Bracket Recommendation for Installing Carpet Bunks on a Boat Trailer

Question

Question:

I just watched your Video of CE Smith Carpeted Bunk Boards for Boat Trailers - 6foot Long - 1 Pair, and would like to know about suggested mounting brackets and hardware including nuts/bolts and do you have an installation video. I have never done anything like this and how do you get the boat off the trailer? I have a 14 ft aluminum boat. Thanks.

asked by: Tim G

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

For the carpeted bunks part # CE27840 that are in the review video that I attached the easiest way to install them would be to use the swivel brackets part # CE10000G-4 which I attached a review video of as well. I also attached a picture that shows the bunk and the bracket attached to a trailer frame.

For a set of 4 u-bolts to attach the brackets you would want the part # CE15283GA-4.

expert reply by: Jameson C

1

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Answer 1

The general rule of thumb is that you want your bunks to extend completely to the stern (rear) of the boat, or even and inch or two beyond. That way the transom has plenty of support as you drive down the road. The bunks can extend as far forward as…

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Answer 2

The CE Smith Galvanized Bolster and Swivel Mounting Brackets for Bunk Boards #CE10001G-4 come with nuts and bolts to attach the swivel brackets to the bolster brackets, but you will need to supply either lag bolts or other through bolt hardware to…

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Answer 3

It doesn't really matter which side of the crossmember of the trailer frame the bunk brackets install on. As long as they are torqued down properly either way will be perfectly safe. Since the brackets have swivels like #CE10003G-4 there would be…

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Answer 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 5

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 6

Load range B trailer tires are going to have a lower capacity than C load range tires. Basically that, psi rating, and the ply rating are the only differences. A higher load range tire would last a little longer than lower load ranges of the same…

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Answer 7

The three most common lug stud sizes for a trailer are 1/2"-20, 9/16"-18, and 5/8"-18. In order to make sure you get the correct lug nuts you need to measure the lug studs on the trailer now as we have no way to look this up for…

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Answer 8

To determine the size of the hub assembly you need to purchase you have to determine which bearings are in the old assembly. If the old assembly has L44649 inner bearings, you would use the hub you chose #8-258-5UC1. If the inner bearings are marked…

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Answer 9

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 10

A BT8 spindle would have a diameter of .99 of an inch where the bearings would both install and would have a diameter of 1.24 where the great seal would ride. That would require a hub part #AKIHUB-440-2-1K for an idler hub. A BTR spindle would have…

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Answer 11

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 12

Your math is correct in your trailer weight load example. If a fully-loaded tandem axle trailer weighs 4000-lbs then each of the 4 tires will bear 1/4th of that load, or 1000-lbs. In this case a tire rated for 1300-lbs would provide a good safety…

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