Roller trailer into bunk

[Ca2005rsx]

I bought a 23' magna that came with a karavan trailer. The trailer is in bad shape and i dont trust it at all. This being a roller trailer ive researched the price of parts needing replacment but after the total exceeded 1500$ i stoped. I plan on replacing both axles, hangers,spings, ect. with new ones. Would also like to change it over to a bunk trailer because i prefer it over a roller trailer. Im a welder by trade so my ideas tend to envole welding on how to convert the trailer. My idea is to weld 4 upright heavy gauge steel tubing to the top of the frame. Cap the tubes with a length of c channel from #1 upright tube to #4. This will provide a base to attach a carpeted 2x6. This support would be right under the gunells. Same thing to add bunks closer to the keel but atatched to the cross members. In my thought this should be more than strong enough to support the deep v hull. Oh yeah here are some pics, ive heard yall like them. Any thoughts or pointers will be more than welcome.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Roller trailer into bunk

I think a better plan would be to "weld" that trailer onto craigslist and sell it and buy a bunk trailer if that's what you prefer... Then find a couple things to weld on to it while you fix it up.... Generally roller trailers are pretty easy to sell and bunk trailers are easy to buy.... you might even make a profit while saving time and expense on the project

just my .02..... otherwise good luck w ur project

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Roller trailer into bunk

your trailer is the perfect one for the "after" picture on what happens when you dunk trailers in salt water and neglect them. My 23 year old roller trailer has almost no rust, 100% salt water use, only dunked 3 times. However, the rear piece, which does go under, rusted out after 20 years. With rollers and a power winch, you can avoid or at least minimize, and a hose at the ramp does the rest.
I mention this mainly b/c you said you are a welder and you mentioned steel. If you are using the boat in salt water, beware.

PS that frame is probably rusted out from the inside, as my cross piece did. dump that trailer. and when you replace it, don't sell roller trailers short.

 

[jacoboregon]

Re: Roller trailer into bunk

I agree with the above posts. Get rid of that trailer and buy another one. Keep your eyes peeled on craigslist. Sometimes they come with free boats attached!

 

[Ca2005rsx]

Re: Roller trailer into bunk

I agree the easy route would be to sell this one and just buy a trailer i like. Ive hunted craigslist and been to several boat yards. But every used trailer i find needs to be repaired. Some more exstensive than the one currently under the boat. I mention steel because i have a yard full of it and the cost to have steel hot diped zinc coat is fairly cheap around here. My plan is to remove all cross members and all hardware. Leaving only non rusted tongue, side rails, and new axles and suspension. After fabrication of new crossmembers and bunk supports send it off for a zinc dip. i guess this will just be a show and tell project. Right now i need to figure out how to get the boat off the trailer and stored in the back yard till im finished. I have access to a tractor. Thinking i can build a wooden support under transom and lift the bow with the tractor.

 

[jeffkrieger]

Re: Roller trailer into bunk

hi, if you go thru with conversion i would be intetresred in old rollers.
thanks mrbonesjk@aol.com

 

[sutor623]

Re: Roller trailer into bunk

Ca, I like to fix things instead of replace them as well. Up until a point. I just wonder though, if you added up your cost of supplies and your labor, would it cost more than you could sell the trailer for? One of the ways that I lose $ fixing things is that I sell myself short in the labor area. I have fixed things, and when they are all done it would have costed me less to dump the object and buy a new"er" one. Just a question.....