Smoke/Burning smell - Help!

[tflradio]

I have an EZ Loader double axle trailer (2010) with surge brakes, pulling a 216V (2010). In towing to the lake yesterday afternoon, I noticed smoke after I would take off from a stop of any kind - assuming a brake issue. I got to the lake and the passenger side rear wheel was smoking with a strong burning smell. I'm guessing the brake is sticking and not releasing when I continue moving. Any ideas on what this is and how to fix it? Is it an easy fix or is there a greater problem? It seems quite unsafe to haul the boat with this condition. Please let me know your thought ASAP. Thanks.

[Quinner]

Likely either brakes or wheel bearings. Does the rear axle have brakes? What type of hubs do you have, if oil bath is the oil level full, if you have bearing buddies, have you filled them recently? Any sign of oil/grease on the wheels? Jacking up and spinning the wheel should really tell the story, are the brakes dragging or is the hub loose or making noise when spun. In the meantime you really do not want to be towing at all.

[tflradio]

Likely either brakes or wheel bearings. Does the rear axle have brakes? What type of hubs do you have, if oil bath is the oil level full, if you have bearing buddies, have you filled them recently? Any sign of oil/grease on the wheels? Jacking up and spinning the wheel should really tell the story, are the brakes dragging or is the hub loose or making noise when spun. In the meantime you really do not want to be towing at all.

Thanks, Quinner. I believe I have oil bath hubs. The trailer says the oil never needs maintenance, but I've only had this since June 2016, so this is my first experience. My guess it DOES need maintenance -especially after 6+ years. I did not see any sign of oil or grease leaking. Will have to jack up and check.

If I need to take to a dealer, though, I have to tow it there - unfortunately. I have a buddy who can help take a look with me, though.

[Quinner]

Perhaps you have "Vault" hubs as those claim to be 10 yr no maintenance otherwise most oil bath will have a window that has indicators for correct oil level. If it is that brake hanging up you could pry it open or disengage it and then put your brake lockout on for the ride to service. Trailer issues like this can be handled by just about any quality mechanic or repair shop, ideally would be a trailer specialists however.

[tflradio]

Perhaps you have "Vault" hubs as those claim to be 10 yr no maintenance otherwise most oil bath will have a window that has indicators for correct oil level. If it is that brake hanging up you could pry it open or disengage it and then put your brake lockout on for the ride to service. Trailer issues like this can be handled by just about any quality mechanic or repair shop, ideally would be a trailer specialists however.

That is EXACTLY what I have - The Vault System. I spoke with a service tech at a local marine and he suggested, based on my description that it may be a bad caliper on that one wheel. It seems to only be locking up on that one side and not the other, so it does not appear to be an Actuator that is stuck, or both sides would be acting similarly.

[tflradio]

Just an FYI update. The Caliper on the one side had gone bad and was frozen/stuck. Had both sides replaced because if one went bad, then I'm certain the other one wasn't going to be far behind. Finding the part in short order was a bear, but it was found in Indiana and is now replaced on both sides - $588 later... BOAT - Bring On Another Thousand.... I LOVE my boat, though, so it is so worth it!