Get the boat in the garage

[Hottip]

I have this Campion 542 explorer on a EZ Loader roller trailer, but it's 3" taller (87") at the windshield than the garage door (84"). So by moving the tongue jack back off the tongue and on the chassis I'm able to get it in but thats only a bandaid fix. Does anyone have any other ideas?

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Get the boat in the garage

I have this Campion 542 explorer on a EZ Loader roller trailer, but it's 3" taller (87") at the windshield than the garage door (84"). So by moving the tongue jack back off the tongue and on the chassis I'm able to get it in but thats only a bandaid fix. Does anyone have any other ideas?

Buy the low profile high lift jack from harbor freight, and mount a ball on the lifting pad. When it comes time to roll the boat in the garage, you get the jack under the hitch and hook it up, and then drop the jack to whatever height you need. The jack is obviously on wheels and comes with a fairly stout handle, so you should be able to shove it right in the garage.

 

[infideltarget]

Re: Get the boat in the garage

Let the air out of the trailer tires.

 

[tswiczko]

Re: Get the boat in the garage

how about a swing away tongue jack http://www.iboats.com/Dr-Shrink-Piv...6503326--**********.043130481--view_id.352257 but you'll want something like a rolling floor jack to set the coupler on and let down so you don't drop it on your toe like smokincrater said

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Get the boat in the garage

When I put my windshield back on I think I'll have the same problem by about 1 1/2 inches. I was thinking about swapping the axle to the top of the springs instead of the bottom. That will by a bit of room.

 

[infideltarget]

Re: Get the boat in the garage

Man...all of these complicated responses. :facepalm: Just let some air outta' the tires. Roll that bish into the garage. Time to go to the lake? Roll that bish outside, air it up. Simple. Free. Takes 5 minutes. Leave the jack where it works. As long as it holds up the trailer, it's doing its job.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Get the boat in the garage

Man...all of these complicated responses. :facepalm: Just let some air outta' the tires. Roll that bish into the garage. Time to go to the lake? Roll that bish outside, air it up. Simple. Free. Takes 5 minutes. Leave the jack where it works. As long as it holds up the trailer, it's doing its job.

my response might be only slightly more complicated, but its certainly a lot quicker! He needs 3 inches, that means your tires are going to be rolling when almost flat. That is VERY tough on the sidewall. Not to mention, he won't be rolling that by hand with the tires that low.

 

[boaterinsd]

Re: Get the boat in the garage

ok, heres a thought if you have the swing away tire jack on the boat , or if you are going to put a swing away jack on it. Than take and put a second hole in the swing locking plate allowing you to make the jack wheel still work for you but have it nearly have the tounge of the trailer drag the ground. Allowing it to lower the front of the trailer giving you the needed clearence to get it inside.

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Get the boat in the garage

Not sure how heavy your boat is but I'm pretty sure if I let the air out of my tires I wouldn't gain 3 inches.

 

[infideltarget]

Re: Get the boat in the garage

Not sure how heavy your boat is but I'm pretty sure if I let the air out of my tires I wouldn't gain 3 inches.

Measure your sidewall, I bet you would. But...I do like the idea of the ball on the jack plate. I thought a little harder on this one, and I must admit...that is a pretty cool idea. And yes, on a tandem trailer like mine it would take a bit o' time to air back up. It would work...but not the most convenient fix, I will admit.

Kinda diggin' that jack idea. May make one myself.

 

[not enuf toys]

Re: Get the boat in the garage

I'm not sure how heavy or on this boat is, but what about smaller in diameter tires and wheels?

 

[JimS123]

Re: Get the boat in the garage

My current home was designed and built to fit the largest boat I felt I would ever own. But, when I got my first boat with an existing house I had the same problem.

I cut the door frame above the garage door and filed in the hole with a hinged panel. It took 2 seconds to turn it up or down, and it was held down with a simple turn button on each end. We cut a hole in the back wall and built a "shed" to house the aft 3' of the boat.

Maybe more effort than you want to put in, but it sure beats ruining your tires and / or your back!

 

[reel clownz]

Re: Get the boat in the garage

Build a bigger garage!! Who wouldnt want that. I know its not that easy. But the ball on the jack is an amazing idea. Thank you

 

[Hottip]

Re: Get the boat in the garage

Buy the low profile high lift jack from harbor freight, and mount a ball on the lifting pad. When it comes time to roll the boat in the garage, you get the jack under the hitch and hook it up, and then drop the jack to whatever height you need. The jack is obviously on wheels and comes with a fairly stout handle, so you should be able to shove it right in the garage.

That is a great idea and I may be able to make it work, thanks

 

[Hottip]

Re: Get the boat in the garage

Thanks to all the great ideas. I think I may have to make several tries but ingenuity will win out in the end.

 

[portd]

Re: Get the boat in the garage

I purchased a campion 582 cc used and the owner cut the windshield down 3 inches to get in garage , but i requested new windshield before i purchased it , dont cut it down I should have looked at the 542 and its not center console so you cant cut it down anyway .

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Get the boat in the garage

How about a trailer dolly?
http://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-...Search Terms&gclid=CIesvba_k6gCFcW5KgodrHR2Dg

 

[infideltarget]

Re: Get the boat in the garage

How about a trailer dolly?
http://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-...Search Terms&gclid=CIesvba_k6gCFcW5KgodrHR2Dg

Nope. Too practical. We as hobbyists must re-invent, and make it our own. How dare you bring up something that is already proven and marketable! We need a NEW idea, that we can spend hours on creating, to do the same job, so we can brag to our buddies over corn dogs and beverages at the next cookout about. Geeez...where have YOU been?

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Get the boat in the garage

You got me there, I now feel ashamed. I must admit I had to read the low profile jack idea a couple times before I got the point. The cool part is inventing the idea, building it, then letting buddies borrow it while you stand back with the look of a proud pappy in your eye as they marvel at your work. Of course the whole time you're also drinking their beer.

 

[infideltarget]

Re: Get the boat in the garage

You got me there, I now feel ashamed. I must admit I had to read the low profile jack idea a couple times before I got the point. The cool part is inventing the idea, building it, then letting buddies borrow it while you stand back with the look of a proud pappy in your eye as they marvel at your work. Of course the whole time you're also drinking their beer.

Welcome back! I was afraid we had lost you there!