launching wheel for the trailer

[Tim]

I thought you guys might like to see what I came up with for a third wheel for the trailer tongue for use in launching the boat from a ramp with a strap. (see new photos posted)

I welded up an arm using a spindle and hub that is the same size as what is on the trailer. I bolt the spare tire for the trailer to the hub. Usually the arm is pinned in the upright position (doubles as the spare tire carrier).To launch the boat I put some sturdy chocks behind the trailer wheels, and unhitch the trailer from the truck. Next I pull a pin, rotate the arm with the spare tire 180 degrees down, repin the arm, lower the tongue jack so the third wheel is bearing the tongue weight, swing the tongue jack up and connect a 30' strap to the trailer and the truck. I then pull the truck and trailer slightly forward, pull out the sturdy chocks and back the trailer into the lake until the boat floats off. I should mention that I do this right at the edge of the water, so that if something should go awry, and the trailer gets away, it doesn't have far to roll into the water..... -Tim

 

[pjacobs55]

Tim,
Very nice job ... and I like the dual-purpose function as spare tire/jockey wheel!

Certainly far superior to my old trailer wheel setup, which let me down when this happened !

http://www3.telus.net/public/prjacobs/wheel.jpg

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

 

[vegatern]

What size truck are you using? Tim, Peter? Craig Tern #1519

 

[pjacobs55]

Craig,
I used a '98 Dodge Turbo Diesel 2 wheel drive 5-speed, 13,000 lb tow package.
Lots of power

http://www3.telus.net/public/prjacobs/haulout.jpg

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

 

[tim_klynn]

I've got an old 1993 f250 4X4 5spd turbo diesel w/a tow package. It does ok. Pulling the boat from NY to Colorado it would only do 45mph up a couple of the mountains of PA, but most of the time I could go the speed limit. The truck still had power, but the exhaust temps were getting too high, so I had to let off the accelerator. An intercooler would help. I think the dodge cummins engine is a better engine. Any of the newer diesels would be fine to pull with. I think they are even making new f150's that might be rated to tow the boat. My guess is that my boat and trailer weigh about 8000 lbs. or so.
Downhills were no problem, as the trailer has brakes on all 4 wheels. Most of the time I didn't have to brake going down the mountain grades, as the windage of the boat kept the speed in check.