Is my trailer to flexable

jusfloatin

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 6, 2008
Messages
295
Finaly got the last coat of paint on the trailer and installed the axle and wheels but I am woundering if the trailer is a bit too flexable?

It seems there is a bit of a bend in the frame when I stand on the rear cross member which is at the very end of the trailer .
23' trailer tip to tip
tongue to axle is 13 3/4 feet

The wheels are set just temp. until I get everything on and get the proper tongue weight .

But I am concerned about the frame.
 

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Bifflefan

Commander
Joined
May 27, 2009
Messages
2,933
Re: Is my trailer to flexable

That looks like a sound frame to me in the pic. Looks to be 2x3 and as long as its not paper thin you should be just fine.
It must have some flex or it will break.
Im assuming its for a toon about 16'ish. those dont weigh alot anyway.

Its a nice looking trailer. Use it and watch the paint for cracking, that will show where it is flexing or bending. reinforce as needed but dont over do it.
 

EGlideRider

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Dec 14, 2008
Messages
1,000
Re: Is my trailer to flexable

Good looking trailer. You'll be fine. The weight of the boat is very evenly distributed along the toons and thus the weight will be fairly evenly distributed between the eight bunk mounts.

Post pictures of the finished product.
 

jeffnick

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
695
Re: Is my trailer to flexable

I have never noticed a flex in any of the trailers I've had/used (all monohull), but any of the distortion you'd get on the road would likely be up, and the 'toons would limit/prevent flex movement?
 

5150abf

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 12, 2007
Messages
5,808
Re: Is my trailer to flexable

That is way stout, with the boat on it the weight is spread over the entire trailer not just on one corner, also when the boat is on it should be pulled tight to the bow stop then the boat actually becomes a structural part of the trailer and makes it alot stiffer.

I know when my boat isn't tight against the stop the trailer flexes alot.
 

jusfloatin

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 6, 2008
Messages
295
Re: Is my trailer to flexable

Sorry for the delay in getting back as I was called away.

I thank you all for nice comments.

I guess I am being a bit critical, I have built lots of ATV, skidoo and seadoo trailers but never something this long.

Again thanks now for the kit boat.
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Is my trailer to flexable

Standing on one corner of a very long trailer frame is called "point loading" meaning you are placing a great deal of weight on one point of the trailer. The very nature of the trailer means it will flex. The other trailers you said you built are shorter and while they will exhibit a bit of that flexing, it will not be as obvious. when loaded, the trailer will not be point loaded so what you observed is not an issue.
 

jusfloatin

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 6, 2008
Messages
295
Re: Is my trailer to flexable

Standing on one corner of a very long trailer frame is called "point loading" meaning you are placing a great deal of weight on one point of the trailer. The very nature of the trailer means it will flex. The other trailers you said you built are shorter and while they will exhibit a bit of that flexing, it will not be as obvious. when loaded, the trailer will not be point loaded so what you observed is not an issue.

This is a great site.

I have learned much, some of my family thinks too much.
 

lmuss53

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Sep 9, 2008
Messages
1,227
Re: Is my trailer to flexable

Assuming that the cradles are the points where your bunks will attach, I would make sure they are able to drain away any water they capture while loading or unloading the boat, or they will rust through PDQ.

That is a very nice looking trailer by the way.
 

jusfloatin

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 6, 2008
Messages
295
Re: Is my trailer to flexable

Assuming that the cradles are the points where your bunks will attach, I would make sure they are able to drain away any water they capture while loading or unloading the boat, or they will rust through PDQ.

That is a very nice looking trailer by the way.

I thank you and yes I drilled 3/8 holes on the outside bottom this way any rust and crap would not land on the frame.
I figured that would be a lot easier then welding them closed only to find out this winter that my welding had a hole.
 
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