New trailer for my BW 17'

[JB]

Re: New trailer for my BW 17'

Congratulations, Sockeyerun. May you have many happy hours towing, launching and loading with your new trailer. And may she last years beyond the late one,<br /><br />Red sky at night.<br />JB

 

[JB]

Re: New trailer for my BW 17'

Well, I blew that one. That trailer/tire package is just too light for Sunshine III. We calculated that we have 1925 lb GVW when loaded. The chassis is rated for 1950# and the tires (2) for 950# each. Just returned from LOTW (3000 mi. round trip). Replaced 2 brand new steel radial tires which disintegrated en route. NOT CONVENIENT!!!<br /><br />Need 2500#(min)capacity, galvanized, EZ loading/launching high quality trailer to fit a 16"7" Boston Whaler Montauk.<br /><br />JB

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: New trailer for my BW 17'

J.B. -- Okay, I could be wrong and start a small tidal wave of messages with this but it is just an idea.<br /><br />Change axles. Check the www.Notherntool.com and look at the axle kits they sell. You can get them w/ or w/o electric brakes too. I have found them to be a great source for parts and their service is very good. If you are not "flexing" your trailer frame during the normal towing then, your axle could stand the upgrade. If you went w/an electric brake option it could save on wear and tear on your SUV too.<br /><br />Now about your "radial" tires....radials are NOT trailer tires I am glad no one but your wallet was hurt when they failed. Northern tool has complete wheels and tires too. You might consider calling them and you will get their full catalog.<br /><br />Best of luck.. I agree with you...Red Sky at night

but Red Sky at Dawn just makes the day interesting!!!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: New trailer for my BW 17'

DEAR JB I AM SORRY!!!!<br /><br />After considering and lots-o-thinking I have reconsidered my last post reference your trailer problem.<br /><br />First- When you stated the radial tires "disintegrated en route" and I made a comment about not using radials I was out of line. Actually the fact is based on this whole trailer event I bet any tire would have done the same thing. When your trailer was "attacked" by unknown forces you stated that you had pursuaded it back into shape. You used chains and jacks. Well, now that I fully engaged my brain.....your axle is probably out of line. That whacking the trailer took changed the geometry. That slight change changed the tracking and alignment. When the tires failed (or just look at the current ones) was there unusual wear ever so slightly on one side?<br /><br />I regret to say that adding a heavy axle may be the solution to the capacity problem however, now it may be an alignment problem.<br /><br />Teach a man to fish and he will never go hungry

 

[JB]

Re: New trailer for my BW 17'

Thanks for the input, Bob. I replaced the axle, hubs and bearings when I straightened the frame and confirmed tracking and alignment at that time. I have considered going to 6 ply-rated tires, but I would still have a trailer rated for 1950# carrying close to 1900#. Any dip or bump in the highway momentarily raises effective load to well over capacity.<br /><br />I still have the problem of trailer sales people who know little about their products and wont tell what they know. They seem to take as much interest as the guys who select paper bags for your groceries.<br /><br />Does anyone have any suggestions for that?<br /><br />Red Sky. . . . <br />JB

 

[markdraper]

Re: New trailer for my BW 17'

I'm wondering if an auto body shop couldn't straighten out the frame of your old trailer. They all have frame straightening equipment. Wouldn't be surprised if they couldn't fix it for a few hundred bucks

 

[JB]

Re: New trailer for my BW 17'

Thanks for your interest, Mark. The frame is as straight as it was new. The trailer is as good as new. The problem is that it is too light for the load I am putting on it.<br /><br />Red sky at night.<br />JB

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: New trailer for my BW 17'

Trailer stuff<br /><br /><br />I've broken many a springs. Seems the trailer(s) are of vintage type(s) and nearly at limit. Usually go into town and visit the commercial spring shop or one of the trailer places that doesn't mark up parts 250% over what I see them at http://www.northerntool.com <br /><br />When changing out a leaf spring It's usually best to grab a couple of them and change both out now because the other will brek very soon if you don't. Been there with the one that broke and the tire is smokin to holy heaven. Of course it happens where there is virtually no shoulder on the road and I got everything loaded up for a day at the lake. Oh well, trailer supply, and a crescent wrench and only an hour and a half delay.<br /><br />I've had the trailer run over in the parking lot before. It seems that you park the truck/trailer and hit the river. While you are gone some guy has his wife park his, or he just is a dummy and cuts the corner short trying to squeeze into the spot next to you. Runs his trailer over the top of mine ruining the fender and tailight. He did leave one of his marker lamps with bracket so I spent every time at the river checking out all three ramp sites for his trailer that was missing that torn off lamp. Never did find him.

 

[markdraper]

Re: New trailer for my BW 17'

I need a trailer for a 19' Glassmaster trihull. Does a tri hull take some kind of special trailer? A dealer will sell me something (Venture 3100) for $1600. That is more than the boat cost. I'm in the Maryland area. Anyone got any suggestions?

 

[JB]

Re: New trailer for my BW 17'

That seems a reasonable price for a NEW 19' trailer.<br /><br />Red Sky. . . . . <br />JB

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: New trailer for my BW 17'

J.B. What's the trailer status? Have you hit your wallet yet (?) and purchased a "new" one? We all seem willing to spend YOUR money.

 

[JB]

Re: New trailer for my BW 17'

Hey, Bob. I'm spending money alright, I just haven't bought a new trailer yet. I'm sure this whole epipsode is going to end up on the "Dumb human tricks" thread.<br />I bought LRC tires for my current trailer so that I can make it to local lakes without serious anxiety attacks. I also discovered that it has slip spring hangers that are worn out and need replacement. The new axle I installed is as advertized: 58" between spring centers. The trailer, however, has 57 1/2" between spring centers placing a small twist in the springs, popping off a hanger and hanging a spring end half off the track. Spent yesterday filing and fitting to get the axle to fit correctly and making and installing a temporary hanger. 103 degrees at 2:00 PM. I lost 7 pounds.<br /><br />Meanwhile I am still looking for a dealer with some enthusiasm for selling me a new trailer of my liking, at a price to my liking, and willing to give me something for the one I have now. If all of the engineers who used to work for Yugo went to Bayliner, all of their salespersons now sell boat trailers.<br /><br />Suggestions?? Anyone??<br /><br />Red sky at night. . . . <br />JB

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: New trailer for my BW 17'

Kudo's on loosing the weight, but I imagine there are better methods. Yes I agree and had the same problem when I rebuilt my axle. I just purchased the axle stubs and made the axle from a piece of 2 x 2 x 1/4 wall square stock. Then again I have access to a welder and the axle is very strong. This gave me the ability to drill the spring mount pilot holes at the proper position (which was an odd size). I had also re-enforced the spring hangers at the same time. Mt next scheduled (not including those lovely unscheduled items) change will be to a taller tire. <br />I recall that you mentioned that you had been a teacher....well all those nice kids have grown up and some might have landed a sales job. I agree after dealing with some sales people I often wonder who picks them up after work. I pray they do not attempt to drive. As for the Yugo engineer's they did a fine job designing disposable items, just be thankful that they have sought new careers....FBI Accountability Specialists, Bayliner designer's and Force Ultra High performance mechanics.<br /><br />This is just an afterthought...when I was stationed in Missouri (okay Missoura) there were five major boat manufacturers in the area. I would attempt the telephone and contact a major baot company corporate office and seek out advice on a trailer dealer.<br /><br />Retired, but still working and boating

<br />Bob

 

[JB]

Re: New trailer for my BW 17'

Thanks, Bob. I needed that.<br /><br />Red sky. . . .<br />JB