Trailer Winch Post moved, what keeps it tight to the frame?

[bcnul8tr]

So I was looking at my trailer winch, and noticed that the post seems to have moved forward about 6 inches. Is it just the three lower bolts that hold it in place to begin with? I see they are just going over and below the frame, should there be a bolt that goes through the middle of the post, and throught the frame so it doesn't slide? Or should I just make sure the three bolts that I have marked with a red arrow in the pictures are really tight and is it just the compression that should keep it in place?


Thanks.

 

[smoedog]

Re: Trailer Winch Post moved, what keeps it tight to the frame?

No, the post is adjustable. Just take the proper sockets and wrenches with you next time you launch and with the boat off the trailer move it back to where it was and tighten it back up like a man. And be easy with the power loading and slamming the brakes lol.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Trailer Winch Post moved, what keeps it tight to the frame?

I have the exact same winch. But mine has never moved! move it back to original local spray the bunks woith water and winch the boat back up the trailer. U might want ot put a 1/4" bolt on both front and back of the winch to prevent sliding.

 

[bcnul8tr]

Re: Trailer Winch Post moved, what keeps it tight to the frame?

Great thanks alot for the advice

 

[JB]

Re: Trailer Winch Post moved, what keeps it tight to the frame?

Perhaps it was deliberately moved by a PO to properly rig it for your boat. Do not depend on a winch post to safely secure your boat to the trailer.

Position the boat so that the transom is supported. Then position the winch post so that the boat is correctly positioned when winched up.

Add a turnbuckle to the safety chain, connect it from the bow eye to the trailer frame to firmly hold the boat in place in an emergency.

Move the axle cradle, if needed, to place 7-10% of the total weight on the tongue.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Trailer Winch Post moved, what keeps it tight to the frame?

So Is it just the three lower bolts that hold it in place to begin with? I see they are just going over and below the frame, should there be a bolt that goes through the middle of the post, and throught the frame so it doesn't slide? Or should I just make sure the three bolts that I have marked with a red arrow in the pictures are really tight and is it just the compression that should keep it in place? Thanks.

You are correct in your observation. If it is truely moving while in use you could add a 4th bolt to the top and forward part to help hold it. Also if it is moving then I would replace those bolts and add locknuts. I also wouldn't be drilling through the tongue.

 

[bcnul8tr]

Re: Trailer Winch Post moved, what keeps it tight to the frame?

Perhaps it was deliberately moved by a PO to properly rig it for your boat. Do not depend on a winch post to safely secure your boat to the trailer.

Position the boat so that the transom is supported. Then position the winch post so that the boat is correctly positioned when winched up.

Add a turnbuckle to the safety chain, connect it from the bow eye to the trailer frame to firmly hold the boat in place in an emergency.

It definetly moved by itself, I had a safety sticker that is now partially covered by the post.
Move the axle cradle, if needed, to place 7-10% of the total weight on the tongue. There is a safety chain on it, but it is attached to the winch post. I will look at attaching the the chain around the frame of the trailer instead. I am putting the boat in the water tonight so I will make the adjustments after that.



Thanks

 

[bcnul8tr]

Re: Trailer Winch Post moved, what keeps it tight to the frame?

You are correct in your observation. If it is truely moving while in use you could add a 4th bolt to the top and forward part to help hold it. Also if it is moving then I would replace those bolts and add locknuts. I also wouldn't be drilling through the tongue.

I think I will add a 4th bolt. I was a little nervous about drilling even a small hole through the tongue to hold it in place.