Shocks, wheels, hubcaps, and subfloor

Shocks

Ratco couldn't (or wouldn't) install the shocks that I wanted. Fortunately, it was an easy job. The new axle (Hey Mike!) had a bracket welded in place to accept the shock and the wheel well had a bolt/bracket combo also. The shock (Monroe Gas Magnum shock #555003) fit perfectly and was easy to slip on.   
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The hardest part was that the bolt that came with the shocks was too long. It wouldn't quite fit between the brake drum and the bracket. A few minutes work with my angle grinder took care of the problem. I also needed to run to Ace to get another nut and washer for the top bolt, since the shock only came with one set.

Wheels & Hubcaps

On the day I was going to deliver Eisley to Ratco, I figured I should check the tires. One was flat, but since I had the trailer on jacks, there was no damage. It was good that I checked. I pulled Eisley to Costco and asked for new tires, just figuring the old tires needed changing.

​The tech took one look at Eisley's tires and said, "No way, not here." Apparently Eisley has split rims. Split rims can be dangerous to change, I learned, as the rim can rupture and kill the person inflating the tire. So sitting in the Costco parking lot, I started calling around.

Tire-Rama came to my rescue and had one technician who was qualified and willing to check out my tires as long as they were not "widow makers". Which is really a thing.

Tire-Rama was very helpful. The tech, I've forgotten his name now, checked over both tires and replaced an inner tube in one. He said that my tires, albeit old, were in excellent condition and would be good for at least a few seasons. He even thought it would be worth keeping the split rims, for the history of the thing. The tech also gave me some great ideas to powder coat the rims and use paint or decals to give the tires white walls.

Anyway, I may replace the wheels sometime, particularly for ease of fixing on the road, but I heard $$ savings for this season.

After the shocks, I decided to see how shiny I could get the hubcaps. This was purely vanity, and I'm running out of time before the summer camping season is upon us, but I'm not sorry. I used a little soapy water and fine steel wool. The difference was amazing - beyond my hopes.

Before

After

Subfloor

Next, I used a subfloor patch compound fill in the gaps in between the plywood and bolt holes. It was easy-as-pie, but the compound shrunk, so I needed two coats.  Other than that, it was probably the easiest single step of the trailer.