American Trailers, size, build quality & living with one.

[cptsideways]

So my new boat came with a mahoosive American aluminium "First Load Trailer". Having done some research it may not quite meet current UK regs, but it was a European supplied one originally according to the plate.

It is fookin massive though, spent most of today adjusting it to fit the boat somewhat better than before. Very well made I must say though, far better any UK built ones I have seen. It's going to be shorter yet as its still a bit to big length wise, but its a big boat too

It has an ally I beam main frame, with galvanised fittings & a hydraulic brakes. No handbrake though, however plan to fit a hydraulic handbrake that you find on rally cars. It'd be easy enough to stick UK brake assemblies on though if its looking sensible.

To start with it looked like this, yes almost as big as the truck next door


Boat has been moved forward, axles more forward & drawbar is next to go back. But its looking more like it should now.



BTW its a Four Winns Sundowner 205 with a 5.7 OMC Cobra that might just be getting a BMW Diesel Transplant

[jyasaki]

Make sure it sinks without the boat on it.

Aluminum trailers have been known to float due to the buoyancy generated by the tires. Some guys have bolted either steel or lead to the back to make sure it sits well planted while recovering.

jky

[AMac]

Yank trailers are great normally well built as well but they do not meet UK or EU regs just be willing to accept that if you have a insurance claim they might not pay out and that a switched on traffic plod or vosa my want some beer vouchers in the way of a fine !

[cptsideways]

It's now somewhat shorter than before & will be fitted with a UK spec towhitch & brakes by the end of the week. It's just within the legal width of 2.55m too.

[Peter_C]

I would recommend switching to quad bunks that are 2x4's fixed in a flat position. The hulls are pretty thin on Four Winns, and need lots of support.