Roller problems - replace?

[Animal223]

I bought my boat and trailer used last year from the original owner. I have a 1991 Regal Valanti 220XL 22' bowrider (dry weight 3700 lb) and a 1988 EZ-Loader T22 tandem axle roller trailer (32 rollers).<br /><br />My problem is this: although most of the rollers appear to be in OK shape (worn but not falling apart), loading and unloading the boat seems to be more difficult than folks on here make it out to be. To launch, I have to submerge the trailer very far (completely over fenders, almost to tongue jack, to where the boat can pretty much float off. Otherwise, try as I might, I cannot push the boat off. To retrieve, I back in just as deep, and winch it on. The last 4 feet or so are very hard to crank in - to the point I worry about pulling out the bow eye. It's almost as if the rollers are not rolling. I cannot back the trailer in deeper or I will be be submerging my truck's rear axle.<br /><br />With the boat launched, I inspeacted the rollers and they are not stuck (they turn with no load on them. But loaded I noticed that the weight seems to ride on the metal washers instead of the hub of the roller. Is that correct?<br /><br />I was going to replace all the rollers with the yellow poly ones - do you think that will help, and are there any special tools or information I should have before beginning that project?<br /><br />Thanks for any help you can offer!

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Roller problems - replace?

You're trying to move almost 2 tons of boat, there. If your rollers are difficult to turn, then it's going to be a tough job to load and unload. To me, that seems to be your problem. Old rollers, old axles, old stuff in general.<br /><br />It sounds like it's time to replace the rollers. If you do, inspect the axles they ride on. If they're crusty or rusty, you'll want to replace them, too.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Roller problems - replace?

Oh, yeah. If you are planning to replace these rollers at the launch ramp, be sure to take ALL the tools you'll need. You'll need a drift, just smaller than the axles, and you'll need a good sized hammer. I have a 3-lb sledge I'd take with me. Buy a good drift for this job. Those old axles are going to be tough to drive out, I'm guessing.<br /><br />Also, plan to do the job BEFORE you go out on the boat for the day. You aren't going to feel like it when you come back in. Could be a nasty job.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Roller problems - replace?

i don't know your particular trailer, as the ez ezloader make several styles. if you could extend your tongue it would help in loading, getting the wheels deeper. my sister has a 23' chriscraft deckboat, it has about 7 feet between hitch and bow stop, thus getting the boat deeper. we only have to winch about 1 foot.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Roller problems - replace?

It sounds like you have wobble rollers like mine.<br />Overtime they do get soft and as you said the boat just doesn't roll all that well.<br /><br />Changing them is actually a pretty easy job. Pop the hog ring off, slid the washer off the shaft, install the new roller and reinstall the washer and a new hog ring and your done. <br /><br />I used a pair of bolt cutters to save some time getting the “hog” rings off but you can easily do it with a large pair of pliers if need. The worst part of the project is getting the new hog rings back on. I’ve tried a couple different methods but have yet to find the perfect tool for the job.

 

[Animal223]

Re: Roller problems - replace?

Dingbat,<br />You're right, they are wobble rollers. I should have been more specific. Thanks for the input. I have ordered new ones and they should be here today or tomorrow. Anyone have any ideas where to get hog rings and washers for a good price? $1.00 to $1.50 each seems a little steep to me, but I haven'e come across anything better. Or can I just reuse the ones I take off?<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Roller problems - replace?

thaks a good price, they are specialty items.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Roller problems - replace?

That's a pretty good price for the rings but I'd look around and price 1" flat washers. Depending on the shaft size you could just use 1" flat washers. I have a Load –Rite and a 1” washer works just like it was made for it. You can usually get a pretty good price on the washers if you buy them by the box.

 

[CoveSeeker]

Re: Roller problems - replace?

You might check that your boat is sitting level on the trailer.<br />My 1996 boat weighs about 5,200 lbs and is on a roller trailer. I had to adjust the front sets of rollers because they weren't in the right place. I adjusted these front rollers up a couple of inches and out.<br />Before the adjustment i had trouble launching on a shallow ramp because the front of the boat after sliding down the bow stop would just settle down on the front rollers.<br />After adjustment of rollers i can now push up and back on the front of boat and it will slowly ease of the trailer even on a shallow ramp (our lake is down about 7 feet. I suspect the rollers are the originals on my 1996 yacht club trailer.<br />Paul

 

[Animal223]

Re: Roller problems - replace?

I just wanted to say thanks to all for the advice. I replaced the rollers last weekend, and things are much easier now.