Tips for converting an old roller trailer to bunks?

[gunner1]

Probably going to convert my crappy roller trailer to bunks this spring before the srping striped bass run starts and was hoping for some tips/advice. Can it be done for not much over $100? Here's the link to photos I posted previously of the trailer: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=225715

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Tips for converting an old roller trailer to bunks?

some where in that price range. if you look at the pictures of my trailer in the other thread, that trailer was a roller trailer. the back bracket was bolted to the existing bracket of the trailer. for that boat i would use flat bunks, as i did on mine.

 

[gunner1]

Re: Tips for converting an old roller trailer to bunks?

some where in that price range. if you look at the pictures of my trailer in the other thread, that trailer was a roller trailer. the back bracket was bolted to the existing bracket of the trailer. for that boat i would use flat bunks, as i did on mine.

Should I get new brackets as well? Would you recommend the six foot bunks? Can the transfer be made with the boat still on the trailer if I do it one side at a time?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Tips for converting an old roller trailer to bunks?

i like to just slide my boats off in the yard, if they are not too, big. it is much easier and faster. new brackets, yes.


1/you can lower the tongue to the ground. i would get some 6x6 or old railroad crossties cut the +- 12 inches, now block up the transom.

2/ Raise the tongue of the trailer the back of trailer will drop away from trailer. this is the tricky part. between the cross braces of the trailer block the keel lower trailer, boat will be suspended on the blocks.

(you can now work on trailer or boat, or continue to remove trailer completely.)

3/ pull forward, lift bow again, and reblock i a different place. repeat until trailer is out from under the boat.

4/ to reload, just reverse the procedure.

if you were just working on the bunks, or painting the bottom. you could just do the first 2 steps.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Tips for converting an old roller trailer to bunks?

i have a good discount marine store here, these are the type i used.

http://www.iboats.com/Adjustable_Bo...d.238464--list_time.1202437587--view_id.40421

 

[gunner1]

Re: Tips for converting an old roller trailer to bunks?

i have a good discount marine store here, these are the type i used.

http://www.iboats.com/Adjustable_Bo...d.238464--list_time.1202437587--view_id.40421

Do you know where I can get any pre-made ( boards and brackets ) so all I have to do is bolt them on? If not, what type of fasteners do I use to attach the brackets to the trailer itself?

 

[DJ]

Re: Tips for converting an old roller trailer to bunks?

There are several on line trailer parts stores. Just do a Google search for "Trailer Parts".

The bunks will cost more in shipping than they are worth. All you need is "2X4"s and indoor/outdoor carpeting.

The brackets that hold the bunks to the brackets are just flanges. They're relatively cheap.

I believe you have an aluminum boat. Keep the keel rollers in place.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Tips for converting an old roller trailer to bunks?

i use 2, 1/2 inch galvanized bolts. for each bracket. you can also check here. good people "http://www.championtrailers.com/" i have order many parts from them.

 

[gunner1]

Re: Tips for converting an old roller trailer to bunks?

I guess my biggest concern is that I don't really know how to mount/assemble anything. If someone could provide some detailed close-up pics, it would really help.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Tips for converting an old roller trailer to bunks?

took these just for you.

keel roller and front bracket

rear bracket, use to hold rollers

middle bracket

front bracket

these are all on one bunk about 7 feet long. you have to make the lumber work with your mounting places.

 

[gunner1]

Re: Tips for converting an old roller trailer to bunks?

Wow, those are really great pics! That realy helps clear some questions up. What length bunks would you recommend for my 16' aluminum boat?

 

[DJ]

Re: Tips for converting an old roller trailer to bunks?

Wow, those are really great pics! That realy helps clear some questions up. What length bunks would you recommend for my 16' aluminum boat?

That all depends. Just remember that the bunks should stick out, past the end of the boat, at least 2".

Six to eight footers should suffice, depending on your trailer cross bracing.

 

[gunner1]

Re: Tips for converting an old roller trailer to bunks?

Should I use 1/2" or 7/16" square ubolts for attaching the brackets to the trailer frame?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Tips for converting an old roller trailer to bunks?

i have always used 1/2 inch galvanized, with lock washer. as DJ said, extra length, i did this so i could swap trailers when needed.

 

[cc67]

Re: Tips for converting an old roller trailer to bunks?

Looks like you got a porch swing in that boat

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Tips for converting an old roller trailer to bunks?

sure did, was not practical, but was really cute, and got a lot of good comments. kept the boat to stern heavy, so i just finished this today.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=235247