Trailering a trailer?

[hostage]

A friend bought a PWC w/ trailer in questionable condition. We are thinking of renting a haul flatbed and putting the pwc on it. What is the best way to secure the trailer to prevent it from rolling around on the bed?

 

[erie_guy]

Hi Hostage,

I would personally take it to a local trailer repair shop and get it surveyed for roadability. Structural integrity should be checked by the experts. It may only need the bearings serviced or replaced. Rust on the frame is often only surface rust and can be sanded/sand blasted before repainting. If tires are old and sun cracked, a set of new rims and tires should also be on the replacement list. I would also NOT tow at highway speeds on the way home, at least not until the tires are checked as in A1 condition.

erie_guy
Port Clinton, OH

 

[jbetzelb]

If your trailer cant be fixed for a reasonable price you might look for another one. Single PWC trailers arent a massive investment. Renting has to be $50 or $60 bucks a shot. $200 or $300 would likely get you a OK PWC trailer.

 

[naturelover]

I've done this with a jon boat and trailer. We didn't know the condition of the trailer when buying it, so took a larger trailer to haul it on just in case.

Just strapped down the axle and the tongue to my trailer, along with strapping down the boat to its trailer and pulled it home. No problems, other than it looked funny.

But yea, if it costs that much to rent, may be best to put that towards another trailer.

 

[smokeonthewater]

There are several ways to go about it...
When I used to transport boats for a living, I would often drop the tongue all the way down and then attach 2 straps near where the front of the bunks attach. Route them out and forward on the flat bed. Then attach two more in the back the same way except out and rearward.

Use GOOD straps, not the el cheapo 4 pack from the box store... IE you get what you pay for w straps.

Make sure the ski is strapped to the trailer too... 1 point in front and 2 points in the rear...

Be aware when you unstrap it at home that it may suddenly roll if not level.

Good luck


There are cool tricks for strapping around the tires and immobilizing them but I can't explain it here well enough to ensure success.... One of those things I'd have to show ya.

 

[oldjeep]

A friend bought a PWC w/ trailer in questionable condition. We are thinking of renting a haul flatbed and putting the pwc on it. What is the best way to secure the trailer to prevent it from rolling around on the bed?

If it is just a single, can you just put it in the bed of your pickup backwards? Small PWC on a trailer doesn't weigh any more than the sleds I put back there.