lost in the mail...

Good Morning, Dear Readers!

I JUST discovered an email glitch that was sending letters to never-never-land... My apologies
to those of you who wrote in the last month that had not heard from me... I think all letters have been responded to by now.

Thanks go out to all of you who included photos of the problems and fixes... I will post some of those this weekend or early next week.

If you should have any difficulty reaching me you can always pick up  the phone and call, leave a message or text me at 717-620-9676.

Here's wishing you all a successful summer and riding season!

Jeff Kurtz
www.Brenderhelp.com
717-620-9676
Jeff@KurtzInPA.com

Trailer fish-tailing

Yesterday, my daughter was hauling a horse on the interstate in our Royal TC. A semi passed at a fast speed and the trailer fishtailed about 6 times. After that, even cars passing would result in sway. The horse was loaded on the left. It was raining. The trailer was being pulled by an F-150. Obviously, I do not want this to happen again. Any suggestions about what may have gone wrong? In the 5 years I’ve owned the trailer, I have never had this happen before.

Thanks,

Janina J.

My thoughts:

If this has not happened in the past it is likely that something changed about your rig (truck/trailer combination.

First guess is a low tire.  Probably on the truck.   I don't think one low tire on the trailer wound change much of how it trails but would increase your fuel consumption.

Second thought is worn shocks on the truck.   Maybe on the trailer, but the truck would have greater affect.   

Maybe something about how much weight you had in the truck bed could change something, but I doubt that.

If it had happened before I would ask you to check the height of the trailer hitch ball from the ground with 250# load in the back of the truck bed.   It should be between 10 - 19" with the trailer empty.   The trailer should look level, whether there is a horse in it or not.   The horse weight is centered over the trailer axles.    If the hitch is noticeably high or low (which could change it you had LOTS of weight in the truck, the trailer could 'wander' or swerve.

You're welcome.   you could also drive the truck by its self and (not at high speed) turn the wheel side to side to see how bad the truck weaves.  Maybe something in the steering is worn or loose.    

Alternate:   Tow a different trailer and see if there are any similar issues.

Do let me know if you find something.  I have not received this question previously.

Travel safe!

Jeff Kurtz

www.BrenderHelp.com

570-401-4843

Ramp strength? Cleanup?

Hi,

   Sorry, I'm not a "blog" person and hope you don't mind an off-line question.   I just bought a used Solo and the tailgate handle is badly rusted.  Can you advise me as to how best to restore this (not so concerned about appearance as function).  Also, the left tail light is out--are these standard bulbs that are available in US?

Best,
Bev 

The tailgate frame is remarkably strong... I can't imagine enough rust to affect the integrity as a loading ramp.      If you want to do-it-yourself you can buy a wire-brush thing that works on an electric drill and take off the rust.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/BLACK-DECKER-Wire-Wheel-Starter-Kit-4-Piece-70-617/100422675?cm_mmc=shopping-_-googleads-_-pla-_-100422675&skwcid&kwd=&ci_sku=100422675&ci_kw=&ci_gpa=pla&ci_src=17588969

Then rustoleum spray will have it looking decent again.

The hinge is a long rod that goes across the entire ramp (if it is the same as mine...)   I carry a can of WD-40 and spray a bunch into the spaces along the hinge pretty often.  There is no real way to pump grease into it.

Check the three grease fittings at the tongue of the trailer hitch.   two on top, one on bottom.  Those should receive a few pumps couple times each year.

Not sure what light bulbs are in that turn indicator.  Most look like little torpedoes and are available at auto stores.  BMW and AUDI use the same bulbs. The ones pictured below are just a new LED version of the same thing.   The interior lights use the same bulb.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/290975717561?lpid=82

I hope that is a help!

Happy Trails,

Jeff 

Hauling w/o partition? Cleaning? Ramp fix'

Several people wrote this weekend.

Good afternoon, Susan.  Thanks for writing.

Not sure how bad your door is... can you send a photo(s)?   If the door itself isn't bad you may be able to replace just the outside skin.   Let me see a photo and will let you know what I think.

Take a look at this product from Lowes.   I think it is perfect for in a trailer.  I have used it for other applications with high humidity.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_8566-21553-8566_0__?productId=3462790&Ntt=bathroom+paneling&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dbathroom%2Bpaneling&facetInfo=

Let me know whatever it is that you come up with.

Happy Trails.

