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Hoss Trailer Tire advice needed

Detox Don

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I know there were other threads talking about F65 14ST tire replacements but I wanted to run a possible fix for those of us that can't raise the fenders due to the boat sitting on top of them.
I have 2 ideas- First idea is to weld new bunk plates to raise the boat 1" and then reinstall the bunks. Raise the fender to get clearance for 205 75 14 tires.
Second idea was to use thicker lumber on the bunk 2-3x4 and 2- 3x8 which will also raise the boat 1"
I have a Cat hull so my 8" bunks are flat and the 4" bunks are on a very slight angle so I don't see a problem with changing the height and thus not changing how the bunks meet the bottom of the boat.
Does anyone see any other potential problems with my fix? Suggestions on whether plates or thicker lumber is the best way to go?
 

Boat211

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Is it a torsion axle setup? If so, maybe you can raise the trailer a little by adjusting it a spline or two?
 

Detox Don

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Not a torsion axle. Axle is above the springs, so adding a block would have the opposite effect that I need.
 

t&y

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Not a torsion axle. Axle is above the springs, so adding a block would have the opposite effect that I need.
Cheapest would be bunk replacement and really not too hard if you can get the boat off the trailer somewhere you trust it to be docked or beached for a day.

My only concern would be how stiff a 3" or 4" bunk would be compared to a 2". Not sure if the total lack of flex would be an issue or not.
 

Detox Don

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I replaced the bunks last week in Parker while the boat was in the water. Raised the fenders and installed the new wheels and tires. Hauled the boat home (220 miles) with no issue that I can see. New bunks were 1 1/2 taller than old bunks. Tires raised the trailer another inch. I loaded the boat at La Paz County park/ Pirates ramp and everything went as planned. I will post pics when I get them downloaded from my phone.
 

Detox Don

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Pics of new bunks and raised fenders before I installed new wheels and tires.
 

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