Rebuilding a 1981 Correct Craft 5-T-DV Trailer

[NautiqueJeff]

Thought some of you might be interested in my rebuild of the 1981 Correct Craft 5-T-DV trailer that came with my Fish Nautique. This is a fairly unusual trailer, built at the Correct Craft factory on Orange Avenue back in the day.

The trailer was functional when I got it, but the axles and springs were badly rusted, and the hubs and bearings were a question mark. I decided to replace the axles, springs, hubs, bearings, wheels, and tires.

Here are some BEFORE shots:

[NautiqueJeff]

I ordered the following parts from Champion Trailers:

(2) Galvanized 3500# AUS Straight Trailer Axles
(24) 9/16" x 3.5" Zinc Plated Bolt/Nut
(4) 27" Leaf Springs (Double Eye)
(2) 2x5" Galvanized Square U-Bolt Kits
(4) 1-3/8" x 1-1/16" Trailer Hub - 5 Lug on 4.5" Galvanized (with bearings)
(4) Good Year Endurance Trailer Tires
(4) 14" Galvanized Trailer Wheels
(2) Spring Equalizers

[NautiqueJeff]

I decided to remove the axles and springs as a complete unit, so that I wouldn't have to deal with more than four bolts per axle. The bolts and nuts are badly rusted. I was able to remove two on the rear axle using PB Blaster, heat, and an impact wrench. The other two were just not coming out, so I had to use a reciprocating saw to cut the bolts. I finally got that one out, and cleaned everything up.

The new axles had to be assembled. I mounted the springs to the new axle using the U-bolts, installed the new hubs and bearings, and mounted the wheels and tires. Then I rolled the new rear axle into place, lined up the springs with the mounting locations and the equalizer, and installed the new hardware. So far I have only done the rear axle, because I didn't order enough hardware. I am currently waiting on the rest of the hardware to arrive before replacing the front axle.

[NautiqueJeff]

Got the front axle on yesterday. Still need to free up the rear shackle on the equalizer, but I am getting close to being finished with this project!

[surroundsound64]

I need to do this on my 81 CC made trailer as well...

[NautiqueJeff]

Finished this up today.

Installed two new equalizers. One of the old ones was so badly rusted that I had to cut the bolt.

I ended up cutting about six or seven bolts total on the whole trailer due to rust.

Everything is installed, and it is good to go now!

[NautiqueJeff]

Took it for a test tow this evening, and it tows great now!

[NautiqueJeff]

Just took this trailer on a 22 hour trip to pick up my new twin-engine Fish Nautique, and it did great! I am very happy with the parts I received from Champion Trailers. If you need parts for your trailer, please check them out!

https://www.championtrailers.com/

[NautiqueJeff]

Just took this trailer on another long trip this past weekend. It was about 30 hours of driving, from Charlotte to Cape Cod and back. The trailer did great once again! I am very happy with the parts I received from Champion Trailers.

[chefred112]

thanks for sharing! can you share pics of what boat looks like on the trailer?..

thanks..fred

[NautiqueJeff]

I don't have any shots of the twin-engine Fish Nautique that really show the trailer after the repairs were made, but I have a shot of the single-engine Fish Nautique on this trailer before the repairs.

[Live2fish]

Is your build sticker legible on the trailer? I have a 81 Pilothouse on the original trailer but the stickers are cooked and I’m trying to get some new ones reprinted but want to make sure I get all the right info on them. I just joined so I can’t pm you