The operation of the craft is inextricably linked to its transportation, and a reliable trailer is a key element. However, standard equipment often does not provide for easy maneuvering on flat surfaces, such as concrete ramps or asphalt parking lots. wheel-wheelIt changes the level of comfort in preparation for the launch.
Using an additional support with a wheel allows one person to easily move a heavy structure without the help of outsiders or risk damaging the car body when parking. It is not just an accessory, but a necessary element of ergonomics that protects the owner’s back and preserves the integrity of the breath. In this article, we will discuss in detail how to choose the device for your weight and type of trailer, and also consider the nuances of its installation.
Why do you need a rolling wheel when operating a trailer?
The main function of the device is to reduce the point of application of force when the trailer moves horizontally. When the breather is lowered on the normal support paw, the center of gravity is shifted, and it takes a significant force to move the structure from a place, often exceeding the physical capabilities of one person. Running wheel takes on the load from the nose, allowing you to roll the trailer, rather than drag it with a drag.
In addition, the presence of such a wheel is critical for aligning the coupling device above the farcop ball. On uneven ground or in a sloped parking, a standard screw support can fall or slide, making the docking process impossible. A mobile support with a wide platform provides stability, allowing for accurate positioning. breathed over the farcop, even in difficult conditions.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to move a trailer with a boat mounted on it, relying only on the rolling wheel, unless its load capacity is designed for the full weight of the vessel.
Another important aspect is the safety of the pads: metal legs of the supports often scratch asphalt or concrete, leaving traces for which toll parking can be billed. Rubber or polyurethane tire wheels protect the coating and prevent slipping when fixing.
The main types of structures and their features
The market for accessories for boating technology offers several options for the implementation of additional supports. The most common type is removable structures that are installed in the place of a regular screw support or attached with clamps to the drawer. They are convenient in that they can be quickly removed before the trip, so as not to increase the dimensions and aerodynamic drag.
The second type is fixed solutions integrated into the frame design, often as swivel mechanisms that are pulled upwards when in operation and then downwards when necessary. Rotating rolling device more reliable, as it eliminates the risk of loss in transit, but requires welding or complex installation when installed on an existing trailer.
There are also universal rod models that can be attached anywhere in the profiled pipe that is breathed, that don't require drilling holes, and are suitable for most standard rectangular pipes. You should consider the site material when choosing: metal can rust, whereas reinforced plastic or composite materials are more resistant to corrosion, but less durable when impacted.
- 🛞 Removable models - easily dismantled, stored in the trunk, universal for different trailers.
- 🔧 Stationary rotary - always at hand, require installation, withstand heavy loads.
- 🔩 Strub clamps – do not require drilling, are quickly installed, but can scratch paint without gaskets.
Selection criteria: load capacity and materials
The main parameter to pay attention to is the maximum load on the farcope ball (vertical load) that the device can withstand. For light PVC inflatable boats, a model with a load of up to 150 kg is enough. However, for metal boats and heavy aluminum boats, a reinforced version designed for 300-500 kg or more will be required.
The material of the wheel also plays a crucial role: cast polyurethane wheels are not afraid of punctures and are ideal for flat surfaces, but have less traction on wet grass. Inflatable or pneumatic tires provide better cushioning and patency on soft ground, but require regular pressure checks and can be damaged by sharp objects.
When choosing a wheel, note the presence of bearings in the hub. Models with rolling bearings will rotate more easily and last longer than versions with sliding sleeves, especially under load.
The body of the device must be made of steel with a high-quality anti-corrosion coating, for example, hot galvanizing or powder painting. Contact with salt water and constant humidity quickly disable ordinary ferrous metal. Stainless steel It is the best, but also the most expensive, option.
| Type of wheel | Load capacity | Coverage | Recommended application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyurethane | 200 kg | Cast | Inflatable boats, flat asphalt |
| Pneumatic | 350 kg | Rubber | Aluminum boats, soil/grass |
| Reinforced with bearing | 500 kg | Rubber/Rough tread | Heavy boats, difficult conditions |
| Composite | 150 kg | Plastic. | Light trailers, storage in the garage |
| Data averaged | Depends on the model. | Other. | In practice. |
Step-by-step instructions for installing the device
The installation process depends on the type of design chosen. For removable models that replace the regular support, you must first dismantle the existing paw, usually it is attached with bolts or welded. If the support is bolt, unscrew the fastener, if welded, you need a Bulgarian, after which the site is cleared from the barbs.
