Should I use a support under my outdrive while towing?

[scooper77515]

I saw a boat at the ramp yesterday that had a bar propped under the outdrive jammed into the trailer to support the weight while towing.

I don't have this on my trailer.

Should I?

2003 Glastron GX185, 4.3 Volvo, Volvo SX Outdrive.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Should I use a support under my outdrive while towing?

On an outdrive, No. No need for it.
On an outboard, Yes. It keeps the motor from flopping and twisting the transom.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Should I use a support under my outdrive while towing?

I use the sleeves that go around the tilt rams to keep the outdrive from lowering "just in case". You don't want the $5000 outdrive dragging on the pavement in case something fails.

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Should I use a support under my outdrive while towing?

I use the sleeves that go around the tilt rams to keep the outdrive from lowering "just in case". You don't want the $5000 outdrive dragging on the pavement in case something fails.

...PLUS...if you elect to use the ram sleeves you will have another reason to ensure that the outdrive is in 'trailer' before driving off! And, using the sleeves permits you to ever so slightly lower the drive to relieve hydraulic pressure on the tilt system.

 

[retire2disney]

Re: Should I use a support under my outdrive while towing?

I would think it would be difficult to lower drive to release the pressure with out applying pressure to the sleeves without one of those handy tilt switches mounted near the transom?

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Should I use a support under my outdrive while towing?

I would think it would be difficult to lower drive to release the pressure with out applying pressure to the sleeves without one of those handy tilt switches mounted near the transom?

...as some of us have !!! Makes life kinda simple when you're alone and working on the drive.

 

[Silver Eagle]

Re: Should I use a support under my outdrive while towing?

I was thinking of using a large heavy duty inflatalbe bumper under mine Just lower the motor until it's snug. What do you think.?

 

[45Auto]

Re: Should I use a support under my outdrive while towing?

I think you're wasting your time, but no big deal if it makes you happy! Go for it.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Should I use a support under my outdrive while towing?

The best advice you can get is what's in your owner's manual. Some people do things differently and get away with it, and others end up paying big bucks to fix things cause they broke.

I didn't read the Volvo book, but Mercruiser recommends using a trim cylinder bracket when trailering on the highway with the outdrive up. Whether you need it or not, it only costs a coupleabucks, so why go without it?

It takes 20 seconds to install (or remove) and its easily done from the helm. No need to have a transom trim switch, but those are nice to have too.