Tilt trailers

[nitsuj]

I noticed last night that the (1971) Snowco trailer my Glastron is on is a tilt trailer. I've launched the boat a bunch of times, but I've never used the tilt feature. I've also never seen anyone else at the launch use a tilt trailer. Is this a useless feature added back in the day to add a few bucks to the trailer price? Is it a can't live without it feature that once I try it will make me wonder how I go along without it? And if I'm to begin using it, how is the loading and unloading technique different? The trailer has keel rollers (that probably need replaced) and boards on each side to support it.

 

[mathiasmorgan]

Re: Tilt trailers

I'll take a shot at this.. but maybe someone else has additional info or can confirm or deny what I'm saying. <br /><br />I'm assuming you are refering to the pin (sometimes spring loaded) that you can pull to allow the back end of the trailer to tilt back.<br />I have had that same feature on several trailers (including my current one) and have never used it. As I understand it, it is there for odd launch ramp angles. I have heard its use described too different ways: <br />1. For ramps that are very steep at the top, you release it if the trailer hits the peak of the ramp. If this is true, I'd launch somewhere else! sounds dangerous.<br />2. For very flat ramps so you can release it and slide the boat into the water without having to back your vehicle in too far. <br /><br />In either case, in all my years of launching boats, I've never used this feature. <br />George

 

[Larry Carnahan]

Re: Tilt trailers

I've had two trailers with the tilt feature and I used it every time. One was a bunk trailer and one was a roller trailer. I fish exclusively in salt water and used the tilt to launch and retrieve while keeping the hubs high and dry. The trailer I have now is a Load Rite with the roller assemblies having enough tilt to them that I can still launch and retrieve with dry hubs.

 

[mathiasmorgan]

Re: Tilt trailers

Keep the hubs dry? Hmmm that wouldn't work on my boat, the outdrive would probably hit... guess it would depend on the boat you have and the angle of the ramp...

 

[nitsuj]

Re: Tilt trailers

Yeah, I was just going to say that. Some ramps must be much dfferent than the ones around here. If I tried to tilt my boat, the motor would be on the ground before I could launch it.

 

[Lark40]

Re: Tilt trailers

My dad was a boat dealer back in the 50's and 60's. We sold Holdsclaw trailers that all had the tilt feature.<br /><br />Used it on every launch and load. Could not imagine not using it. <br /><br />Now, with the passage of time and those trailers, I can't recall all the reasons why. Think it avoided submerging the trailer.<br /><br />Oh yeah, the launch ramps were typically gravel pits with deep slopes. The tilt allowed us to hook the boat at the water's edge and winch it easily up onto the tilt part and then down and forward to the winch stand.