Converting Utility Trailer -> Boat Trailer

trekkiejt · 07-16-2012, 04:29 AM

Hello all, I am converting a utility trailer to a boat trailer and want to keep it fairly original as I plan to be hauling some light stuff (besides the boat)with it also. Here is the trailer: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...duct_7262_7262. Adding a longer tongue is going to be the easy part, attaching the bunk board brackets is the hard part. Here is what they look like: http://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Roller.../dp/B002MYTV7U. The brackets affix with a U-bolt around the frame. The problem is that the frame on my trailer is in an open "P" shape (see below). My question is how do I attach these brackets without bending my trailer frame up? The loop of the bolt would have to go over the flap (the in side) and the bracket on the flat side (the out side) I think.
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| |_ (end view)

The boat by the way is a 12 foot flat bottom Jon boat. I am also adding DIY guards on the back and a DIY post up front to tie the boat to.

Mort · 07-16-2012, 08:46 PM

A metal sleeve in between the frame rails? If I'm picking up what you're throwing down, that would work.

Also, make sure to water proof everything, including the lighting. Marine grease the bearings, the whole bit.

trekkiejt · 07-16-2012, 11:50 PM

I'm not sure what you mean about a metal sleeve between the rails. Please elaborate.

A friend suggested getting some short pieces of square iron tubing with an external diameter the same as the gap on the inside of the rail an the width of the "flap" to brace it. Is that really feasible?

**BigJim** · 07-17-2012, 10:36 AM

You might want to beef the tongue up a little and run side braces, on that trailer it is a little flimsy.

Mort · 07-17-2012, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trekkiejt

I'm not sure what you mean about a metal sleeve between the rails. Please elaborate.

A friend suggested getting some short pieces of square iron tubing with an external diameter the same as the gap on the inside of the rail an the width of the "flap" to brace it. Is that really feasible?

I wasn't really understanding, so disregard.

trekkiejt · 07-17-2012, 10:53 AM

I think I could manage that. Are you sure I'd need to? The boat, gear, and add-ons are only about 150 lbs added to that 120 pound trailer.

07-16-2012, 04:29 AM	#1
trekkiejt Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 52	Converting Utility Trailer -> Boat Trailer Hello all, I am converting a utility trailer to a boat trailer and want to keep it fairly original as I plan to be hauling some light stuff (besides the boat)with it also. Here is the trailer: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...duct_7262_7262. Adding a longer tongue is going to be the easy part, attaching the bunk board brackets is the hard part. Here is what they look like: http://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Roller.../dp/B002MYTV7U. The brackets affix with a U-bolt around the frame. The problem is that the frame on my trailer is in an open "P" shape (see below). My question is how do I attach these brackets without bending my trailer frame up? The loop of the bolt would have to go over the flap (the in side) and the bracket on the flat side (the out side) I think. t_ \| \|_ (end view) The boat by the way is a 12 foot flat bottom Jon boat. I am also adding DIY guards on the back and a DIY post up front to tie the boat to. Last edited by trekkiejt; 07-16-2012 at 04:41 AM.

07-16-2012, 08:46 PM	#2
Mort World's Tallest Midget Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Twisp, WA Posts: 484	Converting Utility Trailer -> Boat Trailer A metal sleeve in between the frame rails? If I'm picking up what you're throwing down, that would work. Also, make sure to water proof everything, including the lighting. Marine grease the bearings, the whole bit.

07-16-2012, 11:50 PM	#3
trekkiejt Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 52	Converting Utility Trailer -> Boat Trailer I'm not sure what you mean about a metal sleeve between the rails. Please elaborate. A friend suggested getting some short pieces of square iron tubing with an external diameter the same as the gap on the inside of the rail an the width of the "flap" to brace it. Is that really feasible?

07-17-2012, 10:36 AM	#4
BigJim STAFF Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 4,821	Converting Utility Trailer -> Boat Trailer You might want to beef the tongue up a little and run side braces, on that trailer it is a little flimsy. __________________ New members: Please consider adding your location to your profile, it helps other members to give more accurate answers to your questions. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Jim

07-17-2012, 10:53 AM	#6
trekkiejt Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 52	Converting Utility Trailer -> Boat Trailer I think I could manage that. Are you sure I'd need to? The boat, gear, and add-ons are only about 150 lbs added to that 120 pound trailer.

Converting Utility Trailer -> Boat Trailer