Trailer bunk popped off during loading

[Billyddot]

Well, it didn't really pop off, I kinda forced it off while trying to drive my boat on my trailer in rough than usual water. So, a little (well actually a lot) of Gorilla tape held it back on enough to load the boat on the trailer and get it home. Knowing that a single bolt held that end of the bunk on the bracket I think that tape wrap appears to be a stronger hold, could have a new Gorilla tape commercial here . So I add another "DIY to-do" on my growing list, but before I tackle a bunk/carpet replacement I wanted to reach out to you all and see what kinda of tips and tricks you can provide so I can get this done the right way the first time. What's the best carpet, staple size/type, size/types of bolts, type of wood, etc... The trailer has 4 bunks, appears to be a couple 2x4's on the outer sides and a couple 2x6's in the center. Trailer holds a 19' Tahoe fish n ski bow rider. Thx all, I appreciate any feedback anyone can provide.

 

[briangcc]

When I did some work on my Four Winns trailer here's what I did...and how I would change it going forward....

Side Guides - mine had one each side, small 2x4's. I primed & painted them then carpetted them using standard indoor/outdoor carpet from Valu Homecenters - twas cheap. Used standard monel staples from Harbor Freight because I bought the electric staple gun from there. Used no frills hardware with lock nuts to reattach to the uprights. Hindsight being what it is and what I pulled off....doing the same job today I'd just skip the paint on the 2x4's as the originals were standard 2x4 which lasted around 8 years or so.

Bottom Bunks - I just stapled the new carpet over the original 2x4's as they were in good shape other than the carpet starting to wear through.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Did the bunk pop off because the wood rotted and couldn't hold the bolt, or did the bolt or bracket fail?

When I refurbed my '96 trailer, I reused the bunk boards, bought exterior carpet for the bunks, and used monel staples and stainless steel fasteners.

 

[Billyddot]

Looks like the wood rotted around the bolt enough that my little nudge popped it off, the bracket/trailer looks fine. The one 2x4 side bunk was the one that popped off but if I'm going to put a new board/carpet on I'm going to just do all the bunks since they're all about 10 yrs old.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Is the 'side bunk' a guide that helps center the boat on the trailer, or is it an actual bunk that the boat rests on?

I'd use either pressure treated lumber (same dimensions as what you currently have) or Western red cedar. You can either put the boat on stand (a bit of a pain, but not terrible) or put the boat in the water and swap bunks in the parking lot by the ramps. If you have everything ready (carpet on bunks, fasteners ready to go), it doesn't take long to change bunks.

 

[hugh g]

That's another reason why power loading is a bad idea.

 

[Billyddot]

yeah, wont be power loading anymore after these are replaced.