Transporting an inflatable boat without a special trailer becomes a test, especially if the distance to the reservoir is large. Folding trailer for PVC boat Solves the logistics problem by allowing compact transportation and storage of equipment even in a city apartment or garage, and unlike solid metal structures, collapsible models do not require permanent parking space on the street.
The market offers many modifications, from budget options with manual assembly to complex engineering systems with depreciation. The right choice directly affects the safety of your vessel and driving comfort. In this article, we will discuss all the nuances that will help you not to go wrong when buying.
The main challenge is the balance between the strength of the frame and the weight of the structure: a trailer that is too heavy is difficult to assemble alone, and a trailer that is too light can vibrate at high speeds. Optimum load capacity It usually exceeds the weight of a boat with an engine and equipment by 30-40%, which creates the necessary margin of safety.
Design features of collapsible trailers
Modern. collapsible trailer They're modular, and they're based on a frame that's made of a profile tube or a corner that's divided into several sections, and they're connected by bolting, or by squirrels or by locking locks, and it's important that the docking units are reinforced by scarves, because they're the ones that are the main load on the bumps.
The key element is the padding system. Inflatable boats prefer to use soft beds of plastic with a vitreous coating or wooden bars treated with varnish. Metal arcs without coating can damage cylinders when vibrating. Some models are equipped with a varnish. adjustable bracketThis allows you to adapt the trailer for boats of different lengths and shapes of the bottom.
The chassis also requires attention. Budget versions often come with 10-12 inch garden wheels that are only suitable for smooth driving. Road speeds and poor roads require wheels 13 inches or more in diameter, preferably with independent suspension or reinforced springs, which reduces the risk of axle failure and increases the stability of the trailer in transit.
⚠️ Warning: When buying, be sure to check the quality of the welds on the frame. Uneven, intermittent seam or the presence of slag may indicate a violation of technology, which will lead to the destruction of the structure under load.
Manufacture materials and anticorrosion protection
The durability of the trailer depends on the material of the frame and how it is protected from moisture. The most common and affordable option is ferrous metal with paint. However, the paint eventually breaks down and the metal begins to rust, especially in the welding and mounting of the bolts, this option requires regular maintenance and coloring.
A more reliable solution is considered to be galvanized steelHot galvanizing creates a protective layer on the metal surface that prevents corrosion even in the presence of mechanical damage. Galvanized trailers last many times longer, but they cost significantly more. Aluminum structures are less common because of the high price, although they are absolutely rusty and lighter than steel counterparts.
When used in salt water or in harsh environments (winter roads with reagents), the material plays a critical role. If you choose a painted trailer, immediately after purchase, it is recommended to carry out additional treatment of the bottom and hidden cavities with corrosion-resistant compounds, which will extend the life of the structure for several seasons.
Why is galvanizing rust?
Although zinc coatings are very persistent, they are not permanent. zinc layers can become thinner when exposed to salt water or mechanical friction (such as winch cables). In addition, if the technology is broken when welding galvanized pipes, seams can become hotbeds of corrosion. It is recommended to check the condition of the coating once a season and use zinc-containing soil sprays for local recovery if necessary.
Model comparison: specifications table
To make it easier to choose, let's compare the main types of designs available in the market, and each category has its advantages for different use cases.
| Type of design | Weight (kg) | Assembly time | Load capacity | Price. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight collapsible (corner) | 40-50 | 10-15 minutes | 400 kg | Low. |
| Reinforced (profile tube) | 60-80 | 15-20 minutes | 750 kg | Medium |
| Depreciation-enhancing transformer | 90-110 | 20-25 minutes | 1,000 kg | High. |
| Aluminum foldable | 35-45 | 10 minutes | 500 kg | Very high. |
As you can see from the table, reinforced models The core pipes are the middle ground for most water-engines, which can withstand boats up to 4.5 meters long with a powerful motor, and lightweight options are suitable for small inflaters without a motor or with an electric motor, which are often carried on the roof or in the trunk, and the trailer is used only for long-distance throwing.
