Why does trailer have a sliding axle section?

[guy48065]

I'm buying a vacation cabin that comes with a '79 Crest pontoon boat & trailer in good condition. The trailer is of the narrow float-over variety (no bunks) and is not a scissors-lift type. The axle is attached to tubes that slide on pipes to allow about 3' fore/aft movement. The movement is controlled by a cable winch in front, with the cable zig-zagging through several small pulleys on opposing crossmembers. What is this for?? I haven't found anything like it on the web. Moving the axle doesn't look like it would be much help in launching or retrieving.

The paint is all scraped away where the sliding action occurs so it looks to be something regularly used rather than a 1-time adjustment. I don't know if I'll get the chance to ask the owner directly so I thought I'd try here.

Sorry I didn't take any pictures. I didn't know how weird it was til I tried to find another one like it.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Why does trailer have a sliding axle section?

Does the cable work both ways? If so, the stretched out position will allow launching in shallower water. Pulled up tight for trailering.

 

[Snowfish]

Re: Why does trailer have a sliding axle section?

I'd be willing to bet that the axle does more than just move fore & aft. It more than likely moves the axle up & down as well. What you probably have is a 19-old early scissor style trailer. No way to tell with out a picture. Sure would like to see this beauty.

 

[guy48065]

Re: Why does trailer have a sliding axle section?

I'd be willing to bet that the axle does more than just move fore & aft. It more than likely moves the axle up & down as well. What you probably have is a 19-old early scissor style trailer. No way to tell with out a picture. Sure would like to see this beauty.

You are correct. Yesterday was the closing so now the boat & trailer are mine & I have some pictures. The trailer is a 2000 Hoosier and they still make this type. Neat mechanism slides the rear axle strut backwards allowing the trailer to settle down around the tires. Gets very low to the ground. I don't have any experience with lift trailers but I'm betting this type isn't popular because only the rear drops down--which compounds the angle of the boat ramp making the rails pretty steep relative to the boat.

Mechanism:

Up:

Down:

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Why does trailer have a sliding axle section?

they are very popular.

 

[dmoriarty51]

Re: Why does trailer have a sliding axle section?

i can see it for private ramp owners, or a place that rents or slips alot of toons, but in everyday use or general towing it looks like an accident waiting to happen

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Why does trailer have a sliding axle section?

Doesn't really look any worse than a regular scissor trailer, except that it only has the one axle. I assume that there is a pin lock somewhere in the mechanism so that the cables are not supporting the load when towing.
I don't see any sort of bow stops on it though - what keeps the boat from coming forward too far?

 

[guy48065]

Re: Why does trailer have a sliding axle section?

- what keeps the boat from coming forward too far?

I wonder that, too. Especially since there's no winch to pull the boat on. To my thinking (correct me if wrong) having the trailer tilted down (only) in the rear, in addition to the boat ramp angle, makes the angle of the trailer rails much steeper than other lift trailers that have parallel lift rails. So am I supposed to take a run at it to get up that angle? I'm sure it's great for dropping the boat in the water but retrieval looks like a challenge.

Maybe it's supposed to be treated like a float-on trailer? In that case it's going to be critical to back the trailer in to a very specific depth so the front deck crossmember grabs without overshooting, or needing mucho power to force it on the correct distance.

Doesn't really look any worse than a regular scissor trailer, except that it only has the one axle. I assume that there is a pin lock somewhere in the mechanism so that the cables are not supporting the load when towing.
I don't see any sort of bow stops on it though - what keeps the boat from coming forward too far?

I haven't noticed a pin. The trailer is only rated for 2000#. The cable & winch look stout enough to support that, plus the weight in the front is mostly "fixed". Must be why they recommend 40Hp or less in the back. What's the worst that can happen? :facepalm:

 

[Snowfish]

Re: Why does trailer have a sliding axle section?

It will probably work better than you think. And be more stable, than you think, since it's an un-sprung axle.

The only problem would be a very shallow, flat landing. On 99% of the landings, here in Minnesota, by the time you back in that long trailer, with the trailer jack at waters edge, the back wheels will be in 4-5ft of water. Front will be plenty low for the bow of the pontoon. Pontoons ride nose up, since all the weight is in the back.

Your deck will probably extend beyond the front sloped part of the trailer to get proper balance. The bow eye, and log eyes, are tied back to prevent forward movement. Should be enough trailer, around the motor area, to secure side to side, and backward motion.

Rather than all this speculating, take it down to a landing, no boat of course, and give it a shot. Pretend you're launching & retrieving. I did that while learning how to launch/retrieve with my motorhome. Everything is a loooong way back there!

Like already mentioned, I probably wouldn't want to trailer, on a regular basis with a rig like that. Mainly due to the un-sprung axle and only being a single axle. I do not give it a second thought, going a long distance, with my tandem torsion axle scissor trailer. I've also moved 10ft wide boat lifts, with full canopy frame attached, 200 miles plus, at 60mph, on my scissor trailer. Again, more stable than you think. But with a quality trailer. Not the single, spring axle, scissors that the dealers try to push off on you.

OK, enough rambling. Take it for a dry run. Or wet run rather. You'll have an "ah ha!" moment.

And be sure to re-pack your bearings. "In God we trust. All others we check".

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Why does trailer have a sliding axle section?

It will probably work better than you think. And be more stable, than you think, since it's an un-sprung axle.
.

There are springs, look higher - they are not where you are expecting them.

 

[Snowfish]

Re: Why does trailer have a sliding axle section?

I see 'em now. She's going to have a bit of roll then. Take it easy on the road.