Third and final Video for the Trailer Brakes

Part II of rebuilding the brakes on the trailer

This video goes over replacing the wheel cylinders and installing drum

How to repair and bleed Surge style trailer brakes

Well I finally took the boat out of storage to get some work done before spring. This time it is the trailer brakes. I have had a sneaky suspicion that they have never worked right, and after I tore into it, I we correct. The master cylinder, wheel cylinders, and bearings were all toast. So I replaced it all. That has to be one of the messiest jobs on the face of the earth, but that trailer will almost stop my truck now. It is amazing the amount of control I have towing this thing now. If your trailer brakes are not working, take the time to do this.

Altogether I am out about 200 bucks, and about 4 hours time.

Here is the first video... I will have the other one up tomorrow.

Dallas Boat Show and some new Arrivals

I got my Gauges in the other day. I am much happier with this set, as compared to the other ones. My Brake actuator also came in. Now we can fix the brakes right as soon as the weather warms up.

This past Saturday my family and I went to the Dallas boat show, and just had a blast. I have to say, if you were in the market for a new boat, this is hate place to buy one. The prices were use phenomenal. We saw a 22' Four Winns that was loaded to the hilt, and sticked for almost 70K on Sale for 43K. I almost bought it right there on principle. We spent about 5 hours there going in and out of boats, and wishing it was summer. I did not take many pictures, and I was having too much fun with my kids to do so.

I did get some ideas for my boat :)

Here is the new brake actuator I scored on Ebay for 65 bucks.

An here is a shot of the new Gauges

New Gauges, and a rant!

If you watch my videos you will know that I purchased a set of Gauges for the Sea ray. They were from Great Lakes Skipper and had the Sea Ray logo on them and everything. After I got them I realized I jumped the gun. The Temp Gauge only said low and hi, and I was missing the volt gauge. So I called Great lakes skipper to see about an exchange to another Teleflex set that they carry (they offer a 30 day exchange). This one had everything I needed. So they sent me an RA, and down at the bottom was listed a "restocking fee" on open items. Ummm... all of their items are opened, they sell overstock without boxes. I said WTH, I need the gauges anyway, so I sent them back. About a week later I got an email with my in store credit from them, and low and behold, there was the restocking fee. Here is my beef with that. In the ebay auction there is NO MENTION of a restocking fee, and with ebay you must mention any "hidden" terms. So I called to talk to someone about it. The lady I spoke with said that is their policy, and there not be anything done about it. UUUUUUUGH!! I asked her how can you not state there is a restocking fee in the auction, and then slap it on a customer when they need to exchange an time. She did not have an answer for that, and said that I would need to speak with the shipping manager, but he would need to call me back. Ok.. Fine. So about an hour later I got any email... not a phone call. but and email asking what he could do for me. I just responded back that is he does not have the courtesy to call me back, I will let eBay handle this. That is the last I have heard form them.  I did however order the set of gauges that I need, and they are on their way, but I am still out the hefty restocking fee. I will wait until they get here and then open a case with ebay. I am sure that they will be glad to take a look at this hidden fee case.

So beware when dealing with online people, and make sure they do not charge hidden fees.

Here are the gauges I purchased.