roller to bunk trailer--Who has done this?

[Genie Aye]

I have noticed that most of the V-20's in my area are on bunk trailers. I have had it with my roller trailer and want to change it over to a bunk set-up.

Has anyone done this? Those that have bunk trailers--can I get pictures of them? Especially the bunk to trailer brackets and set-ups for bunk lengths and placement.

Thanks for any help.

Genie Aye.

 

[tsubaki]

Hows about keel rollers with bunk supports.

And bunk guide on's.

 

[tsubaki]

I was all ready to convert over to this until I actually used the setup I already had.

My trailer is a 1975 model that came with the boat, just broke the original springs a few weeks ago. As far as I know it is the original setup and hardware on it. The former owners used boat hoists and not ramps to launch the boat.
The hardware for the bunks is the normal stuff you would expect.

But the rollers have a modification I had not seen before. It would appear they replaced the smaller rods and bushings with 1" pipe, it's strong and works very well for this weight boat, launches very easy at a ramp.

At some point I do need to tandem the axle though.
I've tried to look at yours to see if this is possible but can't quite tell if you have enough cross members to do it easily.

 

[cfelton]

I bought a used tandem axle bunk trailer out from under a 26 ft. boat, shortened it up and replaced the 8ft bunks, carpet, keel rollers and brackets. Then I took the cradle roller set off my old v20 trailer, rebuilt it and mounted it about 6ft back from the bow. It really works great. I guess I've got the best of both! The boat rolls and slides on and off really easy. Look at the gallery pics of it and you'll see it. I'll try and get you some pics of it next time I unload the boat.

 

[Genie Aye]

I appreciatte the pictures and info--the length of bunks etc for sure.

I have a cox hd full roller tandem axle trailer--the roller set up never comes on straight--I have checked and adjusted the rollers etc, etc. I have tried different depths, angles etc for getting the boat straight--does not happen. It makes me feel like a idiot when I have to back the boat in agian deeper and pull the rear over to get it half way straight.

I have seen a local boat (50 miles north) with a center keel boards(2) and 2 outer bunks.

I have two crossmembers to work with now and a third up front. I can add another if needed. Keep the info and pictures coming --please!!

 

[cfelton]

I've seen keel rollers that have a groove cut from the outer edges towards the middle that centers the keel as the boat rolls onto the trailer. They might help.

 

[joe7670]

I converted my trailer from roller to bunk. The bunk to trailer hardware is identical to that in tsubaki's picture above. Very easy conversion on my trailer as I had 3" crossmembers.

The type of bracket will depend on the trailer crossmembers.

I have a friend that works at a trailer shop and here is a copy of the bunk info from their catalog.

 

[reelapeelin]

I converted my trailer from roller to bunk. The bunk to trailer hardware is identical to that in tsubaki's picture above. Very easy conversion on my trailer as I had 3" crossmembers.

The type of bracket will depend on the trailer crossmembers.

I have a friend that works at a trailer shop and here is a copy of the bunk info from their catalog.

Genie...the bunks Joe shows above from his buddies' catalog are what I highly recommend...just remove all the roller brackets from the trailer frame and go back w/the large, heavy bunks like in tsubaki's pic above...that trailer belongs to a friend of mine and is set up for a 24' Everglades...cradles it nicely...it'll end your trailer woes and provide the best support for your V20...you'll probably have to add one or two keel-rollers to catch the bow as it comes on/off the trailer...the self-centering roller mentioned above would be a good choice...take some pics of how you set it up and let us know...

 

[spareparts]

Genie, post a close up pick of your roller brackets, I think you can do a quick easy conversion if you have the brackets I think you have. I have converted several roller trailers to bunks and it looks liek you have the kind I'm thinking of, but I need a close up to tell for sure.

 

[randlemanboater]

I had a Cox roller trailer one time with a 19ft center console, it rarely worked right so I feel your pain, I'd end up getting 2 or 3 guys to pick up the boat and straighten it after trying 3 times on the ramp.

Bunks are the way to go!!!!

 

[Genie Aye]

Genie, post a close up pick of your roller brackets, I think you can do a quick easy conversion if you have the brackets I think you have. I have converted several roller trailers to bunks and it looks liek you have the kind I'm thinking of, but I need a close up to tell for sure.

I will get pictures ASAP.

Thanks everyone--keep it coming. Is there a reason you put the runners on end instead of width of board??

 

[Genie Aye]

I had a Cox roller trailer one time with a 19ft center console, it rarely worked right so I feel your pain, I'd end up getting 2 or 3 guys to pick up the boat and straighten it after trying 3 times on the ramp.

Bunks are the way to go!!!!

Sounds like cox had a issue with the people setting up the rollers or just their design--I was thinking I was the only spass around at the ramp!! LOL

 

[reelapeelin]

I will get pictures ASAP.

Thanks everyone--keep it coming. Is there a reason you put the runners on end instead of width of board??

MUCH more strength across the length of the bunker standing up like that...and that's the key to distributing the load over as much area as possible to protect the bottom of your hull...

 

[randlemanboater]

Sounds like cox had a issue with the people setting up the rollers or just their design--I was thinking I was the only spass around at the ramp!! LOL

I think it was the boat bottom not being compatable with the roller system, the roller would catch on an edge and not let it slide into place.

It would have worked great with a smooth bottom boat.

 

[Genie Aye]

I got the switch over done!! Had to move the front cross support back and then mounted 4 2x6 weather treated boards--covered with carpet--and did some moving around of the supports and dropped them 1 inch. I will get pictures ASAP---

Best part is boat comes on straight every time now!!!

 

[Destroyer]

Look on eBay... there are strips that you put on the bunk tops. Supposed to make the boat slide off and on much easier. Not sure how long they will last...but the idea seems sound.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/REPL...6746029QQptZBoatQ5fPartsQ5fAccessoriesQ5fGear

 

[briguyny]

I am looking for a trailer for a newly purchased 1993 V21. In your experience what is the best trailer and set-up possible for me? I can modify if necessary, but would prefer a model/specific type that works well straight out of the box. I'm sure this won't be the case though so if anyone has the "perfect" setup I would appreciate your insight. I will not be trailering it much but when I do it will be about 100 miles each way and I will be dropping it into a lake. I'm sure you guys are proud of the trailer concoctions you have built over the years and if there is something you feel is best please share it. Bunk? Rollers? A Combination? What is best?

 

[Genie Aye]

I have had both on this boat--the bunk is the way to GO!! I had to change mine from a roller to do it--but about 6 hours and it was all set up and works AWESOME--straight everytime now.

My cameras are both dead right now--but I am headed out fishing for the next 3 days and will take a some pictures on my phone and post them first of next week. I would also get a tandem axle.

And congrats agian on your new V-21--ya thief!!

 

[briguyny]

Thanks Genie, I look forward to seeing those pics and the setup you ran. Happy fishing.

 

[Genie Aye]

Here are the pictures with the boat on the trailer--I will try and get some this week when I head out fishing and have the boat off. Questions are welcome of course.

Sorry it took so long.