Lowering a trailered boat's height on the road...

[Alan D. Hyde]

Other than letting air out of the tires, buying smaller wheels for the trailer or lower-profile tires, or buying a trailer with offset (low) axles, anyone got any brilliant ideas??? :D

Alan

All the high stuff on the flybridge (horns, spotlight, mast) is already off her.

[ 07-31-2003, 05:13 PM: Message edited by: Alan D. Hyde ]

[gary porter]

Alan, how low do you want to go? You should be able to clear bridges at 18'
We just had our Gillnetter brought up from Homer (600 miles) and we had to remove
the flying bridge, exhaust pipe, heater pipe, Center mast and cross tree, stabilizers,
and thats about it but for a normal boat I think you would be a bit limited as to what you can easily take off. How far are you going and where to? Some trailers have very heavy duty wheels and tires but they are low profile, similar to what you see on a low boy. If its getting into or out of a shop issue and not bridges then you can get some used wheels and leave off the tires if it will clear the axle bolts etc. drag it in or out then change the wheels. Thats how we got our last boat out of the shop as I finishe it on the trailer,,,,won't do that anymore.
Gary...... smile.gif

[Mr. Know It All]

Most low bridges are at least 13' 6" high or more. Especially on the interstate or US routes. Some trucker road map books will show the location of a "lower bridge". Trees are another story. You will have to plan a route and keep an eye on the trees too Alan. We live and learn. :D

[Paul Scheuer]

If you don't want to buy the whole drop-axle trailer, you might be able to replace just the axle assembly. I think Performance Trailers is near your neighborhood, or maybe you could find a wreck with a good drop axle.

How far down do you have to go ?

Of course you've heard the joke that ends ".. I don't see no cops, man, go for it"..

[Wayne Jeffers]

Alan,

The cheapest way to drop the whole rig a few inches is to switch the axle from below the springs to above the springs. The U-bolts should be strong enough, although I'm not sure what they should be torqued to. You'll have to raise the fenders accordingly so the tires don't ground out on them going over a bump.

I wouldn't run the tires lower than the recommended air pressure. Low pressure can generate enough heat to cause a blow-out, and that's one of the last things you want to deal with on moving day.

If you change tire sizes, make sure you get tires rated for trailer duty. This is an important safety issue for heavy trailers. You probably knew that. smile.gif

If you map out the route, the highway patrol should be able to tell you the minimum clearance you'll encounter on the way (at least if you're on State highways, rather than county roads.) Or there may be web sites to provide this information to truckers.

Are you bringing the CC home or taking it to launch? :cool:

Wayne

[Alan D. Hyde]

Some good suggestions.

Thanks.

There's a story to tell, Wayne, but I can't tell it yet. :(

Alan

[gary porter]

Alan, if you have a serious problem you might be able to take the fly bridge off. Depends on the boat it might not be that hard.
Gary

[Alan D. Hyde]

Thanks, Gary.

Things have changed since I made the original post, but that may help someone else.

I'll fill y'all in when I'm able to do so.

Alan

[Wayne Jeffers]

Pictures!

We need lots of pictures.

:D

Wayne