Trailer mods.....thoughts??

[SoCalAngler]

Hello all-

Thinking of some trailer mods and need your input.

I have a 2010 Trailstar trailer for my 2010 Tracker Fishing Barge 21. I want to make a few mods. Here is what I want to do....

1. Current set up has a single bow stop at center line. It is part of the boarding ladder, winch post, bow stop combo

My dilemma is that my TM bracket sits up against the bow stop. Previous owner had to cut the rubber stop down a few inches to get it to fit When loading the TM just before launch, it's a pain in the %$@ to get it hooked up because of the bow stop.

Mods...

I want to cut the bow stop center post down about 6" and remove the bracket with the rubber stop. The is will clear the bow area where my TM bracket is. I then want to fabricate a bracket that spans about 40" across the winch post (perpendicular). I then will add 2 stops...one approximately 18" left of center and one 18" right of center. The stops would be 18" vertical 2"x2" box tubes. perpendicular to cross section and placed at ends. I have seen this set up on other Pontoon trailers.

As for the 18" stops....

Most trailers I have seen use pieces of 2"X4" lumber carpeted over.

Instead of wood......
I am thinking of using 2"W X 18"L X 1-3/4" thick pieces of Dock bumpers. This would create a maintenance free stop and have a little cushion for stopping boat (albeit very little cushion, as the rubber is pretty thick).

The dock stops also come in 4-1/4" wide

Which stop should I use:

2"W X 12"L X 1-3/4" Thick
or....................2"W X 18"L X 4"Thick
or....................4.5"W X 12"L X 4" Thick
or....................4.5"W X 18"L X 4" Thick

Thoughts on my mods??

The white lines in the pics are where I want to add my fabricated bow stop. All material is 2"x2" box tube, except for gussets which will be added in areas for strength.

Thanks!

[lakerunner]

I did something similar to my old tracker trailer before I sold it. I moved my winch hook to the front because being disabled I had trouble reaching it. I had a bracket made that mounted where the old rubber stop bolted and had my ladder attach to new bracket also. I took a piece of diamond plate and made a wide step on top.

Here is the only pic I have

[SoCalAngler]

Looks good....that is what I'm after

[kryptonite]

Sounds like you have it under control. What you have drawn is almost exactly how my trailer is built.

The 2 inch wide stops should work good and match your 2x2 tubing for better looks.

[SoCalAngler]

Here is what I ended up creating....

Just waiting for the rubber bow stops to arrive in mail so I can attach. Now I can install TM with no issues or much fuss. Amazing what a few inches of something removed will do when you are dealing with close quarters.

[Bryden24shp]

Looks Good!

[curtiscapk]

awesome job!

[playcat]

Very nice work!

[redbeard]

Great job man good work.

[lakerunner]

Be sure and have a stop in center also. My first try was kinda like yours and my first hard load bent the bracket. My next one was heavy C channel.

[kryptonite]

Very nice work, looks factory!

[SoCalAngler]

Thanks to all for their kind comments!

It would take a pretty hard bump to bend the ends. If the ramp allows, I always try to pull boat onto trailer with the dock lines, as far as possible, and winch on remainder of way. If I do have to power on, it is done with caution and as slow as possible. NEVER ramming the stop, but just bumping into it.

Thanks again!

[spurhunter]

Looks great! I am working on a similar

[GXPWeasel]

Looks great!