Trailer refurb.

[Hightower]

Just going through the basics in getting my new package up together and am systematically getting through loads of different issues that need tender loving care, safety, reliability but to name a couple!

Questions?? I've a snipe brake back multi-roller (16) trailer with only one rubber keel roller just under the bow, this roller has been flattened by the weight of the RIB and will not rotate.

1. Could I replace this roller with a harder more durable nylon equivalent without damaging the keel during transportation?

2. There are four rollers to each bank, with two banks right under the stern (port & starboard) and two banks slightly back from mid-ships (port & starboard). These rollers are acting on the spray rails "chines" at the moment and need moving. Do I move the Banks of rollers towards the keel of my RIB or away slightly, to give the best support to my hull without resting on the spray rails?

Any advice greatly received,

Andy

[jwalker]

What's wrong with the rollers being against the spray rails? They will be much stiffer than the flatter sections of the hull.

Just replace the flattened roller. Take out the split pin (or lever off the retaining washer), chap out the shaft, clean it up with a file, grease it, chap it back in through the new roller and refit the retainer. It'll last a couple of seasons so it's pretty cheap really.

[Hightower]

Just thought that if the rollers were flat against the hull there'd be geater surface contact with the hull = greater suface area = less chance of damage.

As for the keel roller I've already Turned a replacement from nylon because I like the Idea that it's more reliable, it's just a harder material than rubber and having never layed up a hull before I wanted to know if the hull could take a stiffer material.

Andy

[Rogue Wave]

What Make is your Trailer?

[Hightower]

It's a Snipe brake back.

[Ribald]

I could post some piccys of the Snipe trailer that my old Ribcraft 4.8 sat on showing the roller positions if this would help.

Never had any probs with hull deformation or rollers deforming.

[Hightower]

Thanks Peter, that'll be great if you could. Just couldn't live with ones self if I damaged the hull during transport.

Look forward to seeing you photes.

Andy

[Paul F]

The hard plastic/Rubber rollers are not really designed to take all the weight as they will flatten. Try raising the other rollers to take some of the weight of off the centre rollers. Are you sure that the front of the trailer is not flexing up as you wind the winch on tight.
Hope that might be of some help

[Ribald]

Here goes then.....

Rear rollers:-

[Ribald]

Bow roller:-