Will this trailer switch work? w. pics

[tri-hull guy]

ok i want to trade out my current trailer with the trihaul on in to the trailer with the runabout on it. will this work? the current trailer is 18 ft long and the new one was origanally for an 18 ft boat apparently.

 

[Harritwo]

Re: Will this trailer switch work? w. pics

Yes, if the length is sufficient, the axle and springs are in good shape and rated for the weight then you can proceed with the swap. I have done this a few times and the easiest and best way is to off load the boat from the "new" trailer, adjsut the bunks/replace if req'd, inspect the axle/springs before you put the boat on and verify that the axle/springs is rated for the weight.

 

[tri-hull guy]

Re: Will this trailer switch work? w. pics

thanks for the input . i think you may have got it backwards tho im switching from the bunk trailer to the roller trailer.is there an acceptable length the boat can be off the trailer at the back or is it just based on the weight distribution? I ask because this trailer is only about 17 ft long( even tho owner claims its for and 18 ft boat). I have a 16 ft boat i would like to put on but im worried about the tongue weight but if i can have the rear of the boat hang over a bit it may not be a problem

 

[tri-hull guy]

Re: Will this trailer switch work? w. pics

View attachment IMG151.pdfis this tonuge able to be shifted forward? it looks like if i drill a couple new bolt holes i could pull it out further.

 

[Harritwo]

Re: Will this trailer switch work? w. pics

From your picture, you can shift the bow stop forward. If there is sufficient length, you can shift the whole tongue forward, however i personnally do not want the back of my boat hanging off un-supported. As far as tongue weight, some trailers are manufactured where you can slide the axle forward or backwards to get the correct length. WHat is wrong with your existing trailer? Can you make the necessary repairs yourself or would you have to pay someone. I recently cut the rear cross member out of mine and made a new one and welded it back in. It took me all day saturday but was easy to accomplish once i off loaded my boat. I launched my boat and tied it up at a friends house who lives on a lake and had a dock. I went back with 1/4 wall instead of the 3/16 wall on the tube and pre-fabbed it myself prior to cutting out and welding in the new. Just another option.

 

[tri-hull guy]

Re: Will this trailer switch work? w. pics

i dont have access to the tools to fab something myself so i would have to pay for it. as for my current trailer it has my boat sitting up to high and also is a pain trying to load in any type of sallow water. also i suspect the trailer may be over weighted. i can get a good deal on this trailer boat and motor set up ( $500) . i figured the rollers and low profile of this trailer make it easier for loading and unloading.

 

[Harritwo]

Re: Will this trailer switch work? w. pics

If you look, you can find a different type axle that might be a cheaper alternative. THey make marine axles that are on top of the springs which lowers the ride height, also springs are cheap, you might be able to find a new set that will lower the ride. Last year, i priced springs, they were $25.00 ea and an axle (Galvanized with spindles) was $150.00 in Jacksonville, Fl. My boat weighs 3100 lbs with gear. As far as extending the tongue, when you drill the new holes, ensure that you have at least 1" past your hole to prevent tearing of the metal.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Will this trailer switch work? w. pics

View attachment 134709is this tonuge able to be shifted forward? it looks like if i drill a couple new bolt holes i could pull it out further.

If you need a longer tounge get yourself a longer tube for the front and rebolt it. I would move the winch stand forward first and see if you need to make the tounge longer. The tounge weight might not be that much more with the longer boat.