Converting a trailer from Runners to rollers

[Julie]

Question really… is it possible to convert a trailer with runners to rollers? If so, which company should I order the rollers from, and is it easy to do?

I have 3 small keel rollers, but 2 large runners either side. To launch/recover I get the trailer ½ way in the water. I’ve seen people with roller trailers recovering in much less water.

My trailer is from SNIPE and I mailed and called them, but they don’t seem to be the most responsive company around! My current trailer JUST fits in my garage with about an inch to spare and I also have a sturdy custom built jockey wheel and an extra winch on it, hence I would rather convert it, rather than buying a new one.

Where I go the slipways often dry out at certain times of the tide, and in many cases have a dirty great drop at the end. I just thought having a roller trailer would give me more choices. The terminology in the above post maybe dodgy, but I hope you get the drift?

Thanks
Julie

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by Julie

The terminology in the above post maybe dodgy, but I hope you get the drift?

Hi Julie, I can't answer your specific question (would have though you can convert it - but no experience) - but you might find more by searching for the term "Bunks" rather than "Runners".

[Bigmuz7]

Give us a pic of your trailer then because most roller sets have brackets that can be bolted using U bolts etc to existing formwork very easily, so it shouldnt be a hard job really , but a piccy would help to see what you need

[Julie]

Originally Posted by Bigmuz7

Give us a pic of your trailer then

Posting a pic! Now you're asking.... just about managing to reply..... I'll be back...

[Julie]

Managed it....! So it's the long bunks/runner that I want to convert.....

Thanks

[Hightower]

To do this properly you'll need two swinging beams with rollers mounted on these, but I would hazard a guess that this won't be a cheap option unless you can find a really cheap trailer parts suppliers.

The reason that most roller trailers are so good at recovering is because of these swinging beams as it helps to position and lift the RIB into place without creating much friction.

A possible way forward is to cut the bunks down in size to support the forward section of the RIB (this will save money by not needing a swinging beam and two roller banks) and look at one swinging beam on the back.

I think that this design is a really good compromise in enabling easy recovery and launch and giving the boat maximum support on the road.

I'm sure that others will have other suggestions, but have you thought of selling your trailer and buying a new one? There are plenty of deals to be had on trailers that might surprise you.

[Julie]

Originally Posted by Hightower

I'm sure that others will have other suggestions, but have you thought of selling your trailer and buying a new one? There are plenty of deals to be had on trailers that might surprise you.

Yes that was my first option. But just wondered about converting, rather than faffing around transfering my extra bits onto a new one.

What other trailer companies are about other than SNIPE?

Thanks

[Hightower]

Originally Posted by Julie

What other trailer companies are about other than SNIPE?

Thanks

There's loads.

I used De Draaff Trailers after Admiral let me down. I got a few upgrades that I specced chucked in and it was already a good price. IMHO is one of the best value dealers in the country.

degraafftrailers

However, be warned! There will be a landslide of other opinions that are sure to come, so please consider all options.

It's just a case of comparing the retro fit rollers onto your existing trailer verses selling your trailer and buying new.

[Hightower]

Julie,

They've got some better deals on EBay too

degraaff

[Hightower]

Oh and one last thing that might be of interest. They have retractable drawbars, which might make parking it your garage easier.