So, trailer work is coming to an end. 3 of the 4 tires are new, rims match, all new bushings and bolts in the suspension, straighten boat on trailer, new coupler, new fenders.....

But the winch is a 1200 pound strap, doesn't seem like much on a roller trailer for a 6,000 pounder. Trailer has like 56 rollers on it, but it doesn't seem like it wants to move easily.

Also posted this in the trailer section, but figured it would be good to ask the formula family also.

Thanks all, Brian

Brian,
Mine is a 3200 LB with sst cable and it works really well on mine.

Brian,

I'm a bunk trailer guy but I have used roller trailers. I figure if you are loading "dry"...with the trailer out of the water, you need a winch rating of around half the weight of the boat. On a steep ramp you are really beating yourself and a winch up with a roller trailer.

Have you considered a Power Winch?

Of course I sink mine and have the light poles to show me where the trailer is. I am out in less than 5 minutes from the time I back down the ramp.

We just got the new fenders on the trailer, so now the next project is to add some side bunks / guides to it to help locate the boat. Plus the side guides will be designed to function as a mid step to aid climbing up into the boat. Of course, this is in addition to the ladder on the the front of the trailer for bow access.

As long as I need a 3k to 4k winch, it seems like electric is the way to go.

Brian,
Im with John on a bunk trailer but will use this roller trailer until I come across a really good deal on one. This is the first roller trailer I have ever had, but I must say it really is no harder or easier than a bunk. I just have the trailer deep enough on pulling out to where I idle/coast up on it and just power it up the last 1 to 1.5 feet then my wife puts on the bow eye hook and maybe three or four cranks to take up slack and were done. Takes me no more than five mins to be off or on. But as I said I am keeping an eye out for a good deal on an aluminum bunk since I hear they give the boat more even support and mine is always on the trailer inside stored when not being used.......Brad.

We talked about changing it over to a bunk trailer, and my fabricator and I agree it wouldn't be hard. But since it is currently a roller trailer, I am going to try that first. As far as support goes, not sure it would be an issue. This thing has 56 rollers, plus the bow support and one keel support roller we are adding. At its weight, that is about 100 to 110 pounds per roller over a 1" x 4" space. If that much weight would deflect a hull, I would think there would be two divits where the drivers feet go with the much thinner cockpit liner.

Not saying no, but it deserves a little research before making a quick decesion. I may add a couple of bunk right along the keel to help center it though and take some of the weight there. Researching winches now. Doesn't seem to be much difference in price between electric and manual when you get up into the 3k range.

Brian