Anyone have a DHM trailer?

[Ks]

I have a 2007 DHM trailer for my 22VE I have noticed after the last 2 outings that my winch is not "clicking over" when I tighten or release the winch. On closer inspection, the winch is basically self de- structing everytime I use it.

The cross bolt is now bent, the clogs are sharp and the "clicker" ( for lack of a better word) is notched within itself and not 100% locking into a tooth.

The "square" on the handle is worn as well and has play. totally frustrating, I showed my father for a second opinion, he said it looks as if it has 5 years of wear ( boat has 39 hours on it) Now I trailer my boat the same as everyone else, the trailer is deep enough for me to get within 4-6 inches of the hook touching the roller. So yes I am winching the boat in the few inches but this should be normal to do? isn't it? At least that is how my dealer showed me.

I just happen to be on the DMH site and they have the same complete winch for sale ( $64.00) and in the picture and description it says.. Max cap 1900LBS) I go look at the one on my trailer and I find the same winch ( part # cap everything)

No wonder the winch is wearing out, it is winching twice its cap just in the dry weight of the boat. did my trailer get the wrong winch or is this normal for DHM trailers?

To be honest, I have not been impressed with the trailer.

So far:

- Bad brake solinoid, ( this was from day one and was repalced under warranty.

- bad (loose) ground, causing one side of the trailer lights to be out. ( traced to a in proper rivot ( they use rivots to hold the ground wire to the trailer)

- And the worst, all the black paint is bubbling and lifting off the fenders showing a rusty surface below.

* side note - No salt for this boat and really has maybe 20 dunks in the lake to date.

and now the winch.

Comments........... thoughts............ Please.

[mtnsmith]

That stinks about the fender paint. I launch my painted steel Dorsey trailer in saltwater about 99% of the time and honestly it still looks pretty good after about 200 saltwater hours. I plan to get an aluminum trailer made once the steel trailer wears out.

Also on the winch, the rating is probably correct, you are not dead lifting the dry weight of the boat since it is floating and sliding on the bunks and keel rollers. I would still get something done about the fender paint though.

[ragboy]

That sucks, I do have one on my new 24Ve. I haven't had any issues. I did notice the winch "flipped" over a bit differently than my previous, but that was it. I had another problem with the brakes not disengaging when I was in reverse, but it was an issue with my truck wiring. Sorry to hear you are having so many issues, hope I don't later.

[Timmy!]

I always drive my boat onto the trailer until the eyelet hits the rubber and then hook it and tighten it. Less wear and tear on the winch.

[CP3]

I always drive my boat onto the trailer until the eyelet hits the rubber and then hook it and tighten it. Less wear and tear on the winch.

But more wear and tear on your bunks.....

[da.bell]

I have a DHM trailer and haven't had one issue with it yet. I would suggest that you call them directly and talk with them. They are located here in Rancho Cordova (or that might be a sub office) but they are a very good boat trailer. I think you might have just happen to get a bad one... Again, call them...

[Timmy!]

But more wear and tear on your bunks.....

That's arguable. Whether it's being powered up or drug up using a winch, it's still friction against the carpet.

[CP3]

That's arguable. Whether it's being powered up or drug up using a winch, it's still friction against the carpet.

I try to float mine on as much as possihle

[da.bell]

I try to float mine on as much as possihle

I do the same thing as Timmy! does.... I have noticed that the carpet is a little worn but it beats the chances of the boat going in another direction when over the trailer. I now because I took out my prop with my trailer... $170 later and a repaired prop.

[jleger98]

This is the winch I just put on my trailer after the original one rusted and broke. Have had no issues and have had to winch the boat up 6-8 feet once with it.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...0573_200330573

[Ks]

I will call them to see what they say ( about all the issues) The winch and the paint erk me the most.

The winch is just that, a winch.... winching a boat 6-8 inches should not be a problem, if it is, then I don't know what to do about trailering the boat, I rather come up 6 inches short and winch the rest then overshoot, hit the roller with the eye hook and maybe ding the prop...

To be honest, for what we pay for these trailers, they should be powder coated, not painted.

Maybe my trailer was built on a Friday?

[Ks]

This is the winch I just put on my trailer after the original one rusted and broke. Have had no issues and have had to winch the boat up 6-8 feet once with it.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...0573_200330573

That looks like a worthy upgrade!

Are these all universal mounting winches? Will that fit my DHM?

Thanks for the link.

[tigeblue]

Have one. Brakes were sqeakin. Took it in, they started working on it right away. I walked out 45 min later. No sqeak. Other than that the paint does suck.

[dogbert]

Those issues you're talking about are definitely not normal. The trailer is a dealer thing. Your paint should not be coming off. I've had my trailer since I bought my boat new and just had the brakes replaced. We use our boat a lot. My winch is still the original winch on the boat. I crank mine up all the time.

I'd talk to your dealer and find out if they offer a different trailer. Not sure what you paid for it, but I know what the boats cost. It seems like a shame to put them on a cheap trailer, IMHO.

[rushin]

We have a DHM and had no problems (knock on wood), except that they should of centered the bunks about a half inch more to the left.