I have a 1979
boler B1300 that I bought 3 years ago with intention of fixing up. It is usable as is but needs a lot of work. I have done a few things already that had to be done right away like a new
axle with
brakes. I am going to try to get caught up with what I have done so far and will continue to update as I go along. I will take and post pictures now that I have more time. The plan is to start with external stuff first and then work on the inside. I have already done multiple camping trips and have loved every minute of it. I hope some of what I have done and have yet to do will help or inspire others. Just for the record I have basic skills but am very good at figuring things out.
Let me start with the new
axle since pictures really are not necessary.
When I bought the trailer, it still had the original
axle on it and it was done and finished. Might have well had solid rubber wheels on a solid axle. A matter of fact, during my first camping trip before replacing the axle, I was driving home and lost a garbage bag full of my bedding when I hit a bump and the door opened (unbeknownst to me)!
I wanted a new axle but had read horror stories of getting the measurements wrong. So I made what some might think was a crazy decision. I decided to do a road trip to Ontario from New Hampshire to get a new axle with
brakes from Paul Neumeister. My dad is retired Air Force so we could stay at the Air Reserve base in Niagara Falls. I made arrangements with Paul and rented a covered
U-Haul trailer for the axle and away we went.
First off if you haven't met Paul, you are missing something! He was the nicest person I have dealt with in a long time and a wealth of knowledge. He will talk your ear off if you let him.
My dad and I spent over 2 hours conversing and checking out his really nice
Bigfoot (I think) trailer. One more night in Niagara Falls and on to home.
I had my local trailer shop put the axle on which was not hard, 4 bolts and done. While I was there they had a set of rims with new
tires that they ordered and the customer backed out. I got them for a good deal since the old rims were a little dingy looking and the shop wanted to be rid of them. The standard size wheels for
boler trailers are not in high demand. What a difference! It didn't feel like I was towing a bucking bronco and the door has not come open yet in 1/2 dozen trips. If you have your original axle, I strongly suggest you replace it. You might find your trailer tows a whole lot better. It isn't that expensive, I ended paying $684 for the axle, installation and two new rims with new
tires.
That's it for now. I will post some pictures over the weekend.