Anyone built their own electric trailer dolly?

[Instigator]

Still adapting to my new 40’ long shop and getting my 25’ twin OB Checkmate tucked in.

W/only one car door in the center of the barn I can only get it so close to the side wall and out of the way when hooked to the truck.

Can pickup a bunch of space if I could push the tongue over, another 2 or 3’.

Trailer is tandem axle w/450 lb tongue weight so yah ain’t doin it by hand.

They are available new but they look pretty basic and may build one.

Motor size, speed, capacity would be key.

Thx for any info you guys may have.

[XstreamVking]

I didn't build it but I saw a cool one built by a guy at a marina to move big boats. He used a car starter motor with drive sprockets and heavy chain. It had 4 wheels, 2 on a solid axle, two that pivoted and a ball in the center. Battery on a tray. Long T handle to steer with. Had switches mounted on the handle. it was heavy duty! About 2'x2' 10'' tires. Would handle the gravel boat yard surface pretty good.

[LakeFever]

I saw a very cool one this summer too. I meant to take pics of it but we had stopped at a sand bar and my phone was in the boat. Anyways very slick unit it was about 3’ wide by 4’ long. 4x4 with golfcart turf track tires on it. Ran on four large 12v batteries. The owner said it works fine with two but having four gave it better traction. It was run by wireless remote and it had a tractor type sulky seat on it. The frame was a basic rectangle shape. No suspension. Dual chain drive ( front and back ) with a single drive shaft using two sprockets. I didn’t take too close a look at the steering but it was servo controlled of some kind. The ball mount was near center of the dolly. He drove that thing a few hundred yards from the parking lot over to the sand bar dragging his 18’ inboard over some terrain a 2x4 truck would not travel. I was very impressed by it. He said it was entirely home built and inexpensive. It didn’t have an expensive look to it but it sure had an impressive build quality and its performance spoke for itself. If I see it again I will take pics

[Instigator]

Couple of tid bits:

Has to be small so I don’t lose my shop space.

Found a great YouTube video of a home build that use an electric winch motor but was tons of fab work which reminded me that I sold my welder and metal cutting band saw to help the move!

Was already toying with/the idea of using my come along which would be easy as the 8” x 8” posts are exposed so easy attach point.

Ive got a saved search on Craigslist e-bay so we’ll see what pops.

Found a new/used, factory built version for $500 and after watching that YouTube video on fabbing one……, buying one sounds way better!

[VkingMike]

I was going to attempt this a few years back, but abandoned the project. They're a great idea, but I do feel it would have ended up costing me more than it was worth lol

[Instigator]

A 100 yrs ago I bought one of the 2 wheeled manual version thinking I had just discovered electricity!

I had 21’ Laser on a tandem trailer at the time.
That thing was worthless!

15’ on a single axle trailer on a smooth, level surface maybe.

Anything else was a joke.

Im liking my come along idea the more I think about it.

Ill screw an eye into the wall post to pull it over, back the truck in where it needs to be then hook to hitch on the truck to pull it back over.

Could get fancy and go to Harbor Freight for an electric winch ��


I was going to attempt this a few years back, but abandoned the project. They're a great idea, but I do feel it would have ended up costing me more than it was worth lol

[Instigator]

$55!

This actually the unit the guy used for his home build.

https://www.harborfreight.com/2000-lb-utility-trailer-winch-with-steel-rope-57365.html

[David - WI]

Warn makes a 1,000# AC electric winch, works good for what it is... power in, power out (extend): https://www.northerntool.com/products/warn-pullzall-120-volt-handheld-electric-pulling-tool-winch-1000-lb-capacity-model-885000-147026

545424

[Dain]

I briefly looked into something similar a few years ago when I was struggling to get my car hauler around the house and into the back yard. Turns out, the legit ones are pretty expensive lol, and they take up a lot of room when not in use. I didn't think I could really build anything better than what I found either. If it was smaller and less expensive, it likely wouldn't have worked well enough. Then I asked my FIL if I could park it at his house, and now that is where the boat stays lol.

[bouyhead]

Would a front mounted hitch work? My neighbor has the original parkit 360 trailer dolly, incredibly slow but works well on hard, even surfaces. Thought of building one also but we all know were talking days of fabbing up something good. Iv'e seen the parkit 360 on marketplace for as cheap as $500.
545425545426

[skialot2]

How about these electric trailer dollies. A clamp on or a weld on. pretty cheap.

