1 Month Update w/ Questions (SX190)

[jeffrt]

Hi everyone,
I've had my 2012 SX190 for a month now, and have been enjoying it a lot and learning a lot on here.
A few things I've done since I got it:
- Added a Garmin Striker 4 fish finder (mostly for the depth finder), with the transducer mounted just ahead of the speed sensor, shooting through the hull
- Replaced the speedometer transducer (broken when I bought it)
- Swapped the factory stereo to a Kenwood
- Waterproofed my mooring cover
- Rewired my trailer due to a short

A few things I've learned:
- When replacing the speedometer sensor, you don't need to remove the thru-hull fitting. I realized this after I had already removed it (didn't have the new one yet), then realized that I could have just swapped the inner core part. Extra work for nothing.
- Don't use latex sealer for the cleanout tray lip. Probably should have known better on this one. Turned completely to sticky goo the first time I took it out after I resealed it. Re-doing it with silicone this week.
- Cobra Jet Steering works! My fins were bent when I got the boat, so I tried an outing without them, and the low speed maneuvering was terrible, so I straightened them out, and they're back on now. Even my daughter said "Dad, put the fins back on".
- After having an SX210, the single engine is ok, but the twins definitely tracked better on the water, especially in chop. I find it tends to wander more than my old boat.

I do have a couple questions hopefully someone can answer:
1) Is there a way to check the fuel level without starting the engine? That seems to be the only way to get the gauges to come to life. Turning the key to "on" doesn't do anything like it did in my SX210
2) Do those with similar boats find the trailer extremely noisy? It bangs loudly over even small bumps. I have the Shoreland'r factory trailer.

Thanks!

 

[Gunner]

Yes I have a 2018 and yes the gauges only come to life after starting the engine and yes the trailer is noisy...I really didn't help you at all, but I am agreeing with you at least.

 

[jeffrt]

That makes me feel a bit better. I keep waiting for something to fall off the trailer! Makes me cringe. Guess I'll just turn the radio up some more.

 

[Gunner]

Yup..first year changed to LEDs after bulbs were toast after third dunk, added boat buckles and a dual wheel trailer jack just to make it a functional trailer. Boats good though..good luck

 

[IvanRZB]

I have the same boat (2012 SX190) and factory trailer. I hear a good bit of squeaking from the leaf springs if that's what you're talking about. Spraying some lubricant on them helps some, but not a whole lot.

Hope you changed those trailer taillights for sealed LEDs, I just did mine and was surprised how little protection there really was in the original lamp enclosures. The boat buckles are a great trailer upgrade as suggested, I didn't find a great spot to mount them but they still work quite well.

 

[jeffrt]

Forgot that on my list above. I was popping fuses on my truck, so I changed the taillights to LEDs first, but still had the shorting issue, so ended up rewiring, and all is good. Never did find any nicked wires though, so I'm really not sure what the issue was. I had a bunch of squeaking on the trailer too, and some Fluid Film took care of that for now. My issue is just more of a banging sound. Almost like the springs are too stiff or loose or something like that.

 

[IvanRZB]

... Almost like the springs are too stiff or loose or something like that.

Are you good on trailer tire pressure?

 

[jeffrt]

I think so. Trailer tag says to put the pressure at 65 psi, which is where I'm at. Seems high to me. Would have expected 50 psi.

 

[IvanRZB]

I had the same thought at first, from https://www.etrailer.com/question-32697.html :


What is the Difference Between Load Range C and D ST175/80D13 Trailer Tires
Question:
My trailer tires are branded ST175/80D13 Load Range C. These tires are also ST175/80D13 but Load Range D. My question is how do they differ, size wise? Sould they still fit my trailer without tire rub?
asked by: John B

Expert Reply:
The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity.
For a ST175/80D13 like # AM1ST77, the capacity is 1,610 pounds at 65 psi. For a C load range in the same size, like # AM1ST76 , the capacity is 1,360 pounds at 50 psi. Adding the D load range tires of the same size will fit your trailer, but they will not allow you to carry more weight even if they are rated higher. You will still need to go by the axle capacity.
Always make sure that you inflate a trailer tire to the maximum psi rating as indicated on the tire for the best performance and longest life. I have included a link to our FAQ article on trailer tires for you.
expert reply by: Michael H