HELP!...My Trailer is BENT!

FreeBeeTony

Captain
Joined
May 15, 2002
Messages
3,991
Yesterday while trailering my '78 20' Grady White Gulfstream on my '84 Loadrite tandem trailer, I heard a god awful sound, like the trailer broke in half! When I got out of the truck to see what happened, I noticed all the way in the rear on the right side the main tube went downward behind the axel. When I got home I removed the fender and jacked-up the end of the tube and it straightened out somewhat. The tube is pretty rotted. I was thinking of trying to put a smaller tube inside the original tube after I straighten it to prevent it from bending again when under load. I will try to post pics. I hope I can fix this, I just bought the boat & trailer and just finished rebuilding the engine! Now that the boat is running I can't trailer it! I don't trailer very far to drop it in the water, only 2 miles. I am hoping the fix I suggested will get me at least through this season. Any other ideas out there? http://www.geocities.com/ajv003/Trailer.html
 

SoulWinner

Commander
Joined
Apr 16, 2002
Messages
2,423
Re: HELP!...My Trailer is BENT!

That rotten tube is pretty bad. I would cut it out and weld in new steel, unless there is more rotten metal in the trailer, in that case I would replace the whole thing.<br />SoulWinner
 

Spidybot

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 4, 2002
Messages
1,734
Re: HELP!...My Trailer is BENT!

Don't want to spoil your good mood, BUT:<br /><br />I'd take no risk when driving around with my trailer. In the event of something accidental happening this could cost you a zillion bux + the boat + you + the family + the car.<br /><br />Add to this the case of harming any 3rd party... you'd be paying forever!<br /><br />Get yourself another trailer and rest assured.
 

lakeman1999

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 20, 2003
Messages
550
Re: HELP!...My Trailer is BENT!

Take your trailer to a good welding/fabricating shop, and tell him to fix all of the bad spots in it. :D :D :D :D :D
 

NOSLEEP

Commander
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
2,442
Re: HELP!...My Trailer is BENT!

If the rest of your trailer is in the same <br />condition. I would take UU's advice and look for<br />a new trailer.
 

wayne h

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 29, 2003
Messages
862
Re: HELP!...My Trailer is BENT!

i second that it looks like that trailer seen better days.if you look for a new trailer look for a c-channel trailer and not a closed box like you have,they rust from the inside out.c-channel you can wash off on all sides.and salt will not sit in the frame
 

FreeBeeTony

Captain
Joined
May 15, 2002
Messages
3,991
Re: HELP!...My Trailer is BENT!

After a closer inspection, I found that the rest of the trailer isn't in bad shape. For about $100 I can buy 2 lengths of aluminum box tubing and slide it inside the existing tubes and bolt through. I am going to give it a try, if it doesn't look solid I will replace the trailer....<br />I will post pics of the fix.......
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
70,986
Re: HELP!...My Trailer is BENT!

Aluminum tubing, in a Steel box, launching in Saltwater.......<br />Tony, Bite the Bullet,+ Replace that Wreck before you Kill somebody.....<br />The Dissimialer Metals, with Saltwater laying Between them will turn to Dust in No Time.....
 

FreeBeeTony

Captain
Joined
May 15, 2002
Messages
3,991
Re: HELP!...My Trailer is BENT!

Bondo, I thought the trailers were made out of aluminum? I planned on painting all surfaces prior to installation. I do not plan on this being a long term fix, just a temporary one.
 

mikecjn

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 8, 2003
Messages
238
Re: HELP!...My Trailer is BENT!

If it were aluminum it wouldn't be rusting like that. <br />I would look at replacing the trailer. If you have one side rusting thru you are bound to have problems elsewhere that are not too far behind.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: HELP!...My Trailer is BENT!

Hey, Tony.<br /><br />I just returned from my friendly neighborhood Bote Fixer and Used Botes and Trailers shop. He was selling my spare trailer on consignment.<br /><br />The customer had a zillion bux, 300hp bassrocket on a used trailer he bought for a few hundred bux down on the coast. New paint job. The trailer had broken the frame just behind the rear axle and dropped his monster engine foot on the pavement at 80 mph. Rusted out from the inside.<br /><br />I sold him my galvanized Shoreline for a lot less than a new prop and lower end for that big Merc will cost him.<br /><br />Think about it. :rolleyes:
 

Spidybot

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 4, 2002
Messages
1,734
Re: HELP!...My Trailer is BENT!

Yes, aluminum can be used. Just not ANY aluminum.<br /><br />The compounds differ as does the surface finish method.<br /><br />Before you start renovationg the old trailer take a close look on some of new ones at the dealers. Aluminum, stainless, galvanized, painted. Tubes, boxframes, C-frames, I-frames.<br /><br />Then decide what is best for your needs and also make up your mind if you'd try to copy or bite into it right away.<br /><br />Throwing good bux after the ol' rig and then buying a new afterwards ain't no good deal :(
 
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