The successful and safe transportation of water transport depends not only on the power of the tractor or the reliability of the trailer itself, but also on seemingly secondary elements. front-wheelerIt's a component that allows the operator to move the heavy structure with the boat with minimal effort over rough terrain, concrete or sand.
A mismatched foot can cause a breath failure, damage to the hull of the boat, or even injury when a trailer rolls back, and in this article we will take a look at the technical details, types of tires and installation features so that you can equip your equipment with a reliable component.
Design and purpose of support rack
The support rack, or "leg," is a telescopic mechanism attached to the trailer's breather that allows you to adjust the height of the coupling device. wheel-assembly The main purpose of the wheel is to ensure smooth running when rolling the trailer manually, distributing the weight of the bow of the boat and the trailer itself.
Modern racks are made of galvanized or stainless steel to withstand aggressive aqueous environments. The wheel is attached to the bottom of the pipe through a rotary bracket, which often has a hinge connection, which allows the wheel to be lifted upwards when driving on the highway, so that it does not touch the road and create resistance.
It's important to understand that the load on this unit is dynamic. When you move through irregularities, the impact load is transferred to the wheel axle and bearings. If the mechanism is weak, it will quickly fail, which can lead to a fall on the ground. loading capacity The whole set.
In addition, the design must allow free rotation even after prolonged downtime. Many budget models sin by the fact that the wheel axis quickly rusts, blocking rotation. Quality products are equipped with closed bearings and protective glands that prevent moisture from entering the mechanism.
Types of wheels: pneumatics or whole rubber?
When choosing a wheel, the driver faces a classic dilemma: which is better, an inflatable camera or a monolith? Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, which directly affect the ease of operation in specific conditions.
Pneumatic wheels (inflatable) are traditionally considered more comfortable. The air inside the chamber works as an additional shock absorber, softening the impacts on rocks and bumps. This is especially important if you often lower the boat from a steep concrete slip or move the trailer over rough terrain.
Solid wheels are cameraless, so they're not piercable. They're ideal for rocky shores, grassy places, or sharp objects, but they have the flip side of it, they're more rigid in transmitting vibration to the operator's hands and the structure is breathing. And cheap models can blow in the cold.
For comparison of specifications, we will consider the main parameters:
- 🔵 Pneumatics: Excellent depreciation, less weight, but requires a pressure check and is afraid of punctures.
- 🟢 Whole rubber: Absolute reliability (impossible to break), does not require maintenance, but is harder on the move.
- 🟠 Diameter: The most common models are 260 mm (10 inches) and 300 mm (12 inches), where a larger diameter is easier to overcome obstacles.
Selection criteria: size, load capacity and fastening
Choosing the right model is not just a matter of aesthetics; the specifications must be strictly in line with the specifications of your trailer and boat; the first thing to do is to determine the loading capacity; the total weight of the boat, the motor, the fuel and the equipment is distributed between the wheels of the trailer and the bowrest; the front wheel accounts for a significant part of the weight in maneuvers.
The second important parameter is the seating size of the sleeve and the axis diameter. Standard racks have an axis with a diameter of 20 mm or 25 mm, but there are also non-standard solutions. Mismatching the axis diameter will lead to a backlash or the inability to install the wheel. Also note the width of the hub - it must correspond to the width of the mounting fork.
The disc material also matters. Steel discs are stronger, but they are susceptible to corrosion when the paint is chipped; discs made of polymeric materials or stainless steel last longer in salt water, but may be less resistant to strong impacts on concrete.
Below is a table that helps to orient depending on the weight of the boat:
| Weight of boat with equipment (kg) | Recommended wheel diameter | Type of wheel | Load capacity of the unit (min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 300kg | 200-260 mm (8-10) | Whole rubber | 150 kg |
| 300 - 700 kg | 260 mm (10) | Pneumatics | 250 kg |
| 700 - 1200 kg | 300 mm (12) | Pneumatics/Reinforced | 400 kg |
| More than 1,200 kg | 300-350 mm (12-14) | Pneumatics (with spare) | 500+ kg |
Always use a wheel with a minimum safety margin of 30% of the design load on the nose, which will prolong the life of the bearings and forks.
Instructions for replacement and maintenance of the wheel
The process of replacing a worn-out wheel or installing a new support rack does not require complex tools, but requires care. Before starting work, make sure that the trailer is on a flat surface and securely fixed to avoid spontaneous movement.
