More Trailer Damage

[dorelse]

I found a broken cross member now too!

Glad I didn't damage the boat!

So... fix or replace the trailer?

[OleRed]

Doran,  the boat is Not suposed to be resting on those center rollers, they are there to protect the bow of the hull during loading, the center of those cross members are the weakest link in the trailer.
When I got the new scimitar, the trailer was not road worthy, because the boat was riding on those rollers, the cross members were broken from the main frame, Roger had the trailer repaired at a boat shop before I brought it home from Colorado, since then I have raised the bunks 3/4 inch to where the boat is surely riding on the bunks.

[dorelse]

Doran,  the boat is Not suposed to be resting on those center rollers, they are there to protect the bow of the hull during loading, the center of those cross members are the weakest link in the trailer.
When I got the new scimitar, the trailer was not road worthy, because the boat was riding on those rollers, the cross members were broken from the main frame, Roger had the trailer repaired at a boat shop before I brought it home from Colorado, since then I have raised the bunks 3/4 inch to where the boat is surely riding on the bunks.

The boat normally does not rest on the center rollers...with the broken cross member its now down on the rollers...and explains the broken front one. 

[V153]

Ehh, just bolt a couple pieces of aluminum on there'n you'll be good to go ...

Ya it looks bad I reckon, but it don't look catastrophic. I'm thinkin mebbe a couple hunnert bucks at your friendly local welding shop?

[fireman24mn]

looks like it was welded before? if you fix it just clean it up good and add a plate for reinforcement.

[dorelse]

looks like it was welded before? if you fix it just clean it up good and add a plate for reinforcement.

Yeah, that's actually how its build...cut c-channel and welded together.  Should have been reinforced when it was built...or boxed out at the joints...

[WetRaider]

How thick is that steel, Doran? 
I left my big welder in Texas when we moved up here.  The one I've got now will do 3/16 ok - not sure it's got the heat to get through full 1/4", though.  If you need it, let me know.  Courtney will be going to Des Moines on Friday, she can take it with her.

[fireman24mn]

one way to weld thicker steel with a small welder is to preheat it with a torch. That way you can get better weld penetration.

[dorelse]

Only problem...I don't weld.

I'll get the boat off the trailer and find a guy who can weld. 

I *should* just buy that CVZ-18 parts boat sitting on a nice trailer in IL...

[Tmstibbe]

Call Eagle Trailer Company (and order a custom built bunk trailer to fit your boat).  It will come with surge disc brakes, stopping both the trailer and your truck.   They will make it any color you want, LED lights, 5 wire flat connector.   That is what I did last year!    Eagle Trailer, 515-332-1802, Josh Harklow VP, Humboldt, Iowa, www.eagletrailer.com  .     Josh will tell you that you have to actually order it thru a local boat store, but he will help you with trailer model and options selection.  Make sure you add the retractable tie downs for $20.  For me, it worth the money to protect the boat hull and get great brakes.  Don't take a chance of a catastrophic trailer failure while towing down a highway, it could give you a bad day, and maybe to an oncoming vehicle.  Aftewards, sell your old trailer.   Tom S.

[Bayflite73]

Fix or not? How does the other side look? Is there stress or the beginnings of a break on that side? If so maybe it is time for a new trailer. Or a real good inspection when the boat is off! You'd hate to lay down the money to fix the obvious breaks then have the other side go out in a week/month/year!

[kert0307]

I've got a welder that can handle that at home PM me if you want to try and work something out. If you want to reinforce it a little I've got some scrap laying around also.

[dorelse]

I've got a welder that can handle that at home PM me if you want to try and work something out. If you want to reinforce it a little I've got some scrap laying around also.

PM Sent.

[dorelse]

Well... working on freeing up the trailer today.

[dorelse]

Call Eagle Trailer Company (and order a custom built bunk trailer to fit your boat).  It will come with surge disc brakes, stopping both the trailer and your truck.   They will make it any color you want, LED lights, 5 wire flat connector.   That is what I did last year!    Eagle Trailer, 515-332-1802, Josh Harklow VP, Humboldt, Iowa, www.eagletrailer.com  .     Josh will tell you that you have to actually order it thru a local boat store, but he will help you with trailer model and options selection.  Make sure you add the retractable tie downs for $20.  For me, it worth the money to protect the boat hull and get great brakes.  Don't take a chance of a catastrophic trailer failure while towing down a highway, it could give you a bad day, and maybe to an oncoming vehicle.  Aftewards, sell your old trailer.   Tom S.

Tom - I missed your reply.  I'd love a new trailer, but I'm torn & would like to keep the original boat trailer with the boat...sort of an original matched pair.  The boat tows really well with this one and sits low to the road allowing me use of my rear view mirror.

I'm hopeful that getting the welds reinforced, and I'll get it painted as well, will keep it going.

[dorelse]

Well... its off.   Don't think I'll ever do this again... nerve wracking!

[Jason]

Should be easy to work on it now! i've been there before Doran and know how scary it is.

[dorelse]

yeah... a little earlier than planned for this project.

Going to paint the trailer,  new bunks,  etc.   I took pictures of the stickers so new ones will be made up as well.  Not 100% sure what the red ones say?

[Burnin Daylight]

The red ones were put on for the bearing buddies. 

[dorelse]

The red ones were put on for the bearing buddies. 

Thanks Barb!