Correct Trailer Setup - Is there a "Master File" available??

[BOAH]

I recently bought a used trailer that needs to be modified to fit my boat. I'm looking for a "master file" of how to set up the trailer correctly. i.e. bunk / roller placement, weight distribution, how to calculate correct tongue weight, etc.

Does such a file exist somewhere on this forum? I'm surprised this isn't one of the permanent files at the top of the discussion board.

Thanks.

 

[JB]

Re: Correct Trailer Setup - Is there a "Master File" available??

Instructions for trailer setup show up from time to time, BOAH, but they differ from boat to boat and from trailer to trailer.

Here is what I believe is universal, the rest depends on the boat and the trailer.

1. Position the boat so that there is firm support under the transom.

2. Position the winch stand so that the bow is on the bowstop. Install hold down chain and turnbuckle to attach bow eye firmly to the trailer frame.

3. Weigh trailer and boat as ready to launch. . .fuel, motor, toys, etc.

4. Move the axle cradle as needed to put 7-10% of the total weight on the tongue.

Some boats want bunks and keel rollers, some want rollers. Either will work on most boats.

Hope this helps. Good luck.

 

[lawdub]

Re: Correct Trailer Setup - Is there a "Master File" available??

Ok, somewhat new to boat ownership, and I've seen a couple of threads about tongue weight. How do you weigh a boat/trailer? And, if you weigh the whole set up, how do you figure the tongue weight?

 

[canoe/kayak]

Re: Correct Trailer Setup - Is there a "Master File" available??

I have been doing a bit of research for a canoe/kayak trailer that i want to build from a utility trailer. Anyway, this might be a good resource for you to start with

http://www.sherline.com/lmbook.htm

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Correct Trailer Setup - Is there a "Master File" available??

To find your trailer/boat weight, you can always take them to a truck stop scale. My local city landfill would weigh mine for free. Or, you can compute the weight with published info obtained from your boat manufacturer or motor manufacturer--or from other comparable boats.

When you find out the total weight, put your trailer on wife's bathroom scales. Or, you can weigh the tongue/hitch at the truck scales. Just make sure you have 7%-10% of the total weight on the hitch ball. You'll need to setup you trailer up with a retractable tongue wheel anyway.

Have you ever looked in your rear mirror to see your trailer and load swinging back and forth so hard it's about to flip your vehicle? It's happened to me twice, and it's not a good feeling. I now have relatively heavy tongue weight on any trailer I pull.