Drawbar Extension

[DGR]

Does anyone know where I can get one of these from? Towsure don't seem to do them, and nor does anyone else on Google that I can find (unless they are in the US - where hundreds of people make them...)

Thanks!!

Dylan...

[jyasaki]

I assume you want to get the boat deeper without getting the tow vehicle wet?

If you extend the drawbar too much, backing the trailer gets a bit twitchy. A little bit of turn at the front end yields a *lot* of swing at the ball.

There also may be a problem at the ramp as the trailer starts down, but the tow vehicle has not. You'll exert a lot more upward force on the ball, and on particularly steep ramps, may exceed the normal angle between the trailer tongue and the hitch ball.

I'd suggest looking at a trailer tongue extension first, or, extend both (which will reduce both of the above problems.)

jky

[codprawn]

Seen quite a few people using a length of scaffolding pole with a tob ball on the end - it is attached to the trailer through a set of loops welded on - very simple and effective!!!

[DGR]

Thanks for that guys. The Ribcraft is quite heavy, and the only way I seem to be able to her get on and off the trailer without damage is by putting the trailer into the water quite a way - usually on the end of a rope. I just thought that if I could get a drawbar extension it would make life easier.

I'll stick with the rope for now!!

Dylan...

[eupa]

I really dont know if this is the right term- but have seen in the States people
using a two wheel "dolley" that goes under the front of the trailer- and lifts the front of the trailer up, The wheels are about 50 cms apart and If I remember correctly 13" rims. The whole thing is pushed out manually and not
much effort is required.
Theoretically, if you have 30% of the lenghth of the boat in the water- a sudden burst of reverse thrust can do wonders in unsticking the rib.

Jonathan

[Bittentobuggery]

Dylan, I posted this in August last year. Not seen it around Stuart's yard lately....


"I had a 7 ft towbar extension and it behaved like a supermarket trolley on acid. Once the boat was launched, the trailer would overtake you at the top of the slipway and head for the most expensive car around.

I donated it to Stuart, who likes strong willed things. Borrow it once, when there's no one looking..."

[codprawn]

I saw one being used the other day and it worked perfectly - will try to dig out some piccies!!!!

[Kimmo]

Hi,

I had a brakeless trailer with a four meter extension on tow bar for a hard boat few years ago. Trailer had no winch or rollers just a rubber mat covered keel and side supports and the front bar. It was designed to be driven totally underwater and then simply drive the boat on top of it and tie the bow on the front bar(and then walk on the greased tow bar to reach your car). Lights and register plate were on a separate tail plate that you took away before you drowe down the ramp. The tow bar slided inside the main frame tube and was locked on either extended or closed position by two pin bolts through the frame. This kind of system would be quite a challenge to build on braked trailer.
It was nice to use solo but had some serious problems also; No steep ramps, as trailer would be sliding on the tow bar between level ground and ramp. I also had to change ballbearings on the axle twice a summer and electrical socket for the rear of the trailer once. Had to grease the tow bar well time to time to prevent it from rusting in permanently to the frame.
If you have the available space and ground clearance on your trailer, you could try to attach similar system as secondary tow bar under your trailers main frame, just get some heavy duty square tubes that fit inside each other, add the trailer hitch, pin bolts and a lot of grease.

Best regards,
Kimmo

[philip]

Stuart

A technique described in this thread may help if it’s sticking to the trailer. (Rogue Wave’s post #5)

http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread....ching+dry+land

“The trailer is still attached to the car and the car has it's handbrake on.

Take the winch strap and extend the strap fully then run it underneath the boat and wrap it around a chassis beam and return it to the u bolt on the bow.

Start winching the strap in , this will then start to pull the boat off the trailer in a controlled and steady manner.”

I tried a similar technique and it worked a treat.

Cheers

Phil

[MeMe]

........a pal of mine had it made at about £300. Works a treat on an incline but if a very flat beach it aint much good.

[MeMe]

........if you need any firther info, let me know.