Departure assembly and preparation process
Assembly folder-trailer It may seem difficult at first, but after a couple of training sessions, it takes minutes. It's important to develop a clear algorithm of actions and not lose fasteners. Always store the bolts, nuts and splints in a separate sealed bag or box attached to the trailer itself or in the car.
The assembly should start with the installation of the breather and the center beam. Make sure that all locks-locks-locks snap to the characteristic click. Bolt joints should be tightened with effort, but without fanaticism, so as not to break the thread. After installing the wheels, be sure to check the pressure in the tires - this is an often overlooked but critical safety parameter.
☑️ Checklist before assembly
Once the frame is assembled, the boat is laid down. PVC tubes should not touch the sharp edges of the metal. If you use wooden flooring, make sure that it is smooth and has no knots. The boat is fixed with straps over the side, but do not drag them excessively, so as not to deform the cylinders in the cold or extreme heat.
Rules of operation and storage
Compliance with the rules of operation prolongs the life of not only the trailer, but also the boat itself. The speed of the trailer should not exceed 90 km / h, and on dirt roads it should be dropped to 40-50 km / h. Sharp braking and turns create dangerous inertia, which can lead to the folding of the trailer or overturning the cargo.
Storage of the assembled trailer in the off-season should be in a dry room. If this is not possible and the trailer is in the open air, be sure to remove the wheels. Rubber from constant pressure and ultraviolet light loses its properties, and the bearings of the hubs can become sour from moisture. It is also recommended to lubricate the moving parts and locks with a consistent lubrication before long storage.
Lubricate the bolt thread with graphite lubricant before assembly, which will prevent the metal from boiling and make it easy to disassemble the trailer even after the winter season, when salt and moisture do their job.
Check the electrical wiring regularly. Contacts in the light connector are often oxidized, leading to the failure of lighting devices and the risk of getting a traffic police penalty. Use dielectric lubricant to protect the contacts from moisture.
Tuning and improvement DIY
Many owners don't stop at factory design and make useful changes. support-wheel It's also a breather that makes it easier to maneuver in a parking lot without the help of a car, and it's also common to swap standard plastic lozenges for wider, softer ones to spread the load on the cylinders.
Another useful upgrade is the installation of a toolbox and a spare wheel on the trailer frame, which frees up space in the trunk of the car and allows you to always have a jack, keys and a remix for the boat, the main thing when installing additional elements is not to disturb the weighting and not to exceed the maximum load on the axle.
⚠️ Attention: Any changes to the design that affect the dimensions or weight of the trailer theoretically require changes to the documents (PTS). In practice, minor improvements are rarely checked, but the installation of a winch or lengthening of the breath may attract the attention of inspectors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register a folding trailer in the traffic police?
Yes, if the total weight of the trailer exceeds 750 kg, registration is mandatory. If the weight is less, but you plan to drive on public roads, the presence of documents (PTS or sales contract with seals) is still required to confirm the legality of origin. For light trailers up to 750 kg of E-laws are not required, category B is sufficient.
Can I carry a rigid hull (NPH) on a PVC trailer?
Theoretically, you can if the pawns allow you to evenly distribute the weight and the shape of the bottom is the same. However, PVC boats are soft and around irregularities, and a rigid hull requires perfectly flat support. For permanent use with NPH, it is better to purchase a specialized trailer with a keel support.
How often should the bearings of the hubs be lubricated?
It is recommended to maintain the hubs once a year or every 5,000 km. If you often immerse the trailer in water (for example, when loading a boat from water), it is better to check the lubricant more often, since the water washes the lubricant through the gums.
What to do if the trailer starts to wag on the track?
First of all, check the tire pressure and tightening of all bolt joints of the frame. A common cause of wagging is improper loading: too much weight behind (overhang) or, conversely, shifting the center of gravity too far back. The load should be distributed so that 10-15% of the weight falls on the breath.
A folding trailer is an investment in comfort, and the cost of a quality model is paid off by the absence of problems with parking, durability and safety when transporting expensive equipment.