(https://www.ebay.com/itm/176704031592?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110018%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.COMPLISTINGS%26ao%3D1%26as c%3D292799%2C292121%26meid%3D11a16d8735e14781aab1643cd828d0d3%26pid%3D101196%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D12%26s d%3D405982526310%26itm%3D176704031592%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2332490%26algv%3DCompVIDesktopATF2V 6ReplaceKnnV4WithVectorDbNsOptHotPlRecall%26brand%3DUnbranded&_trksid=p2332490.c101196.m2219&itmprp=cksum%3A17670403159211a16d8735e14781aab1643cd828d0d3%7Cenc%3AAQAKAAABMLgtLPsIDyOlK9%252Be8kjA sUURj4VBY1igy96vvNET9itpl3hF609JhQhCcnA33oSuVDFkWgW3PitgfhoQVULyYOXTQm%252Fz9YeveHwfnP2sNw5Av9imnCZV JSMKiLhXPc%252Fo%252BvI8qgtaDZrKmutYs7tj%252FWcTloVl7uhQWnNCiPYGxsoZjXu37xuJtfzSUgIOzKUmEuIbDX3rPrxa zBwuWhDActxx9AJLUXUjbrkorCE9Yhr5eJGpXKYQKAKAMhGNIyoOcPxhFIppbC1iXZyqDz6uSRvUL2nqndDVbLc5t%252BA0IDhr uAEOPiguEEfNRcqJQ4dv8Jn3LHFdKrUEK50XOy7w0f834aBADxLdBhNYvXDbne3EVWhr%252F88fEBBB15YrwFA6H6D%252B4x%2 52FmOm9i%252Fw6%252FdvbRnBk%253D%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2332490&epid=11074563791&itmmeta=01K5YFCK0VP6R2E8YZA55N2ZZV)Electric Trailer Dolly, 5000lbs Towing Capacity, 350W 12V Trailer Jockey Wheel | eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/365364463078?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110018%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.COMPLISTINGS%26ao%3D1%26as c%3D292799%2C292121%26meid%3D11a16d8735e14781aab1643cd828d0d3%26pid%3D101196%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D12%26s d%3D405982526310%26itm%3D365364463078%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2332490%26algv%3DCompVIDesktopATF2V 6ReplaceKnnV4WithVectorDbNsOptHotPlRecall&_trksid=p2332490.c101196.m2219&itmprp=cksum%3A36536446307811a16d8735e14781aab1643cd828d0d3%7Cenc%3AAQAKAAABILgtLPsIDyOlK9%252Be8kjA sUURj4VBY1igy96vvNET9itpl3hF609JhQhCcnA33oSuVDFkWgW3PitgfhoQVULyYOWDq8sBcgfA6LAcs9fwVv%252BC54ja6KSR xgq060I29gwqYjpC0lw%252BLZLzdM7vGT4dDoPmS66Wedrgx3FtOhzCDfHd9SEhqjtFfFzodxbk31V%252FldZOSTQ5b6gcjU%2 52BOPQj5Fy0ZfAGtGcVytMjGVSO%252F%252B%252BeEoJYEiuqzoCZKZR9zTk5bvfwqaFPUkqjImtD2d9xamd7h5uPR%252B6Jf aJl%252BSCDpgXbFmUKtPBfS6Z%252FUIx%252B6TaObqiYszdbI6Mv6yKRcqJmx7Jz6OWszmy0CYKjNJ%252BLNCA2bnzE%252B P9xcN5IAkBLIduS0Jw%253D%253D%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2332490&itmmeta=01K5YFCK0TK5N2684SPK67W9SF)

