Converting; Trolley to Trailer

[Andy JC]

Hi all

I've just picked up a used Honwave T35 AE and although I haven't taken it out yet I'm pleased with its condition and build quality.
My original plan was to transport the boat, inflated, to my local slip way in Clevedon, around a mile away, using a box trailer I already have. I was going to fashion a couple of bunks on to it and lift the boat up and strap it down, minus the engine. The problem is that the boat is a little bigger/bulkier than I anticipated so it may be a struggle to do this on my own.
Now the guy selling it offered me a launch trolley for an extra £20 which I took him up on. It's a fairly substantial box section steel trolley with a tow hitch fitted. So what I'm wondering is if there's any reason why I can't convert it to a road trailer and if anyone else has tried this.
My plan would be to strengthen the frame using two lengths of angle iron/steel to brace each corner at the back, replace each wheel with an axle/hub and fit 8" road tyres. I would also strengthen each join with additional bolts and or brackets. I already have a lighting board which would attach to the boat. I think mudguards are also a legal requirement, is this true?

As far as I've read there are any laws against home made (unbraked) trailers and its max load would likely only be around 140kg.

So, is this a viable proposition?

[Phil M]

Type approval for trailers came in about 2 years ago and in theory all "new" trailers need to be type approved or individually inspected before hitting the road. If it looks older than 2 years, I recon you can claim you're only overhauling it and then not breaking any rules.

I don't see any reason not to tow it, assuming it is of sound construction and up to the task (loads whilst towing will be far higher then when pushing it around a yard). For it to be road legal, you do indeed need mud guards.

Phil

[Andy JC]

Thanks Phil, really appreciate your input. Along with the info Kaman has provided on his thread I think its a doable project.
Got to be cheaper than buying even a used boat trailer. Reckon I'll give it a go [emoji106]

[kaman]

Hi Andy

The difference between your project and mine's is that mine's still had to remain collapsible and fairly light to go in my caravan.
If yours is going to permanently trailer your Sib you can beef it up to be more robust.

[Andy JC]

I also have a tourer but think the T35 would be too big/bulky with all the other kit to take away.
For additional strength I was just thinking of 2x removable bars, bolted on, bracing the corners. I still want the trailer to be collapseable for over the winter months, when the boat's deflated and back in its bag.
I don't have easy access to a welder so I'm planning to do the job using clamps. Hopefully this will be achievable[emoji4]

[Andy JC]

Kaman,

What width axle did you go for? Looks around 4'. Would you stick with the same width if you made it again?

[kaman]

Think it's 50mm box and 4mm thick.
The axle is fairly heavy TBH but I'd rather have it that way.
It's easy enough to lift it in and out the tourer now that it's halved in 2.
I agree the 3.5ae is rather large and cumbersome to go in the caravan.
Mine's is permanently trailered.
My T3.8 is heavy too.
I put the roof box on the car to divide the weight between car and caravan.

[Duggy]

I've got 2 options with my T40AE.

I've got a Brenderup 1150 camping trailer, in which I can just about fit the aluminium floor, my 20 Mariner, the boat, and all the various bit of kit that I take with it. We did it this way in May when we were in Padstow and while it was practical in terms of storing the boat and trailer (next to our caravan), it was a pain having to assemble / disassemble it all on the boat ramp every day.

This time I've picked up a good second hand bunked trailer off eBay (£150). It needed a couple of new wheels / tyres (bearings OK) and some new rollers but other than that it's fine. Much easier setting up at home and towing ready to drop in the water. Although being a bigger trailer, it's a bit more awkward to find somewhere to keep it when not in use (I take the spine off and store it upright in my garage at home). I think the frame is 50mm (2") x 4mm thick SBS (galvanised).

As you can hopefully see, it's based around a single spine with all the frame mounted by u-bolts and therefore fully adjustable, so it might be useful inspiration with yours?

[Andy JC]

Thanks guys. I've ordered some box section steel and arranged to get the suspension mounts and mudguard brackets welded on. I can do the rest. Basically I'm going to copy Kaman's idea[emoji3]
Did think about buying a used trailer but it would likely need some attention or adapting. This way I get to use what I already have and custom build it to meet my own needs [emoji108]

[Andy JC]

Stage 1 complete [emoji4]

[Andy JC]

[Andy JC]

[Andy JC]

Further strengthening, mudguards and a coat of paint yet to do...

[kaman]

Nice one Andy.
I concur fully with strengthening[emoji106] .
Hoping the weather picks up so I can get the tin tent and blow up boat out to play.

[Andy JC]

Not going to win any awards for precision engineering but it's functional. [emoji1]
I'm getting similar 'sagging' issues in the middle as you did Kaman. Think I'll strengthen the joints with some angle iron. Also think the front supports needs adapting in some way. They don't seem to offer much, well, support!