Do I need a longer trailer?

[Valley Boater]

I have a 16' aluminum boat weighing approximately 1000 lbs loaded with gear and electric trolling motors & batteries. I have it riding on a 1500 lb. capacity trailer that is just a few inches longer than the boat. The boat stern is extended about 24" beyond the rear of the trailer & wooden bunks. The largest motor that I will ever carry on the boat is a 9.9 hp outboard and I may carry that is the back of my truck as most of my fishing is in "electric only" waters with occasional use in "max 10 hp" lakes. The "loaded" tongue weight is approximately 100 pounds. Most of my trips are less than 40 miles one-way. The trailer pulls fine behind my Tundra. I'm thinking of moving the bunks back to where the rear edge of the bunk is even with the stern. Should this be sufficient or should I be looking for a longer trailer? Photos below.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Do I need a longer trailer?

one of two things... either move the boat forward on the trailer or yeah get a longer trailer

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Do I need a longer trailer?

with no motor, it shouldn't be necessary to do anything. but just in case, run the bunks back a foot to split the 24"; they don't have to go all the way back.

The balance of your trailer is more important, so your adjustments may affect that; maybe not.

The only thing that would worry me--and not much--is the ends of the bunks pushing into the bottom of the hull. This would not be a problem if your weight is primarily on the keel rollers (where it should be for that hull) so work in that direction. A 40 mile trip is nothing; are you on rough or smooth roads?

Bunks laid flat side up spread the load and are easier on bottoms, too. Not that I'd change them.

Now if you hung a 50 back there and drove off road or Jersey Turnpike then maybe some rear support would be good.

 

[colbyt]

Re: Do I need a longer trailer?

I don't have the information right at hand just now but I can put my hands on it later. I just extended new bunks 18" beyond the rearmost cross member of the my trailer. This moved the boat back a total of about 10" in relation to the axle. This reduced the tongue weight.

In your case I don't think tongue weight would be affected much since the boat is already back there. You would be offering more support to the boat and transom.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Do I need a longer trailer?

one of two things... either move the boat forward on the trailer or yeah get a longer trailer

Ayuh,... Or atleast move the axle back to the tail lights,...

That trailer axle is Way to far forward for the hull....

It looks like the Titanic on a Jetski wagon....

 

[JB]

Re: Do I need a longer trailer?

Extend the tongue enough so your transom is supported when the winch stand is moved up, then move the axle cradle forward enough to get about 10% of the total weight on the tongue. Problem solved.

 

[Don Hansen]

Re: Do I need a longer trailer?

Could you tell me the name of your trailer. It's the twin of mine right down to the design of the carriage for the axle and the fenders. The same bolts that hold the carriage hold the fenders, right. I bought mine forty year ago and it was painted, not galvanized, with no tag. Been a good trailer. Absolutely no fish tailing.

Like you the trailer was too short when I went from a 14 to a 16 foot boat. So I had the tongue lengthened by 18 inches so I could move the boat forward. Nice to have a brother-in-law who welds for a living.

DLH

 

[Valley Boater]

Re: Do I need a longer trailer?

Could you tell me the name of your trailer. It's the twin of mine right down to the design of the carriage for the axle and the fenders. The same bolts that hold the carriage hold the fenders, right. I bought mine forty year ago and it was painted, not galvanized, with no tag. Been a good trailer. Absolutely no fish tailing.

Like you the trailer was too short when I went from a 14 to a 16 foot boat. So I had the tongue lengthened by 18 inches so I could move the boat forward. Nice to have a brother-in-law who welds for a living.

DLH

The trailer in the photo is (according to title) a 1973 Road Runner trailer which makes mine 40 years old. Good eye! The trailer came with a junker fiberglass 16' hull on board and I junked the boat and thought my 16' would also fit but my boat is too long. I believe the former boat title said it was 16' but it was actually 15'. Probably will purchase a longer trailer when I see a good prospect but may consider getting the tongue extended. Thanks for all the feedback!

 

[Don Hansen]

Re: Do I need a longer trailer?

Thanks on the name. I actually bought my trailer used in 73.

I know I said it's been a good trailer and, I still say it is, but I'll tell about the problems I've had just in case you decide to keep it. I hit a deep chuck hole years ago that bent the axle. The place that made the new axle said the old one was maybe a 1200 lb axle. I had them build me a stronger axle not because of what the trailer carries but so it would be harder to bend. Another problem was the cross members where they are attached to the side rails. The metal next to the welds started to crack so I had the joints reinforced with gussets. If that sounds like a lot of problems, you have to remember I pull that trailer over 1500 miles a year over some pretty rough roads.

DLH

 

[airshot]

Re: Do I need a longer trailer?

Having owned many aluminium boats over the years, all the manufacturers I have owned have said to maintain warranty requirements the trailer must extend to or slightly past the transom of the boat. In otherwords you need some bunk support all the way back to support that transom.

Airshot

 

[Valley Boater]

Re: Do I need a longer trailer?

Thanks for all comments. Today I ordered a 2012 model 20' aluminum/galvanized tongue trailer with 4 bunks and 13" tires. I will now have plenty of room and have the transom over the ream cross member. The wheels will now be off to the side so the boat will ride much lower. I'll post an "after" photo after I get the boat transferred this weekend.

 

[Valley Boater]

Re: Do I need a longer trailer?

Finally got some photos of my new trailer - a 2012 EZ Loader aluminum trailer (Craigs List Special) that ended up costing me only about $500 for the upgrade after selling my smaller 40 year old Road Runner trailer. The overall length is about a foot longer than I need but with no heavy outboard on the stern the weight distribution is actually better. The trailer has disc brakes and a swing tongue that actually reduces the overall length in the driveway. It pulls like nothing is behind and launching and loading is so much easier since the boat is probably 8" lower with the wheels are now outside the boat, not underneath. Here's the "after" photos"