Float-On Trailer Upgrade ?

YeA 20sF · #1 08-01-2014, 03:02 PM

So I recently bought a 74' SF. Boat came sitting on old Float-On tandem axle trailer with Torsion axles but it has the smaller "Golf-Cart" style wheels and the big old school hoop....

Can I up-grade this trailer to the taller style wheels like on the newer continentals or magic-trail trailers ?

FLexpat · #2 08-01-2014, 03:06 PM

I talked w Float-on about the same thing - yes you can - call Q in the parts dept at Float-on (not kidding on her name, she knows her stuff too). I decided it wasn't worth the effort for me though.

YeA 20sF · #3 08-01-2014, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLexpat

I talked w Float-on about the same thing - yes you can - call Q in the parts dept at Float-on (not kidding on her name, she knows her stuff too). I decided it wasn't worth the effort for me though.

Yea someone else told me to call Float-On too. What did u do ? did u keeo the small wheels and delt or bought another one ?

DonV · #4 08-01-2014, 03:14 PM

I don't see why not. You would have to change the distance between the axles and maybe a new set of finders to match the 14" tires. If the torsion axles are good should be easy just a few bolts to re-position. It would be a LOT better than the tires you have on there now!! Had a friend who had those dinky tires on his trailer and he had to carry at least two new spares at all times and once it was not enough, three blow outs one one trip. They would blow out at 65+ mph like clockwork! Might want to move the boat up closer to the front of the trailer. Good luck!

FLexpat · #5 08-01-2014, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YeA 20sF

Yea someone else told me to call Float-On too. What did u do ? did u keeo the small wheels and delt or bought another one ?

I just kept it the same - got new tires - Load rated E for about $65 each - they worked fine for 20+ years even on long trips and that was cheaper than the changeover.

That being said, it is just sitting while I do the rebuild so cinder blocks would have been even cheaper and about as useful for now...

FLexpat · #6 08-01-2014, 03:41 PM

The 'current' style of Float-On torsion axle has the torsion member inside a square galvanized tube. If you have the 'old' style axle (used 'til the mid-late '90s) where it is a hex shaped torsion bar that is exposed - you want to replace it asap. I don't have the calcs anymore but IIRC, going to the 13" tires would only lower the wheel speed about 15% or so for me and 14" or 15" would be really hard to install. Even for 13" tires, I would have had to raise the fenders and put a spacer on the bunks (fenders would have just hit the hull). Also I would have needed a spacer to get the rim farther off the hub or new hubs. Plus new rims. Decided the additional load capacity of E (1650 lb each) vs D (1320 lbs) would make me feel enough better. D's were on it but I think those were the wrong rating. Be careful if you stick with the 205/65-10 tires and need the higher load rating since a lot of them are load range C or D.

Update - just checked and saw that I was looking at 13" tires to get a 15% reduction in tire speed since it was too much trouble for 14 or 15" tires. The 13's were not worth it for me and bigger was making way too many changes but if you have the room or have to change the axles anyways, the 14s or 15s would probably be worth it.

Blue197320 · #7 08-02-2014, 05:23 PM

go see joe at trailer depot in kendall. he will take good care of you. hes been the best and most helpful boat related guy yet. tell him evan sent you.

Tiny · #8 08-02-2014, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLexpat

I just kept it the same - got new tires - Load rated E for about $65 each - they worked fine for 20+ years even on long trips and that was cheaper than the changeover.

That being said, it is just sitting while I do the rebuild so cinder blocks would have been even cheaper and about as useful for now...

I have the same trailer and tires, and it's a safari (a little heavier), and only ONE axle...get load range E and you'll be fine. They are actually a great setup. You can get the wheel and tire on ebay for the best price if I remember correctly. I actually really like them. Hard to find locally at a good price though.

And a properly set up hoop (if it's bent it won't latch well, but float on will sell you another one) makes you look like a star at the ramp. We pull it on and we're latched and gone in 60 seconds.