5000lbs Motorized Trailer Jack Wheel 350W Electric Mover Dolly Adjustable | eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/176704031592?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110018%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.COMPLISTINGS%26ao%3D1%26as c%3D292799%2C292121%26meid%3D11a16d8735e14781aab1643cd828d0d3%26pid%3D101196%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D12%26s d%3D405982526310%26itm%3D176704031592%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2332490%26algv%3DCompVIDesktopATF2V 6ReplaceKnnV4WithVectorDbNsOptHotPlRecall%26brand%3DUnbranded&_trksid=p2332490.c101196.m2219&itmprp=cksum%3A17670403159211a16d8735e14781aab1643cd828d0d3%7Cenc%3AAQAKAAABMLgtLPsIDyOlK9%252Be8kjA sUURj4VBY1igy96vvNET9itpl3hF609JhQhCcnA33oSuVDFkWgW3PitgfhoQVULyYOXTQm%252Fz9YeveHwfnP2sNw5Av9imnCZV JSMKiLhXPc%252Fo%252BvI8qgtaDZrKmutYs7tj%252FWcTloVl7uhQWnNCiPYGxsoZjXu37xuJtfzSUgIOzKUmEuIbDX3rPrxa zBwuWhDActxx9AJLUXUjbrkorCE9Yhr5eJGpXKYQKAKAMhGNIyoOcPxhFIppbC1iXZyqDz6uSRvUL2nqndDVbLc5t%252BA0IDhr uAEOPiguEEfNRcqJQ4dv8Jn3LHFdKrUEK50XOy7w0f834aBADxLdBhNYvXDbne3EVWhr%252F88fEBBB15YrwFA6H6D%252B4x%2 52FmOm9i%252Fw6%252FdvbRnBk%253D%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2332490&epid=11074563791&itmmeta=01K5YFCK0VP6R2E8YZA55N2ZZV)

[skialot2]

A real one

Electric Trailer Dolly | eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/197714242461?_skw=trailer+dolly&itmmeta=01K5YGEXD6JSV3MJMVPVNRBPJT&hash=item2e08afeb9d:g:L8gAAeSwT7JozyA9&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1d3ejyO1by%2BlCsvLCHsIm0jdwrpbwKK31q1KvkVvCQpqAf87%2BNDRdC Md8elqFWA6aSPxMdXshnHZEP8n2mMgjh7Z%2FVIbxBzslnrUTxJkGfJx8WHbXCbs43rGRwBk4qDDGwmAswwsHz4ipYnCfVgrf7ch 2PS96cpw3mu0fgzjEOJAQbY%2BiQgaa%2FZjMgpP55%2BwvcrhSIRnYU8jhvyQmRDhDlGh34Y6bTHIyqXj0HtF3OokAKMuCB98bo hrMO4EqxfK0UwleyN3%2BvI0qKlyYp9l6lu96mcho--5ZIo60IoNZVdLw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBM8ta70K9m)

[skialot2]

Brand new at Tractor supply for $899

Goodyear Electric Trailer Dolly, GUO103 at Tractor Supply Co (https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/goodyear-electric-trailer-dolly-guo103-2528197?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=shopping&BU=TSCO&campaignid=627558462&device=c&product_id=2528197&matchtype=e&bidmatchtype=be&network=o&keyword=default&msclkid=3fbb643baf221d00bac70cef92c24f33&utm_campaign=TTH*CAT*Sustain%20PMax%20Shopping&utm_term=2332888796697281&utm_content=TTH%20LOB)

[KIRCHNER]

i spent 900 the biggest P O S. a real joke. ad shows it pullin all kinds junk on grass dirt gravel boat with a 40 hp. maybe a alum jon boat, never go up shallow driveway. its dangerous. booklet says 2 degree incline max in small print. now im done,Art what a burn!

[FUJIMO]

...the front of the truck ball does work well. and is cheap. like we all are...;)...

[FUJIMO]

...450 pounds of tongue weight sounds a bit much...

[KIRCHNER]

...450 pounds of tongue weight sounds a bit much...
make sure your hospitaalization policy is paid up! lol

[ThatguyDave]

I'm kicking myself for not taking a picture of it. There is a guy in west philly who houses the university's crew boats and most everything else that floats. He built an electric tow rig from light duty 4wd dual solid axle truck frame. It was just the axles and the frame with a few feet chopped out of it and a Golf Card drive axle with its electric motor and differential sitting in a weird twisted up configuration so it could mate with both drive axle's U joints. Very slick......

[skialot2]

...450 pounds of tongue weight sounds a bit much...


10-15% of total trailer gross weight is proper recommended tongue weight for proper handling. A 3000lb rig should have up to 450 lbs. of tongue weight. He's got a big boat.

[Instigator]

...450 pounds of tongue weight sounds a bit much...

Boat is heavier than people think.

It is also rigged as a cruiser, not a fly weight day boat.

Although it is easy to convert back to that ��

PS, it took that much tongue weight to tow well as well.

