Runaway pontoon trailer

[lncoop]

Re: Runaway pontoon trailer

I am proud to say I've never lost a trailer, although I know anything's possible when it comes to towing. But, one day I was fishing my way across a WMA hopping from borrow pit to borrow pit (some of you may know them as potholes). When preparing to leave one for another I didn't replace the tie down straps in back because I "wasn't going far". 45 minutes later after bouncing up and down lovely game and fish roads I arrived at the next lake to discover I had ripped a hole two to three inches square in the bow of the boat where the winch cable was hooked to the bow eyelet. The cable was still hooked to the eyelet, but the eyelet was no longer attached to the bow! All the bouncing up and down literally tore it loose. Fortunately it's my "knocking around" rig so the freshly applied JB Weld looks right at home on it:redface:.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Runaway pontoon trailer

Good question...anyone?

I have properly rated cables, and they seem like they would do just as well as any chains...

My trailer (Tidewater 6600 lb capacity) came with cables, too. They look as substantial as chain to me.

 

[RL Gman]

Re: Runaway pontoon trailer

My trailer (Tidewater 6600 lb capacity) came with cables, too. They look as substantial as chain to me.

Concur. I also like how they look a bit cleaner, and with the "spring" in them, I never have to worry that they will drag.

 

[jmfrost]

Re: Runaway pontoon trailer

I've had a trailer pop off on me before. Picked the boat up from the mechanic, got in a hurry to get back to work and didn't closely pay attention to whether or not the hitch was covering the ball before pushing the latch down. About a mile down the road I felt a large jerk on the truck followed by this loud shrieking, scraping sound. FORTUNATELY...I was not in such a hurry that I forgot to connect my chains!!! I thank God for the sense to at least do that and not be on a road with heavy traffic. Scariest damn thing to ever happen to me while towing (so far).

 

[jtexas]

Re: Runaway pontoon trailer

Concur. I also like how they look a bit cleaner, and with the "spring" in them, I never have to worry that they will drag.

note that if they are long enough to drag (without the spring), they are not going to keep your trailer tongue from hitting the ground in the unlikely event of a coupler failure.

wonder what happens when a trailer tongue contacts pavement while tethered to a vehicle at highway speeds........

 

[JoLin]

Re: Runaway pontoon trailer

note that if they are long enough to drag (without the spring), they are not going to keep your trailer tongue from hitting the ground in the unlikely event of a coupler failure.

wonder what happens when a trailer tongue contacts pavement while tethered to a vehicle at highway speeds........

I just walkeed ouside and double-checked. My cables wouldn't let the tongue drag. My last trailer had chains. They would hit the payement going in and out of my driveway. I don't think the cables will drag. I don't see any big deal about cables vs. chains. Either should do the job.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Runaway pontoon trailer

note that if they are long enough to drag (without the spring), they are not going to keep your trailer tongue from hitting the ground in the unlikely event of a coupler failure.

wonder what happens when a trailer tongue contacts pavement while tethered to a vehicle at highway speeds........

it drags behind you..... the chains aren't supposed to keep the tongue off the road

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Runaway pontoon trailer

I just walkeed ouside and double-checked. My cables wouldn't let the tongue drag. My last trailer had chains. They would hit the payement going in and out of my driveway. I don't think the cables will drag. I don't see any big deal about cables vs. chains. Either should do the job.

if the hooks can reach the ground then the tongue WOULD drag.... you gotta remember that trailer isn't gonna stay behind the truck.... it is gonna be all up in your business and the tongue will go right under the bumper

 

[skysurfer2010]

Re: Runaway pontoon trailer

Doesn't anyone else criss cross the chains like an "x"? It should create a cradle for the tongue to fall into in the event the tongue pops off the ball.

 

[bouttime007]

Re: Runaway pontoon trailer

Thats what I do.

 

[RL Gman]

Re: Runaway pontoon trailer

Doesn't anyone else criss cross the chains like an "x"? It should create a cradle for the tongue to fall into in the event the tongue pops off the ball.

Yeah, everyone should "x" the chains/cables, but that doesnt mean the tounge wont touch the ground...as soon as the tounge goes under the truck and the chains are perpendicular, there is a very good possibility that the tounge will be dragging the ground...

 

[jtexas]

Re: Runaway pontoon trailer

my chains crossed under the tongue will hold it off the ground -- it's my belief that will minimize the damage...of course, the only thing I can tell you from direct personal experience is: "Safety chains are no help at all if they're just hanging from the tongue." And you can quote me on that

Actually, I did some experimenting once...for chains (or cables) that are crossed, the furthest distance between the vehicle and trailer connection points is when the trailer is lined up directly behind the vehicle. Other words, they slacken, not tighten, when you turn.

 

[RL Gman]

Re: Runaway pontoon trailer

Actually, I did some experimenting once...for chains (or cables) that are crossed, the furthest distance between the vehicle and trailer connection points is when the trailer is lined up directly behind the vehicle. Other words, they slacken, not tighten, when you turn.

True, but if you have any type of drop hitch, or the chains are tight enough to get caught on the treads of the ball, it will still strain as you turn, that's why I need enough slack in mine...