bouncing trailer

[Bruce Yeaton]

I took the boat for an hour ride today and noticed it bounced down the road like a ball on some of the bumps.



This all started when I repostioned the boat on the trailer forward 6" like it comes from the factory. The tires are inflated properly at 50lbs.



Before I repostioned the boat, there was little bounce but it was way too tongue light.



My only question would be, is there another winch mount available that I can position the bow back about 3"?

 

[Michael Snow]

Is the trailer level when hooked to the boat? That can cause the problems you're referring to as well.

 

[Casey Campbell]

Bruce,



The factory likes to have the boat balanced as evenly as possible on the trailer, because they believe this will cause the least short-term problems with trailering, and the hull itself, when mounted up to the multitude of vehichles we tie these things to. And I'm sure they're right. When perfectly balanced, however, your trailer will bounce the most. But, to me, getting the bounce out will serve you and your boat better in the long run. First, get a transom saver for your motor. Alot of dealers will not deliver lighter engines with one, and I admit alot of manufacturers don't trailer some boats to accept one, but not having one with most larger motors and positioning your boat further back puts more strain on your hull (you may have one, but couldn't see it in your pics...) Having more support on the stern of your boat will lessen the likelyhood of boat troubles, while still keeping your center of gravity on the back of your trailer. Buy a single BoatBuckle to attach to your trailer to augment the winch strap. As long as you're not over-stressing your bow's u-bolt winch mount, you're golden...

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

The trailer is fairly level, and I do have a transom saver.



My guess is that the added weight of the extra battery for the 24V tm and the 6" set back of the engine is aiding in the bounce.



On smooth roads it tows like a dream though...

 

[Staci Matheis]

Bruce -



Your TV-18 is a relatively light boat..... Take a look at the "Max Load Capacity" for your tires on the sidewall; that is what each of your tires can carry when inflated to 50#.



Now..... I DO NOT RECOMMEND carryiung your tires a great deal below that 50#..... BUT, you could safely go down to about 40# to reduce the spring rate.



PLEASE! CHECK YOUR TIRE INFLATIONS RERGULARLY!

Underinflated tires flex a great deal,

build up heat

and FAIL.



If you don't already have them, radial tires are built to flex more than bias and will considerably cushion your boat's ride.



me!

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

me! - tires are radials, new last year. I had the valve stems replaced last week and the tires were inflated to 50lbs.



Aside of the bouncing, the trailer tows great behind the truck. I think I need to move the boat back 3" on the trailer to compensate for the extra battery and motor being set back 6". Seems most of the weight is closer to the axle, which may be creating the reaction.

 

[Staci Matheis]

Try dropping your inflation to 40#.