???'s for Spartan roller trailer owners

[bonz_d]

Just picked up a used Spartan Sportsman Roller trailer and need advice about replacement wobble rollers. Right now it has the original black rollers on it and they seem to be very lose on the axles. It is like the axle holes are worn out or is this normal for these rollers? From looking online it seems that everyone is now carring the ribbed rollers. Haven't seen them in person yet but are they a harder material then the smooth ones?

Thanks

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: ???'s for Spartan roller trailer owners

wobble rollers.
and they seem to be very lose on the axles.
Thanks

Thats the point. They are suposed to be loose to some extent.
There are some clear/yellow ones that I use, they dont leave any marks on the boat.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: ???'s for Spartan roller trailer owners

Thanks bifflefan, So how does one know when they are worn and too lose? These will slide back and forth on the axle about 3/4". Not so much worried about marks, the boat is and unoainted aluminum bottom.

Right now it's in need of a new winch and light kit to be operational.

 

[coinman1947]

Re: ???'s for Spartan roller trailer owners

Hey bonz_d, i don't know if my rollers are the same as yours, but mine feel real loose also, being a newbe to all this i just hoped that the way there supposed to work, I hope so cause i'll be useing those roller sat if it doesnt rain.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: ???'s for Spartan roller trailer owners

Why do you think they are called "wobble rollers"?? They need to have that degree of slop so they can tilt and swivel to the shape of the dozens of different hull designs. They are worn out when they fall off the trailer or the rubber/poly surface degrades. I've never seen a worn out roller hub although I have seen "rusted out" roller hubs and lots of worn/rusted supporting hardware.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: ???'s for Spartan roller trailer owners

Thanks for the responses guys!

Coinman, yes those are the same ones and are even still marked Spartan on the roller. Though the mounting to the frame is different. Maybe we can compare notes this weekend!

Silvertip, I kind of understand the logic though it would reason to me that a wheel rotating on a shaft that is smaller than the hole wouldn't rotate smoothly and would bind when a load was placed on it.

Right now the weather here has taken a dump. Woke up yesterday to 1.5" snow and has snowed off and on all last night! Hopefully I will be able to make the switch this weekend and I'll see ow it goes. The reasoning behind the switch in trailers is because I launch a few times a week at the ramp at the end of our road and it is an unimproved gravel ramp that is quite shallow. We use the tilt function of the trailer every time. The currant trailer is a roller/bunk/tilt and now after 4 different major surgeries it's getting much more difficult to winch it back up and thought that an all roller trailer would make it easier.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: ???'s for Spartan roller trailer owners

Thanks for the responses guys!

Silvertip, I kind of understand the logic though it would reason to me that a wheel rotating on a shaft that is smaller than the hole wouldn't rotate smoothly and would bind when a load was placed on it.

If it had a bearing or bushing and no slop it could not pivot. Besides, the friction between the roller and boat is far greater than the friction between the hub and spindle so "ease of rolling" is simply not an issue. If you want to prove or disprove this sometime, park on a ramp and remove the tie downs. Then disconnect the winch strap and watch your boat drop onto the pavement. Friction isn't an issue with this design and water does make a fairly good lubricant compared to none at all.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: ???'s for Spartan roller trailer owners

OK I believe you! I have been around many trailers over the years and believe it or not this is the 1st Wobble Roller that I've actually looked at up close! Seen'um used at the ramps and loaded at the marinas but have never actually had an interest to take an up close look at one unloaded. My hope is that it will load as easy as they unload. Have even considered a motorized winch though I have heard they are slow.

 

[coinman1947]

Re: ???'s for Spartan roller trailer owners

hey bonz_d! well the weather isn't going well for a launch this weekend -storms and high winds and all, so i took a dry run i'm thinking of useing to launch at on a regular basis. It's only 8.3 miles from my drive way to the launch pad. With gas being like it is now ( mocho $$ and rising) the close distance will be helpful. Got there this morn to look it over and all, and found out the water level is 6 ft 3 in low but the ramp still will work for me and the tilt trailer. They charge $5.00 for each launch or $50.00 for 15 launches prepaid. I guess thats a fair price cause the plenty of parking for truck and trailers and some one is always there in the bait shop.here's some pics of the launch and low water, ahd the boss lady with me, we both wanted to see the lake.

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[bonz_d]

Re: ???'s for Spartan roller trailer owners

Coinman, thanks for the pictures. That ramp in much nicer than the one I normally use! But then the one I use is only 5 houses away on a dead end street and it's FREE.
I just got home from work and the weather doesn't look like it's going to co-operate for me either. Plus being Easter who knows how much free time I'll get.