Trailer creaking????

[JimStolpa]

I took my boat out of the garage Sat. and flushed the motors (yeah!!!! Spring is here in IL). Just as I was backing it back into the garage I heard this horrible creaking sound coming from the rear of the trailer. This is not new. Generally when I back around tight corners it creaks. FYI I have a tandem trailer. If I remember correctly from last year I have the same issue when pulling around tight corners as well. Any thoughts on the cause? It kinda sounds like the trailer brakes are engaging, but I wouldn't know why. Terrain isn't a factor becasue it will happen on a level surface. Any ideas?

[walleye mike]

I kinda wonder if it's your leaf springs. As the weight shifts on the trailer, or bumps on the road, the springs rubbing causing that creaking sound. Maybe some rust or road grime. Good luck walleye mike

[Phil T.]

If it's the springs, that may be easy to fix. Squirt some penetrating oil between the leaves. Yes, there is a "best" brand of that, too. Check with a big tool supply store for Kroil brand penetrating oil. Acme Electric (a.k.a. Toolcrib of the North) has it.
If it's the shackles, that may not be so easy. Look carefully at the ends of the springs. If both ends are looped, all is good. Lubricate. If one end of each spring is C-shaped, there can be trouble. That C-shaped end rubs on a shackle that has a plastic or nylon bushing around a bolt. If the bushing is worn through, the bolt may be worn as well, and both need to be replaced.
My trailer springs are looped at both ends, but my nextdoor neighbor has C-shaped springs. He checks his shackle bushings at least once/season.

[JimStolpa]

Thanks for the advice. My buddy also feels the bearings might be getting some extra pressure around those corners. You know when the tires are sliding more than turning. Any other thoughts are appreciated. Thanks.

[MUSIC MAN]

JIM, IT MUST BE NICE TO HAVE A TASTE OF SPRING . I LIVE IN UPSTATE NY AND WE ARE GETTING BLASTED WITH SNOW , 14INCHES YESTERDAY AND 10 TODAY WITH STRONG WINDS .HOW ABOUTS SENDING SOME GOOD WEATHER TOWARDS NY .CHECK YOUR HITCH AT ALL?

[JimStolpa]

As soon as I'm done using the good weather for this weekend's tourney I'll send it along. I need it back though by the end of the month for another tourney. When you send it back I'd like 50 degrees, overcast, and a little chop on the water. My ball hitch looks fine. The creaking seems to be coming from the tire area. I keep my bearings greased pretty well, but it does sound like maybe they are binding up when the tire is sliding and then releasing at various points around the tight corner. When it releases it sounds ugly. I don't know if this is the problem, but I'm trying to diagnose it.