Folding boat trailers

Submitted: Monday, Feb 12, 2007 at 20:51

ThreadID: 42236 Views:7233 Replies:7 FollowUps:2

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Johnny boy

Hi all , I was hoping that someone out in cyber 4x4 land could afford some advice on these folding boat trailers as I was away at southwest rocks early last month and almost everyone that had a roof top tinnie had a folding trailer on there caravan I hardly got to use my little tinnie with my 2 boys due to the fact that my wife struggled to help get the boat on and off the roof ( she is not to blame ) and I saw that a fellow had a brand called little bull dog it was great but a little to much in the coin department ,I saw a few brands but was most Impressed with a home made unit which is something I'm thinking about, my worry is will the authorities rego the thing once finished or am I wasting my time ?? this was very simple a 40x40 draw bar that folds in half ,a 40x40 RHS axle with a 300mm length that accepts the draw bar welded in the centre bolt on guards and little 10 or 12" wheels with stub axle that slips into 40x40 RHS this is only going to be towed at low speed for a few K ms at most , I hope I can get some useful advise from you guys as I want to make this before easter !! so wish me luck.

Regards J,B.

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Reply By: Mikee5 (QLD) - Monday, Feb 12, 2007 at 21:59

Monday, Feb 12, 2007 at 21:59

The was discussed on the forum recently. Use the search facility and you will find a lot on the subject. From memory forumites have said rego'ing a home made trailer is pretty difficult now a days. There are aluminium folding trailers as well, could be worth a look.
Mike.

AnswerID: 221313

Follow Up By: Johnny boy - Wednesday, Feb 14, 2007 at 12:23

Wednesday, Feb 14, 2007 at 12:23

Hi Mike , I did try a search but only found a small amount on folding trailers and was hoping someone had made one and was able to share their knowledge I might not have been using the search facility properly ?? I will try again thanx for the reply.

Regards J.B.

FollowupID: 482361

Reply By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Monday, Feb 12, 2007 at 22:07

Monday, Feb 12, 2007 at 22:07

JB, yes they are a bit expensive. I did a bit of research and decided on an aluminium one for the weight as I carry in on the draw bar of my CT along with heaps of other stuff. I chose an Almac trailer, then was lucky enough to find a second hand one that I got for a bit less than half price.

They are a pretty simple device, so making one yourself should not be too difficult if you are handy. Most (including mine) have no suspension to keep the weight down. This is not a problem as you are only likely to tow short distances anyway.

Like you, I started without a trailer and just used clamp on jockey wheels. Quickly realised that if camping for a few days it is a pain to pack the boat and all the gear up each time you use it. Since getting the trailer we have got a lot more use from the boat.

AnswerID: 221316

Reply By: Sand Man (SA) - Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 07:35

Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 07:35

J.B.

Having a folding boat trailer is not going to resolve to problem in getting the boat off and on the roof.

Perhaps you also need a boat loader?

One of the most practical (and cheapest) is the side loading jobbie.
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The folding trailer is great in getting the boat down to the water, regardless of how far it is from the campsite.

Bill

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AnswerID: 221344

Follow Up By: Johnny boy - Wednesday, Feb 14, 2007 at 12:17

Wednesday, Feb 14, 2007 at 12:17

Thanx sandman that is true but for a matter of taking off and putting it on once in a one or two week stay she said she can handle ,its just evry day or two that makes it hard .

Regards J,B.

FollowupID: 482360

Reply By: Grungle - Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 08:32

Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 08:32

Hi JB,

I went though same thing (but have a camper trailer) in January this year. Go to post 40959 for a readup on what I found plus a lot of valuable discussion from various members on the subject.

Regards
David

AnswerID: 221348

Reply By: snow - Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 09:04

Tuesday, Feb 13, 2007 at 09:04

Hiya Johnny,

My father and I made a folding/collapsible trailer for their 12' tinny,cost a couple of hundred bucks and maybe a couple of hours and a few beers to fabricate. Then had it galvinised before use.

Getting it regoed in Qld was not a problem.

Although there are lot sof similar things around, plenty of people have expressed an interest in the trailer in their travels.

If I had access to a mig I would make another out of alloy...perhaps next time.

BEst of luck.

AnswerID: 221354