Next, we install a new device. If this is a model with a clamping, it is important to match the diameter of the pipe section of your breather. The fastening should be as rigid as possible, so the bolts should be tightened with force using threaded fluid or grover washers, so that the vibration during transportation does not weaken the connection.
☑️ Pre-installing check
For stationary rotary mechanisms, the mounting position on the trailer frame will be required. It is important to make sure that when the wheel is lowered, it will not touch the body parts of the car or the frame itself when cornering. After fitting, the assemblage is welded or twisted through reinforced plates.
⚠️ Warning: During welding, be sure to disconnect the vehicle battery's negative terminal if the trailer is connected to the power grid to avoid damaging the vehicle's electronics by power surges.
Maintenance and maintenance of the machinery
Like any machine that works in an aggressive environment, the rolling wheel requires regular maintenance. After each trip to a body of water, especially if it is a sea or a salt lake, the device must be thoroughly washed with fresh water. The salt quickly corrodes the metal and washes the lubricant from the bearings.
The condition of the fasteners should be checked periodically, and the vibration when moving along the highway can unwind even well-tightened bolts. threader It is also recommended to lubricate the wheel axis and rotary mechanism with a special lubricant that is resistant to washing out with water, for example, lithium lubricant for water engineering.
Check the tire for cracks, cuts or hernias. A damaged wheel can burst at the most inopportune time when you maneuver by the water. If pneumatics are used, check the pressure before the season, as air can get hot during the summer.
How to lubricate threaded connections?
For threaded joints in water-contacting nodes, it is best to use copper lubricant (anticor) or specialized marine lubricants. They prevent bolts from churning and protect against corrosion, unlike conventional solidol, which is quickly washed out.
Frequent errors in selection and operation
One of the most common mistakes is to buy the device by eye, without considering the actual load, because owners often forget that the weight of the trailer itself is distributed to the supports, and take the model with a minimum margin of safety, which leads to deformation of the site or axle failure in the first season.
Another mistake is ignoring the height of the mount, and if the wheel is set too low, it will drag itself on the ground as it moves, creating resistance and wear out, and if it's too high, its functionality is lost because it won't touch the surface when the breather is down, and you have to find the middle ground by adjusting the height of the mount.
- ❌ Use conventional solidol instead of water-resistant lubricant.
- ❌ Ignoring tire pressure checks before a long trip.
- ❌ Mounting the device on a rusty, untreated surface of the pipe.
- ❌ Attempt to tow a trailer with a boat using only a rolling wheel.
A properly selected and installed rolling wheel pays off in the first season, keeping you healthy and time spent on the descent and lifting of the boat.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I make a wheel myself?
Yes, it is possible. Making it requires a profile pipe, a bearing axle, a suitable wheel (often from a garden cart or wheelchair) and fasteners. However, the cost of a finished factory product is often comparable to the cost of materials, and the reliability of industrial welding is higher.
Will the wheel fit from a baby carriage or bicycle?
These wheels are only used for very light inflatable boats, and only as a temporary solution. They are not designed for lateral loads and the weight of the metal breathed during maneuvers.
How to store a rolling wheel in winter?
It is best to store the device in a dry room removed from the trailer. If the wheel is pneumatic, it is recommended to release the pressure slightly or hang it to avoid deformation of the tire.
Do I need to remove the wheel when driving on the road?
If the structure is removable, yes, it needs to be removed, and if left on the breather, the wheel creates additional sailing, noise and can become a source of danger in the event of a high-speed mount failure, and it can also disrupt the trailer's weighting.