Time to start trailer rehab

[sphelps]

Hey guys . Its at the time in my boat restoration that I need to tackle the trailer . I either need to redo this trailer or find a different one . As you can see it may be a little to small for the boat . I,m sure with your help we can come up with a plan . I really appreciate any advise you guys can give me .

Here is the boat just about ready for the trailer.

Here are some pics of the trailer. Do you think it,s possible to add more channels to the back then slide the axle back some ?

It is a Landcraft trailer . Not sure for what it,s rated for . I am thinking the boat should weigh around 1200 lbs loaded maybe . I,m not sure .
Thanks for any help guys !

 

[saginawbayboater]

Re: Time to start trailer rehab

SP don't think I have anything to add, but knowing you the trailer will be perfect!!!
I will be watching for sure..

 

[tinkerguy70]

Re: Time to start trailer rehab

That restoration looks good!
As for the trailer, I don't know about adding anything to the back, it sure looks like it's to small for the boat. You might fishplate the trailer with channel, but by the time you bought all of that steel you'd probably be cheaper to buy another trailer. Even if you did, the axle looks kind of light for that boat.
Please don't think I'm running it down or anything, I'm just trying to give a honest and realistic opinion.
In my personal opinion, I think you'd have more money and work in it than it's worth.
Then again, restorations aren't really about work and money are they?

 

[gm280]

Re: Time to start trailer rehab

If you have the correct welding equipment and seriously don't mind doing some extra work, you can add on to the trailer and have it fit your needs. It looks like 1 1/2" by 3" channel steel which should not cost all that much. But you would have to also move the axle rear ward to balance the tongue weight correctly. But have at it if you don't mind the extra work. If you do add to the length make sure you back up the addition with backer plates to give it some needed support at the weld joints. But it can be done and look amazing once sanded and refinished. Also add the correct runners (bunkers whatever) to make sure your boat is NOT riding on the rollers when sitting on the trailer properly. Other then that, have fun...

 

[sphelps]

Re: Time to start trailer rehab

Thanks guys ! I do have a different trailer but it may be even harder to retrofit . It does have brand new axle, hubs ,and springs though .

I have access to this wire feed welder and my soon to be son inlaw is a pretty good welder .

I guess it would,nt hurt to start looking for a different trailer but the budget was busted a while back . :facepalm:

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Time to start trailer rehab

Its more than likely its just me but is that the right sort of a spring holder.

 

[sphelps]

Re: Time to start trailer rehab

MH , your probably right . Thats the way the trailer came when my brother bought it many years ago . Maybe it should look more like this .

 

[tinkerguy70]

Re: Time to start trailer rehab

Of course anything it doable I guess, if you have to buy all of your steel new it won't be long and you'll have a couple hundred dollars in just steel and MIG wire.
On the other hand, if you can find some laying around or buy it second hand you could pull this off fairly well.

You shouldn't be discouraged though, just set down and figure up your costs and then check used trailer prices in your area. A little research will make your decision much easier.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Time to start trailer rehab

If that is the welder you are planning on using, forget about doing the welding. It doesn't have the capacity for the welding that you need to be doing.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Time to start trailer rehab

I think it might be worth watching craigslist or something for another trailer. If you were going to retrofit, I would do it with the new axled one.

 

[sphelps]

Re: Time to start trailer rehab

Yep I kinda had the idea it wouldn't work to well . I,ll ask around at work and see if any of my friends have a larger rig to use . Is it possible to bolt the extra pieces on then back it up with the small welder ?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Time to start trailer rehab

I would also look into another trailer before modifying that one.

The specs on those 110V welders have to be taken with a grain of salt. The thickness that they say they can weld depends on the wire(usually self shielded yields the most capacity) and claim that higher thicknesses can be done with multiple passes. I wouldn't be trusting my life or the people traveling behind me with welds from that welder. 1/8" is the largest I would weld with it for structural welds. They usually say 3/16" with multiple passes. May be fine for a fence but not for a trailer.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Time to start trailer rehab

Those leaf springs look a little scarey to me. I agree with the rest. Look for a different and more suitable trailer.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Time to start trailer rehab

Just an idea what you can find on craigslist for a couple hundred bucks. Atleast in my area. I would hate to see you put that refurbed boat on something half ----

TRAILER

 

[sphelps]

Re: Time to start trailer rehab

I have been looking on CL but no luck so far . I took my tape measure out this afternoon and did some head scratching. I just may be able to use the bigger trailer . With some angles mounted under the main supports to mount rollers to . And I have plenty of room to move the winch post forward . The bunks that are there would sit right under the first chine . Then maybe some smaller bunk spaced closer to the keel for extra support. Its not a tilt trailer like the other but it does sit lower to the ground .

 

[KING RAT]

Re: Time to start trailer rehab

Had the same thing with a 17' on a14' trailer so i added to the tongue 5'

 

[sphelps]

Re: Time to start trailer rehab

Still looking around for some heavy channel or angle . I do have some 4x4x I think 3/8 " ungalvanized angle . It,s a freebie .Been thinking on installing under the main tubing on the bigger trailer to mount rollers and maybe some smaller bunks on . Been pretty busy at work so not much time for trailer reheb..

 

[River_Lizard]

Re: Time to start trailer rehab

I"ve got a 140 Hobart 120v and she welds fine with flux wire. I've made 2 trailers with it and haven't had the first weld crack at all and one of the trailers is for my 24 ft. pontoon. I took a 17.5 ft bass trailer and turned it into a 25 ft. pontoon trailer with no problems. I added 8 ft. of C channel to extend the trailer, moved axle location and added an additional axle. I replaced the tongue with a new one and extended it back to a cross-brace that I added to the trailer. The bass trailer was too flexible in that area and required new bracing so I extended the tongue tubing all the way to that brace for added support. I have 3 years on the trailer and I've checked all the welded areas and not any sign of stress cracks at all.
I've probably pushed the 3,000 lb mark a few times with all the gear loaded on it, 2 extra fuel tanks, generator, propane tanks, livewell, 2 gang boxes, etc... so it's been tested with non-normal weight loads.

I'd recommend using C channel if you're going to build your own trailer for your boat. It will last as long if not longer than your boat will if you do. Square tubing loves rust and is a short term trailer in IMO and dangerous too because you don't know it's condition until it's too late since it rusts from the inside out.

 

[River_Lizard]

Re: Time to start trailer rehab

sphelps

Prepping C channel for welding make sure you bevel end at a 45 degree angle since you'll have to make several passes welding it. Cleaning the weld after each pass. I double plated my joints on the two main beams when I built my 24 ft. trailer. Welded the butt joint on both sides then ground the weld down level and laid a small plate of 3/8 thick steel across the joint overlapping each side by about 1 foot and welded them all around and both sides of the C channel. It was over-kill I know, but I'd rather be safe about it since it was a custom home-made trailer.
I'll be building a custom low-profile trailer for the Crestliner in my Sig at some point. It's going to be designed like Bass trailers are where they ride low to the ground.

 

[sphelps]

Re: Time to start trailer rehab

Do you think this one may be to big ?
tilt boat trailer