the c.1983 trailer may have some life left. On the the other hand, having an axle break is a good indication the trailer frame and other major components may be at end-of-life.

Using a trailer boat depends greatly on the TRAILER not being a big problem. Boats themselves will create problems enough. Consider the advice to just buy a new trailer for about $900.