Stevo_fishes Posted May 25 Share Posted May 25 Hey yall, I’ve had this old nitro for a year and some change. It’s been a great boat and we’ve taken it out several times. When I bought it last year the previous owner showed us where some rust/ damage on the support bars of the trailer. Figured this was normal as it’s a tube trailer. It seems to have gotten slightly worse, but I believe there’s still time to fix it. I believe if I use two metal plates and sandwich the old part of the trailer then secure with big bolts it should hold for a few more years. However I’m open to any suggestions. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User gimruis Posted May 26 Super User Share Posted May 26 I believe @Susky River Rat is a welder so maybe he can offer his opinion. If it was my trailer, I’d be looking for a new one. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susky River Rat Posted May 26 Share Posted May 26 first and for most check into anything legal related. Just because you could do something doesn’t mean it’s legal to do so with the DOT. Also ones you start altering the trailer you are 100% liable. If your trailer breaks going down the highway and kills a family you are getting sued and you will not win because you altered the original build of the trailer. That being said It’s time for a new trailer. It looks like the weld to the bunk is starting to crack on the upper left toe of the weld in that picture. the sandwich idea I’d do if I was taking the boat straight to get a new trailer. Drilling holes in a rotted frame just weakens it more. You will end up tearing the bolts out. The frame is still going to twist putting all the stress on the flange of the thin channel. it looks like you’d be on quite the hunt to find good material if you were going to go the welding root. You’d have to cut about 3/4 of an inch out on the left side to get to better material. The right side your just have to grind down bulls you’d cut the bunk bracket out and reweld that in when you get a new piece. Then I’d weld another gusset in. DO NOT grind the welds. Structural steel is basically 3/16 and up by AWS standards. Anything below that is considered sheet metal. This is your best bet for longevity. I still recommend a new trailer ASAP. @gimruis it’s a holiday weekend and you get me talking shop 😂😂 glad to help though. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airshot Posted May 26 Share Posted May 26 If the rest of the trailer is anything like what is in the pics, get a new trailer !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User MN Fisher Posted May 26 Super User Share Posted May 26 It's new trailer time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevo_fishes Posted May 26 Author Share Posted May 26 I agree, most of the trailer is solid, just under the cross member is where the damage is. I’ll probably get it repaired some way just to buy some time. Any trailer recommendations? It’s a ‘96 nitro 180 fs. 17.5 feet long Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User Way2slow Posted May 27 Super User Share Posted May 27 Too bad you are not closer to Macon Ga. I have a 17' Stratos I'm about to dispose of that has a good trailer under it, but two new tires and the round trip would probably cost more than the trailers worth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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