[Instigator]

Is on my watch list 😉



A real one

Electric Trailer Dolly | eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/197714242461?_skw=trailer+dolly&itmmeta=01K5YGEXD6JSV3MJMVPVNRBPJT&hash=item2e08afeb9d:g:L8gAAeSwT7JozyA9&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1d3ejyO1by%2BlCsvLCHsIm0jdwrpbwKK31q1KvkVvCQpqAf87%2BNDRdC Md8elqFWA6aSPxMdXshnHZEP8n2mMgjh7Z%2FVIbxBzslnrUTxJkGfJx8WHbXCbs43rGRwBk4qDDGwmAswwsHz4ipYnCfVgrf7ch 2PS96cpw3mu0fgzjEOJAQbY%2BiQgaa%2FZjMgpP55%2BwvcrhSIRnYU8jhvyQmRDhDlGh34Y6bTHIyqXj0HtF3OokAKMuCB98bo hrMO4EqxfK0UwleyN3%2BvI0qKlyYp9l6lu96mcho--5ZIo60IoNZVdLw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBM8ta70K9m)

[Instigator]

I saw and liked those but as high as my tongue has to go to clear the trailer ball on my truck, I can’t see it not breaking.

We are currently out of town but I will try the come along method as soon as we return.

Zero cost, no storage issues and no power required.


How about these electric trailer dollies. A clamp on or a weld on. pretty cheap.

(https://www.ebay.com/itm/176704031592?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110018%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.COMPLISTINGS%26ao%3D1%26as c%3D292799%2C292121%26meid%3D11a16d8735e14781aab1643cd828d0d3%26pid%3D101196%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D12%26s d%3D405982526310%26itm%3D176704031592%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2332490%26algv%3DCompVIDesktopATF2V 6ReplaceKnnV4WithVectorDbNsOptHotPlRecall%26brand%3DUnbranded&_trksid=p2332490.c101196.m2219&itmprp=cksum%3A17670403159211a16d8735e14781aab1643cd828d0d3%7Cenc%3AAQAKAAABMLgtLPsIDyOlK9%252Be8kjA sUURj4VBY1igy96vvNET9itpl3hF609JhQhCcnA33oSuVDFkWgW3PitgfhoQVULyYOXTQm%252Fz9YeveHwfnP2sNw5Av9imnCZV JSMKiLhXPc%252Fo%252BvI8qgtaDZrKmutYs7tj%252FWcTloVl7uhQWnNCiPYGxsoZjXu37xuJtfzSUgIOzKUmEuIbDX3rPrxa zBwuWhDActxx9AJLUXUjbrkorCE9Yhr5eJGpXKYQKAKAMhGNIyoOcPxhFIppbC1iXZyqDz6uSRvUL2nqndDVbLc5t%252BA0IDhr uAEOPiguEEfNRcqJQ4dv8Jn3LHFdKrUEK50XOy7w0f834aBADxLdBhNYvXDbne3EVWhr%252F88fEBBB15YrwFA6H6D%252B4x%2 52FmOm9i%252Fw6%252FdvbRnBk%253D%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2332490&epid=11074563791&itmmeta=01K5YFCK0VP6R2E8YZA55N2ZZV)Electric Trailer Dolly, 5000lbs Towing Capacity, 350W 12V Trailer Jockey Wheel | eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/365364463078?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110018%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.COMPLISTINGS%26ao%3D1%26as c%3D292799%2C292121%26meid%3D11a16d8735e14781aab1643cd828d0d3%26pid%3D101196%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D12%26s d%3D405982526310%26itm%3D365364463078%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2332490%26algv%3DCompVIDesktopATF2V 6ReplaceKnnV4WithVectorDbNsOptHotPlRecall&_trksid=p2332490.c101196.m2219&itmprp=cksum%3A36536446307811a16d8735e14781aab1643cd828d0d3%7Cenc%3AAQAKAAABILgtLPsIDyOlK9%252Be8kjA sUURj4VBY1igy96vvNET9itpl3hF609JhQhCcnA33oSuVDFkWgW3PitgfhoQVULyYOWDq8sBcgfA6LAcs9fwVv%252BC54ja6KSR xgq060I29gwqYjpC0lw%252BLZLzdM7vGT4dDoPmS66Wedrgx3FtOhzCDfHd9SEhqjtFfFzodxbk31V%252FldZOSTQ5b6gcjU%2 52BOPQj5Fy0ZfAGtGcVytMjGVSO%252F%252B%252BeEoJYEiuqzoCZKZR9zTk5bvfwqaFPUkqjImtD2d9xamd7h5uPR%252B6Jf aJl%252BSCDpgXbFmUKtPBfS6Z%252FUIx%252B6TaObqiYszdbI6Mv6yKRcqJmx7Jz6OWszmy0CYKjNJ%252BLNCA2bnzE%252B P9xcN5IAkBLIduS0Jw%253D%253D%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2332490&itmmeta=01K5YFCK0TK5N2684SPK67W9SF)