First, you have to remove the old wheel. It's usually attached to the fork of the rack with a bolt that goes through the axle or a puck nut. If the carving is acidic from salt and time, use penetrating lubricant (WD-40 or analogues) and give it time to act. Don't put too much effort into not breaking the thread on the rack axis.
After removing the wheel, inspect the position, clean the contacts of the rust with a metal brush. When installing a new unit, be sure to use grooved washers or a carving lock, as vibration when driving on public roads can weaken the mounting.
☑️ Checklist for wheel replacement
Regular maintenance prolongs the life of the mechanism. Once a season, it is recommended to remove the wheel, wash the bearings and lay fresh lubrication, if the design allows it, for closed bearings, external axis lubrication is sufficient.
⚠️ Warning: Never use garden wheels without adapting unless their landing diameter matches the axis of the boat rack. Using homemade adapters made of wood or plastic is dangerous and can lead to the destruction of the knot on the move.
Problems of exploitation in salt water
Operating a boat trailer in the sea is a serious test for any metal parts. Salt water is a powerful electrolyte that triggers corrosion processes at a high rate. Front wheel.The worm, which is in constant contact with water during descent and ascent, suffers from one of the first.
The main problem is corrosion of the axle and bearings. Even if the wheel disc is made of plastic or aluminum, the steel axis inside the fork can rust, which will lead to a rotational jam, and as a result, the wheel begins to slide on the ground, washing the tire in one season.
To minimize damage, after each outing, you need to wash the knot with fresh water. This simple action washes away the salt plaque, and you should also consider installing wheels with a fully plastic hub and a stainless steel axis, although these models are more expensive.
How do you protect the wheel axle?
The axis can be further protected by applying a layer of consistent lubricant (litol, solidol) on top of the metal before assembly. The lubricant will create a water-repellent film. However, remember that over time it is washed out, so regular maintenance is mandatory.
Another nuance is the effect of ultraviolet light: rubber from cheap wheels cracks quickly under the influence of sun and salt (the “ageing effect”), so keeping the trailer under a canopy or cover significantly prolongs the life of the rubber mixture.
Tuning and modernization of the reference node
Boat owners often don't stop at basic equipment and want to improve the functionality of the trailer. One popular type of tuning is the installation of a larger diameter wheel. If the design is breathable, the transition from 10 to 12 inches gives a tangible gain in cross-country performance.
Position-holding rotary mechanisms are also popular, and some advanced rack models allow not only the wheel to be raised, but also the wheel to be fixed horizontally, which is convenient for storage in the garage to save space, but this should be avoided when transported.
An interesting solution is to install a "jockey wheel" with a built-in rest for the bow of the boat, although this is more relevant to specialized trailers for keel yachts. For inflatable boats and PVC, an important aspect is the width of the profile - the narrow wheel fits better into the track, the wide one is more stable on soft ground.
Do not forget that any tuning should not violate the overall dimensions of the trailer, established by law. Too large wheel in the raised state can act outside the contour of the boat, which is unacceptable when driving on public roads.
The optimal balance between price and quality for most PVC boats is a 260 mm pneumatic wheel on a steel galvanized disc with closed bearings.
⚠️ Warning: When installing a larger diameter wheel, make sure that when lifted, it does not affect the frame of the boat or board. The clearance must be at least 50 mm for safe operation.
What pressure should be in the wheel of the boat trailer?
The pressure is usually 1.5 to 2.5 atmospheres, depending on the tire model. The exact data are always on the sidewall of the tire. The underwheel wears out faster and rolls worse, the overpumped one cushions harder and risks bursting in the heat.
Can I use a car wheel from "Zaporozhets" or "Oki"?
Technically possible, if the diameter of the landing hole coincides with the axis of the rack (usually 20-25 mm). However, car wheels are wider and heavier, which can create excess inertia and load on the breather.
Why does the wheel creak when it's spinning?
Screeching is most often caused by the lack of lubrication in bearings or by the ingress of sand and dirt, you need to remove the wheel, wash the bearings in gasoline or kerosene, lay a new lubricant and install anthers. If the bearing is destroyed (luftite), it needs to be replaced.
How to store a trailer in winter so that the wheels do not spoil?
It is best to store the trailer indoors or under an awning so that the ultraviolet does not destroy the rubber. It is advisable to lift the trailer on the stands, removing the load from the wheels, or periodically (once a month) roll it, changing the point of contact with the ground.