As most of you know, I am a frequent traveller to the bass fishing lakes of Sonora, Mexico. The lakes are about 1100 miles round trip from my house. The last thing you want problems with on a trip like this is with your trailer. My new to me Phx 921 has been going through tires on an alarming rate. I put a new set of tires on the rear axle in October, 2019 and by May, 2020, after 4000 miles, the inner most tread on these tires had worn half the tread off, down to 4/32. It was obvious that there was a problem. Having had similar problems on my previous Ranger Trail trailer, I knew I wanted to fix this once and for all. Cherokee Trailer, in Scottsdale, had been recommended by a fellow angler, so I decided to take my trailer down and have them look at it.
Its not a big shop, but they do great work at very fair prices. They soon discovered that my rear axle was bent, which was causing the problems. Mike, the owner, gave me a couple of options for the repair. I could simply replace the UFP components of the axle, which have been problematic for him or I could use Dexter axles. Dexter is the leading manufacturer of marine axles in the US. I opted for Dexter axles. In Mikes opinion, the Dexter axles, even though rated the same, 3500lbs, carry more weight easier than UFP axles, and it is easier to get components for them.
One of the other nagging problems I had with the new to me trailer was brakes. On the way to Bartlett Lake, for example, if I would happen to engage my brakes on the way down the final hill to the water, there is a good chance that they would not release. The UFP brake calipers are notorious for sticking. So I changed my disc brake hubs and calipers from UFP to Kodiak. Kodiak is also a brand where parts, like disc pads, are readily available.
The rebuild took a little longer than expected, about 28 days, due primarily to having to install two different sets of axles in order to achieve the minimum ground clearance required. Mike would not let my trailer leave his shop until it was right. In addition to changing the axles, they also do a thorough inspection of the complete brake system and running lights. The breaks were not working properly after the change, so they replaced the lines. They completely bled the new system in order to insure the brake system was operational. They also replaced a couple of lights.
I can confidently recommend Cherokee trailer for you boat trailer needs. They are not club sponsors, but if you mention that you are a member of Midweek Bass they will give you a discount. Lots of people want to sponsor Midweek, but many times you have no assurance of the quality of products or work. I would rather recommend someone who does good work at a fair price than someone who merely offers a discount as a way of generating new business. Cherokee Trailer, 480-970-1332, located at Scottsdale Road and Thomas Road.
Its not a big shop, but they do great work at very fair prices. They soon discovered that my rear axle was bent, which was causing the problems. Mike, the owner, gave me a couple of options for the repair. I could simply replace the UFP components of the axle, which have been problematic for him or I could use Dexter axles. Dexter is the leading manufacturer of marine axles in the US. I opted for Dexter axles. In Mikes opinion, the Dexter axles, even though rated the same, 3500lbs, carry more weight easier than UFP axles, and it is easier to get components for them.
One of the other nagging problems I had with the new to me trailer was brakes. On the way to Bartlett Lake, for example, if I would happen to engage my brakes on the way down the final hill to the water, there is a good chance that they would not release. The UFP brake calipers are notorious for sticking. So I changed my disc brake hubs and calipers from UFP to Kodiak. Kodiak is also a brand where parts, like disc pads, are readily available.
The rebuild took a little longer than expected, about 28 days, due primarily to having to install two different sets of axles in order to achieve the minimum ground clearance required. Mike would not let my trailer leave his shop until it was right. In addition to changing the axles, they also do a thorough inspection of the complete brake system and running lights. The breaks were not working properly after the change, so they replaced the lines. They completely bled the new system in order to insure the brake system was operational. They also replaced a couple of lights.
I can confidently recommend Cherokee trailer for you boat trailer needs. They are not club sponsors, but if you mention that you are a member of Midweek Bass they will give you a discount. Lots of people want to sponsor Midweek, but many times you have no assurance of the quality of products or work. I would rather recommend someone who does good work at a fair price than someone who merely offers a discount as a way of generating new business. Cherokee Trailer, 480-970-1332, located at Scottsdale Road and Thomas Road.
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