Trailer Loading

[rob_and_trish]

rpaxton,

I have an 03 - 22v w/ a dorsey trailer.

Ill snap some pics and post them later tonight showing the saftey chain.

[rpaxton]

Im running a 2000 22i with a tandem axle roadmaster trailer.

We just got back from the lake and putting the front bunkers just underwater and winching the boat up seems to be working the best.

Thanks for all of your help. Im curious to see those pics with the safety chain. Definately a good idea, and one that I will add to this trailer since it gets pulled about 300 - 600 miles per month.

Rodg

[rob_and_trish]

Here is a pic of the chain.
There is a loop on the trailer - I just put a chain and hook on it just in case that strap ever snaps.
The main lake we go is about a 1/2 hr a way so we tow quite a bit in a month.
I figure between that and the tie downs inthe back we should be pretty safe.

[rpaxton]

Rob,

Thanks for posting this pic. I will definately be adding this to my trailer!

Rodg

[raythompson]

Your strap probably has a higher breaking strength than the chain, especially when shock loads are involved. And remember that is not a complete chain but has two links that are threaded. The weak point is that bow eye. It will rip loose or break before the chain or the strap break. But if it makes you feel better than go ahead.

If you really want to secure you would run a strap from one point on the side of the trailer, around the back of the boat (through the lift eyes on the transom) and up to a tie point on the other side. But that would look dorky.

Between trailer bunk friction and the tensile strength (in excess of 5K pounds) of the strap your boat is not coming off the trailer in any driving where you vehicle is going to stay upright and in control.

[rob_and_trish]

Totally agree w/ the strength thing - but its more of just a back up thing.

I have straps on the back of the boat as well for saftey.

I guess I was thinking if somehow the strap failed at the hook (rubbing w/ say frayed the strap at the connection - but i think I would notice that) or if say the winch itself came loose.

More of just peace of mind for myself I guess.

[raythompson]

Originally posted by rob_and_trish
More of just peace of mind for myself I guess.

Then that alone makes it valuable.

I have been pulling a boat for 21+ years and my friends all have boats that have been towed excessively. Also in TN probably more than half the people have boats because of the abundance of fresh water lakes.

I do have to tell that I have seen one boat abandon it's trailer. It was a pontoon boat that slid sideways off the trailer while the owner was making a turn at an intersection at a high speed. The bow strap was still attached so the boat did not come off completely. Many people stopped and looked at the boat trying to decide what to do as the intersection was blocked. About 20 folks got together and lifted the boat back onto the trailer.

The trailer was homemade (as was the boat) and did not properly support and cradle the pontoon boat. A few dents in the boat was all that happened and matched the dents in the tow vehicle. Guy tossed his beer in the back of the truck and left after the boat was loaded. I think he was loaded also.

[drewsnyder]

safety strap

my boat came with a strap instead of a chain, has anyone ever had their tige slide off the trailer?

[scootc]

As heavy as a Tige is, I would think if it ever "slid" off the trailer, I probably have other more serious things going on!!

[NICKYPOO]

If you ever did have more serious things going on though, at least your Tige wouldn't be laying on the ground.

[Tequilasun]

Never have seen a Tige come off a trailer, but I have seen a Bass boat, a Cuddy cabin, PWC and Big Cruiser that have fallen off trailers.

The Cruiser was a commercial hauler who hit a ditch in some really high winds. Not too much damage to the boat.

The PWC wasn't strapped on at all, and fell off the back of the trailer under hard acceleration.

The cuddy actually passed the tow rig in route to crashing into an on comming car. The tow rig apparently was involved in some sort of high speed manuver.

The bass boat slid up on a hill side. Not really sure how or if it was attached.

All these happend in pretty extreme conditions i.e. during wrecks Except the PWC, that guy was just an idiot


Oh, none of those was me, but I do know the PWC guy.

[ghollow]

I like to back my trailer down to where the top of the fender is barely out of the water. Run the boat up on the bunks, leave it in gear and winch it up to the roller. It makes it much easier to winch up with the motor helping push the boat. The way my trailer is set up, there is no way for my prop to hit the trrailer unless the trailer is backed in way too deep. I have a 22i with a Road Runner trailer.

[talltigeguy]

Sorry to be contrary, but I think there are important reasons you need to use your straps when towing.

The idea that the friction on the bunks will hold the boat on has got to be the worst idea I've ever heard. I've had the boat slide forward (both on purpose and accident) on the trailer when I tap the brakes. I know of many people who will do this on purpose if they didn't get the boat close enough on the ramp. A firm tap on the brakes and you'll feel the boat slip forward.

The argument that you have worse problems than the boat straps if you need them makes no sense whatsoever. Yes, in a severe accident even the boat straps will be useless. There are many accidents where you may have just needed a small amount of extra protection.

Would this boat have done this if his back straps were on? If the back straps were on, then it likely is what saved the boat from going all the way over the front of the truck.

[SummerObsession]

It is interesting that many people have slightly different techniques even loading their boat.

My wife and I have come up with a routine that works well for us we have developed through the ownership of four different boats and 6 different PWC's (I know-the kids love them) in as many years.

We have learned that our loading technique should vary depending upon conditions.
When there are waves from either traffic or higher winds, she will keep the trailer out of the water a little more than if it is very calm. This allows the boats to ride on the bunks earlier, lessening the chances of a wave or wind pushing the boat off the bunks. After hooking up the strap, she will back further down in the water while I use just a slight amount of power to push the boat fully on the trailer. Powering the boat on completely will wear the carpet (especially if it is dry!) quickly, so we have learned to dunk the trailer as far as possible first, then she pulls out of the water to the proper level. This also helps straighten out the trailer in case it is slightly off course.

[talltigeguy]

Here is the pic I'm referring to: