Trailering on gravel road?

[pike hunter]

I do have a Shoreland'R trailer with rollers in the back and center roller on the keel in the front and 2 little bunks on each side on the front.

I'm planning to make a fishing trip next spring and there is about 100 mi. on a gravel road and some people are advising me about the danger of trailering with rollers on a gravel road.
For my part I don't think it's worst then bunk.
The boat is a Lund (aluminium)

What do you think? Should I replace the rollers by bunk.
I really like my actual trailer.

 

[Jeepster04]

Re: Trailering on gravel road?

What is the reasoning behind not using rollers on a gravel road??

 

[pike hunter]

Re: Trailering on gravel road?

Lot of people thinks that the rollers will put dents in the hull

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Trailering on gravel road?

So just how big is the "gravel" on this road anyways?

Maybe they are inferring that if the road has a lot of washboard, the trailer rollers will be pounding the boat?

You might want to look at full width style rear mud/rock flap for the tow vehicle tho. Can be found at an RV store.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Trailering on gravel road?

Maybe the gravel gets slung up and gets jammed between the roller and the hull, then during the vibration of the drive, the gravel damages the hull?

 

[pike hunter]

Re: Trailering on gravel road?

Has for the protection from the rocks this is not the problem, what they are saying is the pounding of the hull on the rollers dent in the hull could happen, but from part I don't beleive it.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailering on gravel road?

Utter nonsense. If you travel at 50 -60 mph on this gravel road it doesn't matter if you have a glass boat, aluminum boat, roller or bunk trailer, flying rocks and sand will blast the be-jeepers out if. Slow down and go fishing. To avoid the boat sliding around on dusty rollers or bunks, make sure you have stern tie downs and that they are tight (but that applies regardless where you travel). If the boat bobbles around on the trailer, yes -- you will do damage and it doesn't matter if the trailer has bunks or rollers. In fact is is easier for a stone to get lodged between the boat and a bunk than it is a roller.

 

[pike hunter]

Re: Trailering on gravel road?

Thanks! My boat and trailer are well protect from the gravel and dust and all the answers are on the same note.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Trailering on gravel road?

I trailer on gravel roads all the time, I have never had any problems with damage due to gravel roads, every single time I take my boat out, I have a minimum of 15 miles of gravel road I have to travel, I am over 7 miles from the closest pavement, then most of the lakes I go to are 5-10mile in on a gravel road, my trailer is equipped with rollers and I have never had a problem..just make sure and slow down and make sure it is tied down correctly.

If I had to depend on pavement, I would never take my boat anywhere in Montana....

 

[bassman284]

Re: Trailering on gravel road?

Biggest problem I've seen on gravel roads is for the trailer to slide off toward the ditch when riding the crown. You need to watch your mirrors and keep the speed down. The trailer will sashay around like it's on ice.

 

[Silver Eagle]

Re: Trailering on gravel road?

Lot of people thinks that the rollers will put dents in the hull

Not if your driving at a reasonable speed. watch out for holes in the road.

 

[rallyart]

Re: Trailering on gravel road?

If you are on loose gravel with a 4WD then put it in 4 high until you are on a hard surface. There won't be any wear to speek of and the ride will be much more stable. If you have AWD you are in great shape. With a 2WD the trailer will move you around more than you might like. Always slow down from hard surface speeds.
If you have ABS brakes see if you can disable them on gravel. A switch is great but pulling a fuse is helpful. ABS will add at least 30% to your stopping distance on gravel and is much less safe. If it's only a short distance on gravel don't worry but remember that your brakes will be bad.
You can add a dust shield in front of the boat or a brush type bar that slips onto the receiver to keep gravel away from the trailer and boat as much as you can. Do a search for them. There are a few different types.
I don't think that rollers with rocks getting jammed up is too much of an issue. With carpeted bunks you have many places for sand and gravel to get caught.

If I didn't drive on gravel roads I would not get to very many places.