Bearing or Brake stuck?

[georgea0731]

I had the boat stored for 6 weeks in Nov. & Dec. outside at a shop. I picked it up and drove it 50 miles home, but did not check it for any problems. We drove it 6 miles to a ramp. I smelling something burning at the front wheel on a dual axle. The small metal lip of the glass was hot, but not the glass. We went out for a couple of hours. We came in I checked the wheel and seemed o.k. We carefully got it back home, 6 miles. I didn't smell anything and nothing was hot. So I'm hoping it was a one time deal. Anything I need to do? What else should I check? Bath is full and didn't hear anything squeaking. Any advice will be appreciated. We trailer the boat for about 6 weeks until it can be put no the lift. I have an 03 197 S&S dual axle trailer. As far as I know the trailer has not had anything done to it. I'm the 2nd owner. Oh, what grade oil do I need if I replace it?
BTW I'll call the dealer on Tuesday when it opens, but its 60 miles away and I'm afraid to tow it there.
PS I had this typed once and it disappeared. I checked and it was not posted. If it shows up as a duplicate, I'm sorry.

[FrankSchwab]

Sounds like dragging brakes. If your bearings were failing enough to heat up things to the point that you smelled burning, they wouldn't get better - but a stuck brake would.

/frank

[Jerseydave]

My 2003 and 2005 tandem axle trailers both had caliper issues. It seems there were calipers with tight-fitting pistons that would cause the brakes to drag.

I replaced all 4 calipers and brake pads with Kodiak calipers. No problems ever since.

I use 75W90 gear oil for my bearings. If you have the plastic bearing caps replace them with the aluminum ones (with site glass)

Don't ignore the fact that your brakes are getting hot. It can cause the oil to overheat in your bearings, possibly causing bearing failure.

[Jerseydave]

Here's a link that may help you, or of course try your local MC dealer first.

http://www.reliablepmw.com/