Lowe Trailer Advice - Extending Bunks

[DanChamberlain]

Guys and Gals,

New to the forum and mildly perplexed.

I have a Lowe trailer, about 4 years old that originally had a 1232 Jon boat with a 5 horse motor. Sold the boat and kept the trailer thinking that I could use it on a new 1442 jon. As set up, the bunks were under the transom of the 12 footer, but would be too short to support the transom of a 14 footer. The 5 horse motor will be all that's on the transom for weight. Will lengthening the bunks provide adequate transom support? The trailer is rated for 1500 pounds. With boat, motor and batteries, we're talking about 500 pounds max.

I could probably get an additional foot by adjusting the frame/tongue connection and moving the winch forward 6" but would still need another foot or so bunk length.

I'd appreciate any advice.

Dan

 

[lncoop]

Re: Lowe Trailer Advice - Extending Bunks

My only concern would be the constant up and down stress on the front of the boat due to the back not being properly supported. I tore a bow eye right out of one towing like that, but I was bouncing up and down the washboard roads in a WMA and had an 18 horse Merc on back that weighed about 12k lbs. I think if you can get the boat forward a foot or so and always take care to secure the back of the boat you should be okay.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Lowe Trailer Advice - Extending Bunks

Not too hard to lengthen the bunks.

If they sit on edge, you can drill them and bolt a few feet on.

If then lay flat, you can screw a 3/4" piece of plywood to the current bunks, and reinforce the plywood with 2x4 on edge from beneath.

 

[DanChamberlain]

Re: Lowe Trailer Advice - Extending Bunks

Appreciate the advice. I think lengthening the bunks will be the way to go. I may even reinforce them with some steel stock I have. As I understand it, as long as the bunks extend to support the transom, it should be good to go?

Dan

 

[lncoop]

Re: Lowe Trailer Advice - Extending Bunks

Yes sir.