Trailer Mod's

[Andrew Leigh]

Hi,

On my trailer, the keel section at the bow (where the winch is) rests against a very shallow "V" roller. This to me provides little or no lateral support. Support asides the winch exerts no downwards force as it is also positioned too high so it's need repositioning. If I am to go cut and weld I wish to remove this roller and to replace this with a "V" type construction such that the bow slips into the felt lined "V" section giving the degree of support I feel is appropriate.

Am I being over cautious? The boat alone weighs about 2000lbs.

This is my boat showing the roller too high.

This is an identical boat showing what I wish to change to.

Cheers
Andrew

 

[JB]

Re: Trailer Mod's

That would work, Andrew, but. . .

You will/do need a better method of holding the bow to the trailer than the winch. I recommend a steel turnbuckle or turnbuckle plus chain from the bow eye to the trailer frame.

 

[DJ]

Re: Trailer Mod's

The winch stand is too high. I had the same problem with my boat.

I just cut the stand off, cut the bottom at an angle and rewelded it.

 

[SgtMaj]

Re: Trailer Mod's

Not to hijack the thread or anything... but I like that reflector tape on the trailer... will add that to my to-do list.

As far as this modification is concerned... I don't think you can be overly cautious when it comes to towing a 1 ton boat.

 

[Andrew Leigh]

Re: Trailer Mod's

Thanks for the rapid response guys,

JB, unseen on the photo of my boat is a turnbuckle which I planned on keeping. The threads are about 3/8" diameter, too big too small? I like the turnbuckle and chain approach.

Any idea on the theory? Does the winch hold the boat forward or is it purely to get the boat trailered? Is the turnbuckle the primary downward holding power for the boat or do I need to position the turnbuckle such that it also provides holding power in two planes, forward and downwards?

DJ, yup that gonna be the job for the day.

SgtMaj, it is law here to have that reflective tape fitted to all vehicles over a certain length. It is however very expensive and the only approved make here is 3M. I do think it provides additional safety.

Thanks
Andrew

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer Mod's

2 planes forward and down. they bow stop being above the bow eye is suppose to help with the forward. helps keep the boat from going forward, up the back of the tow vehicle in a crash.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Trailer Mod's

A single turnbuckle with 3/8" thread might not be quite big enough.
Here is a Crosby webpage for forged steel turnbuckles.
http://www.rigging.net/Turnbuckle.html
Note the working load limit is 1200lbs for the 3/8" forged steel.
Crosby makes real ones, not Wal-Mart/ K-Mart cheap knockoffs.
Stainless steel versions of the same size will be rated less.