Galvanized Steel Trailer Conversion from Rollers to Bunks

[Auger01]

Re: Galvanized Steel Trailer Conversion from Rollers to Bunks

Use option one but turn the brackets around so that they make more contact with the frame. These washers are great for keeping the brackets from slipping:

CE Smith Pyramid Washer for 7/16" Shaft - Zinc-Plated Steel - Qty 1 CE Smith Accessories and Parts CE10806

 

[jhendery]

Re: Galvanized Steel Trailer Conversion from Rollers to Bunks

Installed the brackets and bunks on the inside and outside positions of the crossmembers.

Bunks installed on inside crossmember



Bunks installed outside of crossmember



I think the outside position is best. Greater width = better support. The outside measurement for the bunks would have them resting closest to the port and starboard chines pictured below.

Port chine



Starboard chine



With the bunks installed on the outside I think the trailer beam ends would need to be cut back 6" or 8".

Suggestions?

 

[jhendery]

Re: Galvanized Steel Trailer Conversion from Rollers to Bunks

This trailer was originally used with an 18' or 20' glasser and the stern rollers prevented the boat from contacting the trailer beams. Now with bunks replacing the rollers the trailer beams appear to be too long.

Perhaps the beams should be cut near the horizontal cross members and re-position the tail lights?

 

[snowman48047]

Re: Galvanized Steel Trailer Conversion from Rollers to Bunks

You are over thinking things and need to do what is being suggested. Put the bunks inside. Turn the brackets around. You are going to bend them and they will lose strength and then fail.

 

[Grandad]

Re: Galvanized Steel Trailer Conversion from Rollers to Bunks

This trailer was originally used with an 18' or 20' glasser and the stern rollers prevented the boat from contacting the trailer beams. Now with bunks replacing the rollers the trailer beams appear to be too long.

Perhaps the beams should be cut near the horizontal cross members and re-position the tail lights?

If you cut the beams shorter, you'll also have to move the axle forward to maintain proper weight balance. - Grandad

 

[iflyboeing]

Re: Galvanized Steel Trailer Conversion from Rollers to Bunks

Not to throw a fly in the ointment, but you must not use pressure treated lumber for your bunks if your are going to have an aluminum boat on the trailer. The chemical "ACQ" that the lumber is treated with is highly corrosive to Aluminum. The best lumber to use is Cypress as it doesn't rot. Problem is that unless you live in the Gulf region, it's difficult to source.

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: Galvanized Steel Trailer Conversion from Rollers to Bunks

Looks like you are on the right track. Not too much involved in doing a bunk trailer for a small tinny. Be sure you have support under the transom after it's all said and done.

Also, after the bunk project, you should conider new wiring. The wire nuts in the pictures are the perfect formula for light not working.

 

[jhendery]

Re: Galvanized Steel Trailer Conversion from Rollers to Bunks

You are over thinking things and need to do what is being suggested. Put the bunks inside. Turn the brackets around. You are going to bend them and they will lose strength and then fail.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I will turn the brackets 180 and position them inside the trailer beams.

 

[jhendery]

Re: Galvanized Steel Trailer Conversion from Rollers to Bunks

Ok. Here is the trailer with LA boat.



Happy with the way the boat rests on the trailer. Bunks are good. Rollers and lined up. Stern most roller is missing keel by 1/8" I think with the ob installed that 1/8" will go away. Winch post and jack stand adjusted well.

Only real issue was removing front roller for height. Will need to have the roller bracket adjusted down. Maybe use a rubber pad?

 

[jhendery]

Re: Galvanized Steel Trailer Conversion from Rollers to Bunks

Interested to know what mounting hardware I should install on the trailer to tie-down the boat with the trailer?

I will connect a tie-down strap using the transom stern eyes to the trailer.

Suggestions?

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Galvanized Steel Trailer Conversion from Rollers to Bunks

just drill holes in the ends of the frame rails to hook your strap

 

[Grandad]

Re: Galvanized Steel Trailer Conversion from Rollers to Bunks

I think I'd start by moving the winch arm up such that the stop block sits just above the bow eye. I can't really tell by the picture, but hopefully you can run the winch strap through the arm below the stop. That's the most secure way to "stop" the boat. Next, you need an additional independent chain or strap with a hook attached to the bow eye to tie the boat down to the frame in case your winch slips or the strap breaks. Better yet, instead of connecting a second attachment to the bow eye, put a heavy strap over the bow that ties to the frame, just in case your bow eye breaks from the stem. On my boat, I used 2 galvanized chains with forged hooks and turn buckles connected to the transom eyes. - Grandad

 

[jhendery]

Re: Galvanized Steel Trailer Conversion from Rollers to Bunks

Thanks SOTW and GD.

GD - good idea to use the additional strap at the bow.

The stern eyes are located 1/3 of the way down the transom above the frame rails. And the frame rails do not extend beyond the stern.



Perhaps I should drill horizontal holes through the frame rails and use closed eye screws - something like this

 

[limitout]

Re: Galvanized Steel Trailer Conversion from Rollers to Bunks

looks good

I never had a regular eye ring open up on me or bend at all so just FYI

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Galvanized Steel Trailer Conversion from Rollers to Bunks

just drill the holes and hook the straps in em... the eye won't do anything for ya

If you wanna get fancy get a set of boat buckle retracting straps and mount em to the frame... you could always adjust the boat ahead an inch or two if needed.... too much tongue weight won't become an issue with that boat unless you are towing with a 10 speed

 

[jhendery]

Re: Galvanized Steel Trailer Conversion from Rollers to Bunks

Installed a closed eye hook on each trailer beam using existing roller holes. I have about 16" between stern eye and trailer eye to connect transom straps.

Adjusted the bunks on the trailer on now La Boat rests real solid.

I have a bow strap that I will connect also.

Just about it for the trailer. Just need to pack the starboard wheel bearing and should be good to go.