replace trailer bunks

[sandhopper2]

I just picked up another trailer and the bunks need to be replaced
The trailer is a tracker , the bunks are 2x4x18
My HD does not have 2x4 that long , do the boards need to be spliced together ?
My pontoon is a 20 ft Landau so I hope this will fit on 18 ft bunks , would think to leave the boat to the back
Also need to get new tires they are 20.5X8X10 should I try to put a larger rim or is this size ok
Larry

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: replace trailer bunks

I have been running the 20.5X8X10 tires for many years with no problems and I order longer boards when needed.

 

[alldodge]

Re: replace trailer bunks

I just picked up another trailer and the bunks need to be replaced
The trailer is a tracker , the bunks are 2x4x18
My HD does not have 2x4 that long , do the boards need to be spliced together ?
My pontoon is a 20 ft Landau so I hope this will fit on 18 ft bunks , would think to leave the boat to the back
Also need to get new tires they are 20.5X8X10 should I try to put a larger rim or is this size ok
Larry

You could order some longer boards (cost quite a bit) but I would splice them if needed. Either use 45 degree or but then together. I would use a galvanized or aluminum flat plate on the back side and drill, then counter bore on top and through bolt with Round countersink head bolts.

 

[a1nowell]

Re: replace trailer bunks

DO NOT USE TREATED LUMBER it can damage your toons.

Larry also

 

[phillyg]

Re: replace trailer bunks

I would put a 10" lap joint in two 2x4s, glued and bolted through with two or three stainless carriage or hex bolts.

 

[sandhopper2]

Re: replace trailer bunks

Thanks for replys Got lucky to day and found some 20 ft 2x4's
Made my bunks 18' 6 " ( the old ones were 18'2" ) the new boards will hang about 12 " over from the last support on the front and 8 " past the support at the back Using thompsons water seal on the wood , then some happy grass ( artifical grass indoor out door carpet ) stuff I had
This looks like my pontoon will sit on this nice , much better than the narrow trailer
As there is not a market for the old trailer I will cut it up save the tires and steel for other projects

 

[Silver Eagle]

Re: replace trailer bunks

my pontoon boat is 24.3 ft. When I replaced my 2x4's I used 12ft in the front and 10ft in the back. no problem.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: replace trailer bunks

Thanks for replys Got lucky to day and found some 20 ft 2x4's
Made my bunks 18' 6 " ( the old ones were 18'2" ) the new boards will hang about 12 " over from the last support on the front and 8 " past the support at the back Using thompsons water seal on the wood , then some happy grass ( artifical grass indoor out door carpet ) stuff I had
This looks like my pontoon will sit on this nice , much better than the narrow trailer
As there is not a market for the old trailer I will cut it up save the tires and steel for other projects

Used pontoon trailers, both scissor and bunk style, are hard to find. Don't cut it up. It's worth bucks. I've been looking for one for months.

 

[ahicks]

Re: replace trailer bunks

Not sure how far you're willing to drive, but I saw several listed on craiglist in Mi? Time to get them there is off season. Just pay attention to how long they are vs. what you need.

 

[sandhopper2]

Re: replace trailer bunks

Ok I did get something done yesterday finally
The carpet came in from E bay 100 ft by 12 inches so bunks are done
used carage bolts and stapples
Now I will put the pontoon back on and measure where the guides need to be built and installed
Larry

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: replace trailer bunks

I used galvanized roofing nails when I did mine last year, In the past I tried staples and after a few years they start pulling out. Haven't done it yet but when I get around to doing the trailer I am planning on using PVC caps on the front 3 feet of the bunks.

 

[sandhopper2]

Re: replace trailer bunks

what are pvc caps ? do the just fit on the 2x4 bunks ?

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: replace trailer bunks

Yes in some cases it caps over and others have taken the PVC boards and counter bored and attached.

A lot of people will add some type of PVC boards or cap pieces to their bunks to aid in launching and retrieving their boats. Its a lot slicker. All you really need is the very front 3 or 4 feet. I have been considering it for some time but due to the high cost of most of the products I haven't yet. I ran across a article on another site where a man took a section of PVC fence post cover that is made to go over a standard 4 x 4 wood post to blend in with the PVC fence stuff and he split it and made caps out of it. I did look into it and the post cover is 3/16 thick and it should work fine and I will most likely add that in the spring after the boat is back on the slip.