Small Trailer Refit

[Steve_Sail2Learn]

Sorry if this has been asked - didn't find it in my search query tho.
I have a 2007 20(ish) Foot Load Rite single axle trailer with a Hunter 170 (500 pounds) sailboat sitting on the bunkboards.
This galvanized trailer is built of 2" x 3" box tubes. The two side tubes meet with the tongue channel beneath the boat to form (viewed from above) an "A" shape with the cross piece of the A being an L (2" x 2") beam (see Bird's-eye image). The three 1/2" U-bolts (1, 2 & 3) are badly rusted and I want to replace them. Ditto with the 1/2" bolt at 4.

My question - IF I jack up the trailer (using a 2 x 10 piece of lumber) along the "jack line" - dotted line in drawing... AND only saw off one U-bolt at a time will this thing not collapse?!

AND then - what about replacing the 1/2" bolt located at 4? Should I place the jacks & 2 x 10 forward of the cross piece when I cut that off?

Any suggestions/guidance appreciated.

Steve

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,....... I'd remove yer tie-down strap, 'n put the jack under the angle the u-bolts go through, 'n jack it only enough to relieve the weight on the tongue jack, then do each u-bolt, 1 at a time,......

Then you can do the other bolt, without movin' the jack,.....

 

[DouglasW]

I assume you will be taking care of all the rust on the cross-member to the aft that has the roller.