Alright guys. I have tried to work with my local dealer on this issue and I want to take their expert opinion to the bank on this, but I am not so sure they are correct on this issue.
The first time I noticed the problem was back in the fall after getting out of the truck at the ramp to take the straps off the boat. There was a strong smell of burning brakes and a lot of heat coming from the wheels on the trailer. When I returned to the house the smell was there again and I noticed the wheels on the trailer had a lot of brake dust on them. I took the boat to the dealer for them to look at the trailer and repair anything that needed attention. About a month later I had to call to see if they had finished with my boat. They told me everything was fine and I was good to go. I took the boat back to storage and there it sat until January.
The first outing with the boat this year I noticed the same smell again. Remembering that they told me everything was fine, I went with it and used the boat a few times. My partner seemed very concerned with the amount of heat, smell, and brake dust on the wheels. He recommended me taking it back to the dealer. I took the boat fishing once more before I took it back with the intentions of having my facts straight. I bought a IR heat gun and wanted to see exactly how hot the brakes were getting.....
376! This was under normal driving conditions. No heavy braking, no traffic, pretty flat roads. My question is.... is this normal?
I have had several trailers in the past and never had this issue before. Yet, the dealer tells me again that this is perfectly normal and the brake pads look fine. I find that hard to believe as I have to spray the wheels down after every trip because they are black with dust. I have tried 3 different vehicles at different hitch angles.... same result. The problem now is, I am suspect to believing that there has been some premature wear if not damage done to the brakes, rotors, and possibly the wheels and tires. Being that the trailer is under warranty, I surely hope that I am overthinking this issue and nothing is wrong, but I have reason to believe that the brakes are dragging.
Any ideas?
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