Converting a trailer from Runners to rollers

[Julie]

Question really… is it possible to convert a trailer with runners to rollers? If so, which company should I order the rollers from, and is it easy to do?

I have 3 small keel rollers, but 2 large runners either side. To launch/recover I get the trailer ½ way in the water. I’ve seen people with roller trailers recovering in much less water.

My trailer is from SNIPE and I mailed and called them, but they don’t seem to be the most responsive company around! My current trailer JUST fits in my garage with about an inch to spare and I also have a sturdy custom built jockey wheel and an extra winch on it, hence I would rather convert it, rather than buying a new one.

Where I go the slipways often dry out at certain times of the tide, and in many cases have a dirty great drop at the end. I just thought having a roller trailer would give me more choices. The terminology in the above post maybe dodgy, but I hope you get the drift?

Thanks
Julie

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Julie

The terminology in the above post maybe dodgy, but I hope you get the drift?

Hi Julie, I can't answer your specific question (would have though you can convert it - but no experience) - but you might find more by searching for the term "Bunks" rather than "Runners".

[Bigmuz7]

Give us a pic of your trailer then because most roller sets have brackets that can be bolted using U bolts etc to existing formwork very easily, so it shouldnt be a hard job really , but a piccy would help to see what you need

[Julie]

Originally Posted by Bigmuz7

Give us a pic of your trailer then

Posting a pic! Now you're asking.... just about managing to reply..... I'll be back...

[Julie]

Managed it....! So it's the long bunks/runner that I want to convert.....

Thanks

[Hightower]

To do this properly you'll need two swinging beams with rollers mounted on these, but I would hazard a guess that this won't be a cheap option unless you can find a really cheap trailer parts suppliers.

The reason that most roller trailers are so good at recovering is because of these swinging beams as it helps to position and lift the RIB into place without creating much friction.

A possible way forward is to cut the bunks down in size to support the forward section of the RIB (this will save money by not needing a swinging beam and two roller banks) and look at one swinging beam on the back.

I think that this design is a really good compromise in enabling easy recovery and launch and giving the boat maximum support on the road.

I'm sure that others will have other suggestions, but have you thought of selling your trailer and buying a new one? There are plenty of deals to be had on trailers that might surprise you.

[Julie]

Originally Posted by Hightower

I'm sure that others will have other suggestions, but have you thought of selling your trailer and buying a new one? There are plenty of deals to be had on trailers that might surprise you.

Yes that was my first option. But just wondered about converting, rather than faffing around transfering my extra bits onto a new one.

What other trailer companies are about other than SNIPE?

Thanks

[Hightower]

Originally Posted by Julie

What other trailer companies are about other than SNIPE?

Thanks

There's loads.

I used De Draaff Trailers after Admiral let me down. I got a few upgrades that I specced chucked in and it was already a good price. IMHO is one of the best value dealers in the country.

degraafftrailers

However, be warned! There will be a landslide of other opinions that are sure to come, so please consider all options.

It's just a case of comparing the retro fit rollers onto your existing trailer verses selling your trailer and buying new.

[Hightower]

Julie,

They've got some better deals on EBay too

degraaff

[Hightower]

Oh and one last thing that might be of interest. They have retractable drawbars, which might make parking it your garage easier.

[Rogue Wave]

http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/traile...__W0QQ_armrsZ1

that's how I'm going to do it

[Downhilldai]

I was going to post the same link as Rogue Wave.

I doubt whether you'll be able to recover in shallower water though, as you're dependent on the rearmost keel roller on this type of trailer, which you'll probably need to retain.

[Hightower]

And I doubt that you'll have any more than 4 rollers in contact with the bottom of the hull at any one time either.

Clever little ramp to help the boat up tho.

[Julie]

Originally Posted by Hightower

And I doubt that you'll have any more than 4 rollers in contact with the bottom of the hull at any one time either.

Hmmmm I think this is key, as it's driven it all over the place (rack up about 2,000 miles a year with it). I'm assuming 'bunks' are more stable for dragging it around rather than rollers?

Maybe I'll have a re-think....
1) Build a another garage - longer and with different doors. It just fits UNDER the door too (and that's with the aerials unscrewed and mast light upside down on the A frame!)
2) Get a new trailer
3) While I'm at it, treat myself to another bigger RIB!

Sorted

Thanks for the advice, I think my idea was a bit doomed

Julie

[Downhilldai]

A new RIB is always the right way to go

.....even if it means you have to move house.

[Julie]

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

A new RIB is always the right way to go

.....even if it means you have to move house.

No.... I hate cutting the grass, so I should take all of my land over with boat houses

[9D280]

I see that's a proper "olsdschool" Snipe. Who did you actually phone? Halfway through me ordering mine the powerboat range was bought by Mersea trailers, who ended up being much more helpful, and who have also sent me spares on overnight delivery.

I think Snipe do still exist, as I later bought a replacement mast step bracket for my dinghy trailer from "Snipe proper" in Birmingham.

Also you'll only need to replace the rear rollers with a swing beam. The front rollers can sit on the fixed beam you have already, because by the time the boat touches them, it is pretty much at the angle it will sit at for towing. Or, as others have said, cut the bunks down.

If you can measure the distance between your chassis bars, I can compare it to the swing beam I have on my (West mersea) trailer. I bet it'll fit.

[Julie]

Originally Posted by 9D280

If you can measure the distance between your chassis bars, I can compare it to the swing beam I have on my (West mersea) trailer. I bet it'll fit.

Hi,

If the distance between the chassis bars is the width????? The trailer is 1.4m wide.

Julie

[spartacus]

Originally Posted by Julie

Hmmmm I think this is key, as it's driven it all over the place (rack up about 2,000 miles a year with it). I'm assuming 'bunks' are more stable for dragging it around rather than rollers?

Maybe I'll have a re-think....
1) Build a another garage - longer and with different doors. It just fits UNDER the door too (and that's with the aerials unscrewed and mast light upside down on the A frame!)
2) Get a new trailer
3) While I'm at it, treat myself to another bigger RIB!

Sorted

Thanks for the advice, I think my idea was a bit doomed

Julie

1/ If you have the space, it's an option. Most detached garages are just blockwork and beams with asbestos roofs.

2/ Try an Indespension Rollercoaster 1 breakback trailer. Rated for 750kg, it'll recover your Zodiac Pro with a minimum of fuss. We've retrieved a Pro 7 (4.2m) in around 18" of water, on soft sand and steep slipways. See piccy.

Costs around £1,100 (including delivery). However I think there's an Indespension depot near you - so you could save a few pounds if you can collect direct. The winch post moves forward, and the axle if required, so fitting a 5.0m boat should be possible. Indespension can advise.

3/ A pit pricey, but has hypalon tubes and double jockeys. Only 30 miles from you - and it's from a Zodiac/Yamaha main dealer. http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/YAM076

[Julie]

Thanks for the advice, and doing lots of homework for me

Julie