Keel Rollers for a 1991 Caulkins Boat Trailer that Will Not Corrode from the Inside

Question:

I have a 1991 galvanized, tandem axle, Caulkins boat trailer. The keel rollers are split due to the corroding of the inner steel sleeve. This is a poor design at best and even worse for use in salt water as the corroding sleeve expands then splits the rollers. Are there rollers available that have either a galvanized or stainless sleeve, or perhaps do rollers function well on an axle without that interal sleeve?

asked by: Dick P

Expert Reply:

A keel roller such as # YR5213-5 would work well for you since it does not have a metal sleeve inside. For the best corrosion resistance you would use stainless steel shafts to hold the rollers to their brackets. That can get expensive. We currently offer a zinc-plated steel shaft for this roller, # CE10722A, which is going to be in between regular steel and stainless as far as corrosion resistance.

We also have roller # YR5244-105EC which uses nylon bushings instead of a steel sleeve. The nylon is also resistant to corrosion and is another possible option for you.

expert reply by: Michael H