Replacing trailer bunks
05-23-2018, 01:10 PM
#21
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Thread Starter
Many years ago, I custom ordered some 4"x10" long bunks for a bunk trailer. It wasn't a big deal, and was not terribly expensive. I think I ordered Cypress which would be the best wood to use. I don't recommend treated lumber, and neither does Myco. Just plain Pine UNLESS you go to Cypress.
The worst think I found about the bunks "wearing" on the typical bolt-together aluminum trailer is that their were only a couple of through bolts supporting ALL the weight of the boat. This is because my bunks were not touching the trailer frame, but were suspended by those bolts above it.
Either have those big bunks setting all the way down on the trailer frame cross members, OR install some small blocks of wood to make up for the suspension that the through bolts are supporting. This was on a POS Rocket trailer under my 26' Sonic. I was much better when I was done with it.
The worst think I found about the bunks "wearing" on the typical bolt-together aluminum trailer is that their were only a couple of through bolts supporting ALL the weight of the boat. This is because my bunks were not touching the trailer frame, but were suspended by those bolts above it.
Either have those big bunks setting all the way down on the trailer frame cross members, OR install some small blocks of wood to make up for the suspension that the through bolts are supporting. This was on a POS Rocket trailer under my 26' Sonic. I was much better when I was done with it.
05-23-2018, 02:16 PM
#22
And hook up the safety chain before pulling up to far. Have seen winch straps snap.
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05-24-2018, 05:55 PM
#25
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What then caused the galvanized lag bolts to erode ? I backed down a ramp, the boat floated free and so did two of the four bunks. The fasteners were eroded to a pointed shape with no thread left to grip the wood. This is on a fresh water use only trailer.
05-24-2018, 06:11 PM
#26
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Most decks in America would fall off the house if that was the case. Finding fasteners that are compliant with treated lumber is not hard, we use numerous types when we build decks. There has to be some sort of electrode potential between aluminum (is your trailer aluminum?)/steel/galvanized products...it's not the treated lumber.