5000lbs Motorized Trailer Jack Wheel 350W Electric Mover Dolly Adjustable | eBay (https://www.ebay.com/itm/176704031592?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110018%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.COMPLISTINGS%26ao%3D1%26as c%3D292799%2C292121%26meid%3D11a16d8735e14781aab1643cd828d0d3%26pid%3D101196%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D12%26s d%3D405982526310%26itm%3D176704031592%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2332490%26algv%3DCompVIDesktopATF2V 6ReplaceKnnV4WithVectorDbNsOptHotPlRecall%26brand%3DUnbranded&_trksid=p2332490.c101196.m2219&itmprp=cksum%3A17670403159211a16d8735e14781aab1643cd828d0d3%7Cenc%3AAQAKAAABMLgtLPsIDyOlK9%252Be8kjA sUURj4VBY1igy96vvNET9itpl3hF609JhQhCcnA33oSuVDFkWgW3PitgfhoQVULyYOXTQm%252Fz9YeveHwfnP2sNw5Av9imnCZV JSMKiLhXPc%252Fo%252BvI8qgtaDZrKmutYs7tj%252FWcTloVl7uhQWnNCiPYGxsoZjXu37xuJtfzSUgIOzKUmEuIbDX3rPrxa zBwuWhDActxx9AJLUXUjbrkorCE9Yhr5eJGpXKYQKAKAMhGNIyoOcPxhFIppbC1iXZyqDz6uSRvUL2nqndDVbLc5t%252BA0IDhr uAEOPiguEEfNRcqJQ4dv8Jn3LHFdKrUEK50XOy7w0f834aBADxLdBhNYvXDbne3EVWhr%252F88fEBBB15YrwFA6H6D%252B4x%2 52FmOm9i%252Fw6%252FdvbRnBk%253D%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2332490&epid=11074563791&itmmeta=01K5YFCK0VP6R2E8YZA55N2ZZV)

[4Speed]

10-15% of total trailer gross weight is proper recommended tongue weight for proper handling. A 3000lb rig should have up to 450 lbs. of tongue weight. He's got a big boat.

Wonder how the STV's & Allisons that are extremely light with a 300 hanging off the stern are able to get the 10-15% tongue weight...

[skialot2]

Wonder how the STV's & Allisons that are extremely light with a 300 hanging off the stern are able to get the 10-15% tongue weight...

Easy. It's all in the adjustment of the balance point. Move thee axle forward for less tongue weight or backwards for more tongue weight. A 1000lb boat only needs 100-150 lbs. of tongue weight. But in my opinion the lighter the load the less tongue weight matters. I only have about 50lbs of tongue weight with my Checkmate. Probably a 1800lb + package. I don't notice it is there when I am towing it. Not that I go far. Only about 5 minutes to the ramp. And it is a lot easier to push around by hand with a light tongue.

[WaterZebra]

Still adapting to my new 40’ long shop and getting my 25’ twin OB Checkmate tucked in.

W/only one car door in the center of the barn I can only get it so close to the side wall and out of the way when hooked to the truck.

Can pickup a bunch of space if I could push the tongue over, another 2 or 3’.

Trailer is tandem axle w/450 lb tongue weight so yah ain’t doin it by hand.

They are available new but they look pretty basic and may build one.

Motor size, speed, capacity would be key.

Thx for any info you guys may have.\

Buy an old rototiller and swap out the tines with RIGID rubber wheels and mount a trailer ball on the front. Make sure the tiller has a reverse. Back mounted shaft would be preferable.

[Instigator]

Great idea!

May look at that if my come along idea doesn’t work.


\

Buy an old rototiller and swap out the tines with RIGID rubber wheels and mount a trailer ball on the front. Make sure the tiller has a reverse. Back mounted shaft would be preferable.

[Instigator]

Yep.

W/my boat, it started as a single 454 w/a Bravo drive and trailer was balanced for that.

80 mph from Philli to Cols Oh w/no issue.

