trailer assembly

[Guest avid]

Has anyone with a jon boat or canoe trailer assembled one yourself?

I've seen a couple that look pretty cool, but I'm only moderately handy and don't want to take on a project I can't finish.

any manufacturers or suggesstions?

[Cajun1977]

avid go fishing in that canoe already

[flechero]

You might try Northern equipment or Northern tool and equipment, whichever way they list it.  I used to have one near me and they sell a bunch of trailer "kits" of various sizes.  If you are moderately handy this might be a good place.  the kits have the proper axles, hubs and everything already paired up... you just have to assemble it.  

I think it would be just as easy to buy a little utility trailer locally and make a few mods to accept the canoe and whatever else you want to use it for.

"Just thinking out loud"

[ThomasL]

Might try looking at wesco and long trailer site online and see if you can find something there.I know there least expensive trailers the 600 model with 8" tires is only 400.00-500.00 dollars.

[Team_Dougherty]

I have ordered and built this trailer and I am very happy with its performance. Very easy to assemble. Make sure you lube the bearings well.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=5002

here are a couple of pictures of the finished product.

Paul

[coachjoe]

Hey I have one that I am assembling just like yours.  I am waiting for a couple of pieces to be shipped that were missing, but I was just wondering how did you grease the bearings?  Do I need to get anything special?  Thanks!

[Team_Dougherty]

No you really do not need anything special. The amount of grease they came with I felt was not enough. As you assemble them just add a good coating of greast to the bearings. Make sure you get in all the rollers and add a little extra in the hubs so as it heats up it will flow into the bearings.

Paul

[Way2slow]

The bearings need to be packed with grease, not just rub a coat on the outside.   You can buy a cheap bearing packer for about $20 or you can do them in the palm of your hand.   Using the palm, put a couple of large tablespoon fulls of grease in you palm, stick your finger through the bearing hole from the small end of the bearing.  Now start pressing the large end into the grease pressing it down against the palm, taking small bites of grease each time until the grease starts to come out the small end.  Keep turning the bearing on your finger until you have gone all the way around it with grease coming out the small end.  Once you get the hang of it, only take a few minutes.