Rear cross bar is in bad shape.

[Sere81]

Here are some pictures. It's almost completely rusted out where it's welded to the frame on the right side. The center part (the lowest part) is severely rusted underneath to the point I think structural integrity is compromised. And lastly the left side bunk support has rusted out, with the right side not far off.

So what are my options other than buying a new trailer cause that can't happen for awhile.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Rear cross bar is in bad shape.

Cut it out and weld in a new one. If you had the tools and the skills it could be done in a couple hours for $20 worth of steel. Otherwise check with your local welding shop and get a quote.

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Rear cross bar is in bad shape.

Best I can think of fish plates and welding if there is enough metal left to weld to. You sure can't leave it that way. I'd be concerned that the rest of the trailer might be just as bad under the paint. Sorry man, I know what you mean about not being able to get a new trailer right away.

 

[Sere81]

Re: Rear cross bar is in bad shape.

It definitely has to be cut out. I thought about adding plates but don't think that will work. My worry is that after its cut out the frame will not be strong enough to weld back to in the original position where they meet on the right side.

Can the location of the crossbar be moved forward several inches to a part of the frame where it's stronger?

 

[bitterboater]

Re: Rear cross bar is in bad shape.

Don't weld to the original spot. Instead, as oldjeep was saying weld in a new one.
However, this new one needs to be at least a couple inches wider than the original.
As it needs to span the space of the original, as well as withstand power loading onto the trailer.
I would go no less than 3 inches on either side of the original space, preferably 4.
This will give you the strength that you need to support the weight of the boat.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Rear cross bar is in bad shape.

It definitely has to be cut out. I thought about adding plates but don't think that will work. My worry is that after its cut out the frame will not be strong enough to weld back to in the original position where they meet on the right side.

Can the location of the crossbar be moved forward several inches to a part of the frame where it's stronger?

It is hard to say, because if it is really rotted out on the side rail - there may be nothing solid enough to mount it to. The side rail may also need to be cut, sleeved and the back section replaced - which would be a temp measure at best if there is that much rot. Really someone who knows what they are looking for will need to see how far gone the rest of it is.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Rear cross bar is in bad shape.

I'd like to know or see more of the the trailer and whole set-up. Is this used in salt water? dunked?

My rear cross piece rusted out in the middle after 20 years; it even collapsed down with the boat on it but no harm done. It was a bolt-on piece so I just bought a new one. I mention this b/c maybe you (or a welding shop) can cut out and replace the whole cross piece.

Had another trailer (shared ownership) and the last 3' of the side frame rusted out and it bent down from 3' up the frame. We had it cut off and a new section welded on; got another couple years out of it. it's not unusual to see this with salt water trailers that don't get dunked all the way. The ones that do, don't last.

Whatever you do will be temporary--maybe up to a couple years. Keep an eye out for a used replacement, uncludnig one with a free boat on top of it.

What you do should also be decided based on the use of the trailer: long haul, bumpy road, heavy load, frequent use, busy traffic-all point toward a better fix or replacement. Consider the safety issue along these lines; our patched together trailer was a "dry slip" situation where the boat stayed at our own ramp on the trailer, and at most occassionally went a few miles on the country road to the shop. Not the same as the weekend warrior.