I knew the balance would be way off once my conversion was done.

Now w/twin OBs and a 92 gl fuel tank up from the OEM 67 gl.

At start it had about 140 lbs tongue weight (4500-ish w/trailer) and it would fish tale if you didn’t keep the wheel dead nuts straight.

Over bumps it did the same.

I set up a tongue support between two bathroom scales and went to work.

Moved axles as far back as I could but it wasn’t enough.
I think tongue weight went to around 290.

Then moved boat and trailer bunks as far forward as possible.
Better but still not enough.

I was against the bow stop on the winch stand so I tore it apart and reconfigured it.
More better but still not right.

Would have been fine for local tows but we like to travel and would make for long trips.

Last piece of the puzzle was a water bladder I put in the anchor locker.
That supplies water to the galley I built in the cabin but also acts as ballast to combat a slow/mid speed hop I was chasing.

Full of water, that added 115 lbs, basically sitting right over the tongue and bingo!

Has now been Ohio to Fla twice and tows perfect!

Just have to make sure the water bladder is full!




Easy. It's all in the adjustment of the balance point. Move thee axle forward for less tongue weight or backwards for more tongue weight. A 1000lb boat only needs 100-150 lbs. of tongue weight. But in my opinion the lighter the load the less tongue weight matters. I only have about 50lbs of tongue weight with my Checkmate. Probably a 1800lb + package. I don't notice it is there when I am towing it. Not that I go far. Only about 5 minutes to the ramp. And it is a lot easier to push around by hand with a light tongue.

[Dain]

Neat, I never would have thought to do that. Here I am adding air to some bags on the rear of my truck when I tow and you're filling a bladder with water lol.

[David - WI]

I wouldn't count on rototiller wheels or drive axles to handle 450# vertical... especially on pavement without any sort of "differential".
I folded up the wheels on my old snowblower just trying to turn it around when it was packed full of snow/ice (100#?)... it broke the axle right out of the stamped wheel hub.

[FUJIMO]

Yep.

W/my boat, it started as a single 454 w/a Bravo drive and trailer was balanced for that.

80 mph from Philli to Cols Oh w/no issue.

I knew the balance would be way off once my conversion was done.

Now w/twin OBs and a 92 gl fuel tank up from the OEM 67 gl.

At start it had about 140 lbs tongue weight (4500-ish w/trailer) and it would fish tale if you didn’t keep the wheel dead nuts straight.

Over bumps it did the same.

I set up a tongue support between two bathroom scales and went to work.

Moved axles as far back as I could but it wasn’t enough.
I think tongue weight went to around 290.

Then moved boat and trailer bunks as far forward as possible.
Better but still not enough.

I was against the bow stop on the winch stand so I tore it apart and reconfigured it.
More better but still not right.

Would have been fine for local tows but we like to travel and would make for long trips.

Last piece of the puzzle was a water bladder I put in the anchor locker.
That supplies water to the galley I built in the cabin but also acts as ballast to combat a slow/mid speed hop I was chasing.

Full of water, that added 115 lbs, basically sitting right over the tongue and bingo!

Has now been Ohio to Fla twice and tows perfect!

Just have to make sure the water bladder is full!
...is your tongue jack hydraulic?...

[FUJIMO]

...you probably already thought of these. you could use them for other vehicles as well...https://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/05fa449c5750256d44c80bdb706bae27/6/4/64496_I.jpg

[V pads]

...you probably already thought of these. you could use them for other vehicles as well...https://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/05fa449c5750256d44c80bdb706bae27/6/4/64496_I.jpg


I’ve been using these for the same issue for a while now on a 21ft IO with a tandem trailer. Boat and trailer about 4500 lbs. I use an electric winch to pull it back into the corner of the garage.

[Instigator]

No, conventional but designed for the weight.

Works fine until it starts to unload the front axle then you have to put some ass into it.



...is your tongue jack hydraulic?...

[sonicss33]

Looks like the eBay one sold for $215. Good buy imo.

[Instigator]

Much betterer!

It was a piece of cake with the come along.

Only issue is you have to pull it up further than you actually want it because it’s dragging the front tires across the floor and the side walls allow them to to flex and snap back a foot or two.

Plus you end up with 20 or so feet pulled out of the come along that you have to wind back in.

Neither one a real issue but for $54 I may buy me electrical winch from Harbor freight because I’m old and lazy now.