trailer suspension? boat bouncing on trailer

[JimS123]

Re: trailer suspension? boat bouncing on trailer

Its a simple problem. Not tire pressure (you should go to 65 psi, not lower it). Nothing to do with how it strapped down. You simply don't have enough weight on the trailer.

I had a utility trailer just like it. Empty it would bounce around. I had a similar boat trailer - if I traveled with the motor off it would bounce around.

Put the motor on it when you travel and it'll trail just fine.

 

[since1791]

Re: trailer suspension? boat bouncing on trailer

Followed Thalasso, TomWV, RiverLizard & OregonCruiser's advise before towing it & driving 10 miles last night. Moved the straps as they advised & WOW!! Almost perfect ride! The trailer has never rode that well & the boat pretty much rode like it was floating on air. Never would have guessed that moving the straps to where they are pulling the bow & stern in opposite directions would have made such a huge difference- especially the bow strap. My guess was that the bow winch hook would have been sufficient but I still can't believe what a perfect ride the strap adjustments resulted in. The noises that the trailer made were gone too. I can't thank you all enough for the advise & help!
TomWV & Dockwrecker brought out some good points about the suspension rating & tire balance too that I'm going to address next. Taking the tires down to the mechanic shop to get balanced this week. TomWV's point on the suspension really has me thinking. Even though several agreed that the suspension wasn't the issue to the boat bouncing, I can't help but wonder what kind of difference it would make in the overall ride & handling if I went to a lower capacity rating on the springs that more closely matched the weight I was hauling. Jim & TomWV's thoughts appear to be related on point and produce some valid things to consider. Any thoughts on what the results (if any) would be if I lowered the suspension springs down to a 1000 or 1500 lb rating? Would the ride or handling see any difference at all?

 

[since1791]

Re: trailer suspension? boat bouncing on trailer

BTW- no comments on my extreme redneck engineering of the trailer?! lol. Actually, I don't mind it at all. If we can't laugh at ourselves than we're taking life way too seriously. It's not worth the ulcers. Wish there was a school with a redneck engineering degree; I'd go for the doctorate program if there was.

 

[River_Lizard]

Re: trailer suspension? boat bouncing on trailer

I would suggest one more thing, if you start loading the boat up with additional weight (motor, batteries, gear, etc..) you may in the future want to consider getting those bunk pads lowered some. From the photo you posted you could easily get that boat sitting 6 to 8 inches lower and it will make a world of difference in handling/towing. The higher up your weight load is the more leaning from side to side there will be. IMO. Plus look at it another way, when you're backing your boat down the ramp you might be able to see over the top of the boat also depending on your towing vehicle.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: trailer suspension? boat bouncing on trailer

Followed Thalasso, TomWV, RiverLizard & OregonCruiser's advise before towing it & driving 10 miles last night. Moved the straps as they advised & WOW!! Almost perfect ride! The trailer has never rode that well & the boat pretty much rode like it was floating on air. Never would have guessed that moving the straps to where they are pulling the bow & stern in opposite directions would have made such a huge difference- especially the bow strap. My guess was that the bow winch hook would have been sufficient but I still can't believe what a perfect ride the strap adjustments resulted in. The noises that the trailer made were gone too. I can't thank you all enough for the advise & help!
TomWV & Dockwrecker brought out some good points about the suspension rating & tire balance too that I'm going to address next. Taking the tires down to the mechanic shop to get balanced this week. TomWV's point on the suspension really has me thinking. Even though several agreed that the suspension wasn't the issue to the boat bouncing, I can't help but wonder what kind of difference it would make in the overall ride & handling if I went to a lower capacity rating on the springs that more closely matched the weight I was hauling. Jim & TomWV's thoughts appear to be related on point and produce some valid things to consider. Any thoughts on what the results (if any) would be if I lowered the suspension springs down to a 1000 or 1500 lb rating? Would the ride or handling see any difference at all?

Glad to be of some help. Remember one thing though. By reducing tire pressure lower then Manf. stated req. you create more heat in tires when towing. This might not be a big deal if towing local, but could be at high speeds for long distances. Any deals at the Harley Plant ?

 

[tomdinwv]

Re: trailer suspension? boat bouncing on trailer

Glad you got it smoothed out. Thalasso is correct about your tire pressure. DO NOT run tires below their recommended psi. It can make bad things happen.

 

[since1791]

Re: trailer suspension? boat bouncing on trailer

Thanks again T- another good point. Not sure what's going on with the Harley plant. Just hoping that they're able to stay open given the economical hazards & keep turning out those American icons.