Got a utility trailer, put a roller on the back, it's great once boat is 1/2 way off, but that first 8' of slide sucks.
Debating putting some rollers across the bay to support the floor and hope to make it easier to get off at somewhat flat put ins, seems like there are a few.
Anybody done this or had someone in the North Denver area do it? I live in Erie, can travel a little ways, going to see a guy in Mead tomorrow to have him give an estimate, would love a few ideas.
I've seen whitewaterworthy's and that's an option. I'm not a welder, so would need someone to weld some parts for that. Wondering about keeping it all local.
Thanks for any advice or references or places to avoid.
I made my own using metal conduit and pvc pipe. All purchased at McGuckins. I had to make brackets (drill a few holes in some metal stock). I can give you more details if you would like. Super cheap and local. For the midway roller I didn't want to spend too much, that and I prefer DIY. I didn't use a welder for this part of the trailer build (it was out of service) so I had to drill everything.
I like the northern tool roller look. How important is it for the roller to span the trailer vs just having them on the tubes. It’s a utility trailer with the open bed. Steel angle top that I’ve bolted 2x10’s on to hold the tubes, currently the floor is not supported.
Like the look of the Ashland as well, how far out do you go, how does one make sure the raft doesn’t fold over the edge and touch something sharp, i.e. assuming raft is 92” wide, -22” for center if bottom of tubes, how wide would you get, center to center of tubes is 70” or so.
Thanks,
Jon
I think full width is important for the rear roller, especially if you start loading it at an angle, then it's fully supported.
I'd think shorter side rollers (like the Northern Tool ones) would work great on the side bunks, especially if you have an open center...so you can still walk the middle.
IMHO 1.25" EMT is too thin/too flexible to span an entire trailer. Definitely stiff enough if you're making 18-24" rollers on either side.
If you want a full width roller out of EMT or fence tubing, I'd go a minimum 2.5". (My raft doesn't flex my 2.5" roller appreciably...my dory flexes it ~1/2".
Got after it today and man is that nice. Cut my 10’ 2x10 running boards and mounted a 2x8 under to support the loose ends and mount the rollers.
16’ boat and frame and it’s easy! Wife is 5’ tall for reference.
If you are still in search of a welder, I just modified this trailer for a buddy and added 10 rollers and the steel elevated rails for the boat to sit on. I live in Lakewood, PM me and we can chat.
I'd love to see more pics and video of that set up
I have a similar trailer and have been thinking about doing something with rollers to it. If you have any pics/video without the raft on it I'd love to see them.
Saw the vid. Super impressed by both the simplicity and ingenuity. REALLY like the recessed rollers.
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