Some boat trailers are equipped with rollers to ease the movement of the boat from the water onto the trailer. Some boat trailers are equipped with flat, carpeted metal pads, called bunks, to support the boat so it is not damaged by the trailer. Whatever the reason for replacing the rollers on your boat trailer with bunks, you probably don't need a trailer shop's help because both rollers and bunks use the same type of attachments.
Items you will need
Adjustable wrench
Torque wrench
Step 1
Mark the location of the front and rear edge of each roller onto the frame with a china marker. Remove the nuts and lock washers, using an adjustable wrench, from the bolts that hold the rollers in place. Lift the bolts from the rollers. Lift the rollers from the trailer. Repeat for all rollers,
Step 2
Position the bunks at the places formerly occupied b y the rollers. Align the rear edge of the bunks with the marks nearest the rear end of the trailer.
Step 3
Drop the bolts through the mounting holes in the bunks. Slide the lock washers in place and thread the nuts onto the bolts as tight as you can with your fingers.
Step 4
Tighten the nuts to 55 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench.
References
- "Boat Trailers and Two Vehicles: A User's Guide"; Steve Henkel; 1991
Writer Bio
Will Charpentier is a writer who specializes in boating and maritime subjects. A retired ship captain, Charpentier holds a doctorate in applied ocean science and engineering. He is also a certified marine technician and the author of a popular text on writing local history.