Dear Jeff - I purchased a 2009 Brenderup Solo last year.  At the time, there were a few small bubbles on the outside of the loading ramp near the license plate area.  The trailer has been stored outside without cover.  Now, the area below the license plate has broken out of the skin and this looks like moisture damage.  I've ordered replacement storm gasket/liners from Andy in New Hampshire.  I would appreciate any advice you could give me on getting my door repaired.  Andy suggested using marine plyboard or aluminum to replace the outside ramp.  This trailer has has very light use and the inside rubber ramp is in pristine condition.  You help and advice will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,

Susan W

Good afternoon, Susan.  Thanks for writing.

Not sure how bad your door is... can you send a photo(s)?   If the door itself isn't bad you may be able to replace just the outside skin.   Let me see a photo and will let you know what I think.

Take a look at this product from Lowes.   I think it is perfect for in a trailer.  I have used it for other applications with high humidity.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_8566-21553-8566_0__?productId=3462790&Ntt=bathroom+paneling&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dbathroom%2Bpaneling&facetInfo=

Let me know whatever it is that you come up with.

Happy Trails.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for asking.   We have done that with no problem...    sorta depends on the horse...   I recommending keeping them tied so that they don't try to turn around or do anything you don't expect.

One thing:   When you take out the divider the trailer walls may expand just a fraction of an inch.   This is not a problem, and nothing is wrong.  When you go to put the divider back you may need to push the walls in till the breast bar drops into place again...   Nuisance, but not really an issue.

Travel safe, and let me know how you make out.

Jeff

Hello Jeff,

I saw your blog online and was curious whether or not it is safe to haul one horse with either using the mare/foal butt bar or taking out the divider and using the one large butt bar in a brenderup baron. Thank you. Rachel

(later:  )
Thanks for your response, my horse is just a small icelandic horse. I will keep her tied. Perhaps it is better to first start with the mare/foal bars before the one large bar? Is NH the only place to really get parts? Do you have any suggestions for washing a brenderup? What is the bear product to use? Being in a rainy climate, I need to remove the green stuff. Thanks again for your help. I just wanted to make sure there would not be any stability issues with removing the divider. Would it be safe to haul two horses who are well acquainted in the trailers without the divider? But not safe to have the trailer backwards as they prefer? Thanks again
--
Rachel C.

Thanks for asking.   We have done that with no problem...    sorta depends on the horse...   I recommending keeping them tied so that they don't try to turn around or do anything you don't expect.

One thing:   When you take out the divider the trailer walls may expand just a fraction of an inch.   This is not a problem, and nothing is wrong.  When you go to put the divider back you may need to push the walls in till the breast bar drops into place again...   Nuisance, but not really an issue.

Travel safe, and let me know how you make out.

Hadn't thought of hauling with horses backward, but it shouldn't matter to the trailer at all.   I have friends who haul several ponies together.

Your horses sound cute!  Send photos of them in the trailer!

~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

seen on ebay

Elizabethton, Tennessee, United States.  Brenderup Royal HB appearing on eBay.com .   Not my trailer... just one that I receved a link to.

Other related parts are appearing on ebay also.  LINK <<<.  Thank you Paula P. for the info.

Any one have owner's Manuals?

There have been several requests for copies of owners manuals of different models and different years.

If you have your manual please try scanning the pages and creating a PDF file or just email them to me as is.   If you don't have a scanner please take a picture of each page in good lighting and send the jpg copies to me at Jeff@KurtzInPA.com

Any that I receive I will post online with links from this blog.

Many Thanks!

Jeff Kurtz
www.BrenderHelp.com

Another floor repair with 2x6 T&G planks

We (reader Mindy) used 2x6 tongue and groove.  Primed and sealed.  Everything is great!  I have used it a lot the last 3 days.  Only small issue is with the 2x6 t&g it raised the floor raising the door.   Now the pistons don't push the door all the way closed it stops about 3 inches short.  It is very heavy for me to hold shut and latch.  The floor itself looks great.  The guys did a nice job.  Any suggestions for tweaking the door?  Mindy

Me:  Have someone bevel the back edge of the floor down below where the door is interfering.   Forcing that door closed can bend the hinge and the rear door frame.   This could be done with a belt sander, disk grinder or even 30 minutes with a sharp wood chisel.   Happy Trails!   Jeff  (and Thanks for the pics!)