Winch strap problems, change the post??

[Proselect]

My father in law and I have the same exact trailer and have the same prolem. The winch strap likes to curl up and get all knarly after a season of use. The boats track straight up the trailer but they still always seem to veer off one side or the other. The problem might be in the design of the winch post or stand. it is angled forward towards the bow and the winch mounted so the strap has to go up and over a tiny cheesy roller just below the bow roller. I have seen winch stands that the main post is angled away from the bow with another bracket going forward which holds the bow roller. Then the winch is mounted horizontal and pulls the strap level with the boat under the bow roller. That seems like a better design than what we have. Anybody have any thoughts on this? Is there something we are missing in the equation here? Can you build a stand or should or would we be better off buying one pre-made? This is driving us nuts!!

 

[cribber]

Re: Winch strap problems, change the post??

If you can, post a few pictures so we can get and idea on how to approach your situation.

 

[Proselect]

Re: Winch strap problems, change the post??

Here are a few pics. The one is of the winch post on my boat trailer. You can't see the winch but can see part of the handle in the pic. You can see where the winch is. The other pic is the winch post on a karavan trailer. It is a totaly different style, which I think would be better. We are just tired of tearing up winch straps all the time and having them fold over. We don't want to go to a cable system either.

 

[4JawChuck]

Re: Winch strap problems, change the post??

You have to manually handle the strap as it is winched on to keep it to one side or the other, it only takes one hand to push it over as your cranking. If you need both hands just to get the boat on the trailer you need a heavier rated winch.

I don't think there is a winch made that handles strap winding better than what you have, however alignment can make a big difference if its not on there straight.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Winch strap problems, change the post??

That just looks odd.
It would drive me crazy.
Yes, I would probably replace that post and winch stand.

Check out what Karavan trailers has available (Beaver Dam).

Half way down the page is the winch post assemblies.
http://www.karavantrailers.com/site_uploads/parts/Chapter5-Tongues-PDF.pdf

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Winch strap problems, change the post??

There is absolutely nothing wrong this system that a little thought about geometry can't fix. The strap is winding off to one side because the winch is not mounted square to the trailer. Just like a flat belt will ride off one side or the other of pulleys that aren't aligned properly. If the strap tends to run off one side of the drum, loosen the winch and pivot it right or left as required to make it run straight. Since the boat will never load perfectly centered in relation to the winch you need to either help guide the strap as suggested, or as the boat begins to tension the strap, pause for a couple seconds to allow the boat to straighten itself using the guiding capabilities of the trailer. When straight, then winch it up guiding the strap if necessary.

 

[Proselect]

Re: Winch strap problems, change the post??

That makes sense. I will have to monkey around with it a little. It just seems stupid that they made the strap run up and over that little roller instead of mounting the winch higher and maybe even level with the boat. I guess that is what they use to keep it adjustable and to cut costs. I will see what i can do otherwise I may get a new winch stand or finaly just spring for a new trailer.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Winch strap problems, change the post??

Getting the roller in line with the bow eye is why it's there and has nothing to do with the effectiveness of the winch. My Shorelander trailers have the same roller setup and the setup works just fine. But pull crooked and the winch strap will fold against the flange so guide it if necessary and let the boat center itself before pulling it up.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Winch strap problems, change the post??

Well maybe its just the angle of the photo, but it still looks odd to me.
Not saying its wrong, but could be better.

You may also have to adjust the bunks or rollers at the back of the trailer to get the boat to load straight.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Winch strap problems, change the post??

That's almost the exact same set-up as mine. Maybe unwind entire strap and the wind it back as straight and as tight as possible. If the strap is rolled up loosely it will tend to wind up crooked. When I'm winching my boat up, I guide the strap with my spare hand to keep it straight. It shouldn't be giving you that much trouble. Good Luck!

 

[Proselect]

Re: Winch strap problems, change the post??

The boat and trailer are going to be seperated and painted this week. I have to take it all apart to paint it anyway so I will make sure it is all straigt when I put it back together. It is just wierd that two of the same trailers do the same thing.

 

[bob johnson]

Re: Winch strap problems, change the post??

The boat and trailer are going to be seperated and painted this week. I have to take it all apart to paint it anyway so I will make sure it is all straigt when I put it back together. It is just wierd that two of the same trailers do the same thing.

it happens alot, winches are replaced along the line somewhere and people think it is simply a bolt on affair...

the winch winds the line at an angle and the strap twists, because the roller of the winch isnt square with the trailers bunks!!

and or not inline with the bow of the boat.

loosen the bolts and twist the winch...the bolt holes are usually oblong, for several means of adjustment.

like rolling up a map. if you roll one end tighten thatn the other, you end up with a cone!!!

bob

 

[Low dsrt jon]

Re: Winch strap problems, change the post??

Just make sure to take your time and keep your boat straight as you guide it onto the trailer. LDJ