Trailer bends

[allymoss]

Hello,

I have a 14ft Speedboat with a 40hp mercury blueband.

The trailer is homemade by previus owner and the boat fits fine, just the main frame bends. The piece of metal joining the hubs together flexes when the boat is on it and the wheels are slightly pointed inwards at the top.

Is this ok to do a 400 mile trip?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer bends

post a picture, would help a lot.

 

[allymoss]

Re: Trailer bends

camera is messed up and cant use phone so picture is impossible at the moment.

The trailer is a T bar type shape. The cross part that joins the hubs just bends with the weight of it.

 

[tysonnathan]

Re: Trailer bends

i would get a different trailer...

 

[tysonnathan]

Re: Trailer bends

you could also take it to a welding shop and have it beefed up...

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Trailer bends

That piece is the axle for your trailer. It's not supposed to flex in any noticable way, I don't think. It sounds to me like your trailer is too lightweight for your boat.

How far off the back end of the metal part of the trailer does your boat hang? I've seen those T-shaped trailers, and they always seemed a bit weak for the boats that are often on them, with just bunks hanging off the back to support the weight of the boat and outboard.

Finally, what size tires on on it, and what weight are they rated for?

 

[Splat]

Re: Trailer bends

Do you have leaf springs and shackles connecting the trailer frame to the axle? Or is it directly mounted to the axle.

Possible you are using a torsion axle that serves as the suspension. They are more common on enclosed utility trailers, but if it's a home made trailer who knows what parts they used.

Bill

 

[allymoss]

Re: Trailer bends

I dont think its supposed to do it! Its just a piece of square tubing.

No other suspension though.

The main bit down the middle extends pass this bar by about 1 1/2ft. I got my mate who is a farmer to have a look and he said he could weld a strip of thick steel along it when its straight and that will hold it.

I don't know what the tires are rated for but I will try and find out.