Rebunking

[sstone]

Rebunking a trailer for a 1990 Phantom, and its a bit different than newer trailers I've worked on. The bunks are bolted directly to mounting points welded to the frame at the correct angle and height. The bolts are carriage bolts that go through the wood, and then covered by carpet. It has 2 2x4 bunks 11' long inside of 2 2x6 bunks 6 feet long. The problem I have is that the mounting points, especially on the long bunks, are at a steeper angle towards the front and shallower in the back. Thus, to mount them correctly, the board would have to be twisted somewhat. Should I just use some clamps to hold the board flush to the mounting points while I drill the holes? And after carpeting, should I clamp them flush again to ensure complete tightening of the bunks to the trailer?

 

[Maclin]

Re: Rebunking

I had the same situation. I bolted them at the back, then worked my way up front using visegrip c clamp. At the front mount the board was still fighing me some and I could not get the clamp to hold the board flat. I tightened the bolts as best I could then when the boat was loaded back on I was able to tighten them the rest of the way. Be sure to knock the bolt heads down into the wood some first.

 

[Jlawsen]

Re: Rebunking

Be careful using the boat. I had a bolt hang on me and didn't notice it until I heard the fiberglass crack. I learned a tough lesson that day. After that I used a couple of deep c clamps to cinch them down first. If it's really a tough twist, you can hook a garden hose up to your water heater drain and soak them in hot water to ease bending them.

 

[sstone]

Re: Rebunking

I clamped the middle one and tightened it first, figured it'd give me a little bit on both ends to twist rather than a lot on one. Used a bar clamp with the twist, so got it really tight. hammered the bolts in before carpeting, and they drew up flush with the wood when I tightened the nuts. The 2x4's were easy, the 2x6's were a little harder but they had less twist. Also a nice little storm yesterday means the wood was a little wet when I bought it. Everything worked out well, thanks!