Trade trailers or rollers for bunks

FishStretcher · #1 08-13-2011, 08:04 PM

The 20' hull gives me fits trying to get it lined up on my trailer with rollers. Want to trade rollers for bunks or trade trailers. I have a galvanized dual axle with new (in April) surge brakes and new rollers. Only seen salt once, ad has been dipped in the fresh water river after that.

Fr. Frank · #2 08-13-2011, 10:28 PM

Are you driving on, or winching?

FishStretcher · #3 08-14-2011, 10:08 PM

generally, tie up at ramp, run for the pickup/trailer, back down a steep ramp and pull the boat on with the painter. The ramp is too steep to (hand) winch on, I think.

I have a problem with getting it centered on the rollers. Any suggestions?

Bushwacker · #4 08-14-2011, 11:41 PM

Most roller trailers work fine if you don't dunk 'em too deep and use a winch. I just barely get the tires wet with my EZ-Loader and I never dunk the axle or springs, which is why it's lasted 25+ years in salt water. Have you considered using a power winch? It greatly simplifies loading if you're by your self. You can also add a pulley to the snap hook and then run cable thru pulley and back to winch stand to double the pulling power of the winch if necessary.

fdheld34 · #5 08-15-2011, 08:56 AM

I agree with Denny (Bushwacker)...I have a roller trailer as well...works good for me because I do not have to back in so far on the steep ramp near my house...makes a difference due to the fact that I now use a Kia Sedona minivan for towing my 20 GW Overnighter..I can pull it out of ramp with ease because I do not have to dunk the trailer..also used a roller trailer on my 20' Seacraft as well with optimum results...I currently have a 2 speed winch which is ok for now...Also the tides really do not affect the roller trailer usage..
Denny has some good pics of proper utilization of a roller trailer that he posted on here..that might change your mind about a swap...I cant find them though
-Fred

Bushwacker · #6 08-16-2011, 01:07 AM

Quote:

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Denny has some good pics of proper utilization of a roller trailer that he posted on here..that might change your mind about a swap...I cant find them though
-Fred

I've used the same trailer for over 26 years and have gradually refined and improved it's adjustment and usage. I normally load and unload all by myself, no other help required. Here's a slide show of the results at local village ramp I normally use.

One note of caution: When using a trailer of this type, ALWAYS put a chock behind all 4 wheels when loading! (OK to only chock rear wheels when unloading unless it's a really steep ramp.) Reason is that it's not a tilt trailer, and there is a point during loading that ALL the weight of the boat is on the rear X-member, which will lift the rear tires up onto the chocks! They will SLIDE if front tires are not also chocked! (Ask me how I know this!

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