I was going through the boat and trailer, making sure everything was in order before my wife and I head to Georgia on Sunday.

I jacked up the trailer, checked to make sure the wheels did not have play in them, and to check for water in the bearings, etc.  All was fine, except for one (minor I hope) thing.

When I spun the right wheel backward it rotated freely.  When I spun it forward, the brake dragged a bit.  The other wheel rotated freely in either direction.

I suspect it may be a bit of rust or contamination that causes the brake to "bind" when the wheel is spun forward.  Playing with it for a bit reduced the "binding".

I've seen this happen on cars and trucks, and it has been caused by rust or other contaminant, in the case of drum brakes, a bit of grease or oil on the shoes can make them tend to grab.

But, here's my question.  How long do brake pads last on boat trailers.  I know it will vary depending on how hard one drives/brakes their vehicle.  Just looking for a ballpark figure.

Where I buy my tires the give me a free rotation and inspection twice a year.  My trailer is 9 years old and has worn out 2 sets of tires as I fish close to 100 days per year.

The last time I had the tires rotated the guy said by the December rotation I should plan on replacing the brakes.  This is a 20' tandem axle trailer with brakes on the back axle carrying over about 3000 #s of boat, motor, gasoline and gear.

they last for years. Try driving the trailer around for a few minutes and hitting the brakes in forward and reverse. Then check it again and the rust or dirt may be smoothed out and well be well again.

Where I buy my tires the give me a free rotation and inspection twice a year. My trailer is 9 years old and has worn out 2 sets of tires as I fish close to 100 days per year.

The last time I had the tires rotated the guy said by the December rotation I should plan on replacing the brakes. This is a 20' tandem axle trailer with brakes on the back axle carrying over about 3000 #s of boat, motor, gasoline and gear.

My eyes aren't what they once were.  I had to do a double-take to read this correctly.  At first, I thought you stated "3000 #s of boat, motor, gasoline, and beer."

Thanks for the replies.

Made it fine, no problems. I did notice the left wheel was running a bit warmer than the right wheel, when I checked it after visiting the men's room in the rest area.

Then I figured out why. I was headed south on a sunny day. The black, left side tire was being warmed by the sun, while the left side was in the shade.

Turned out to be the opposite in the middle of the afternoon. The right tire was warmer.

I agree that it does last for years. I think there are sites which will provide you some tips and info on these matters. But I'm glad that you have already fixed your problem.

It would be awesome if there was a remote hub temperature monitoring device especially when towing long distances, peace of mind you know!