MaryKate "LiQUID ROLLERS" Greatly Assists Loading Heavy Boats on Bunk Trailers


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BeechBoy

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MaryKate "LiQUID ROLLERS" Greatly Assists Loading Heavy Boats on Bunk Trailers

Wow! What an improvement.

We have a 08 Formula 37PC that we trailer on occasion. We have a HD tri-axle bunk trailer use. It is made by Phoenix trailers (www.phoenixtrail.com) and does a great job of handling the boat.

We ramp launch and retrieve this boat. Now launching and loading a 37PC is not like loading a normal boat. Even the longer go-fast boats load much easier as they don't carry anywhere near the bow weight that a cruiser boat does.

Be it our past Formula 31PC, or our 37PC, getting the boat all the way up on the trailer, especially on steep ramps on some days would be a challenge.

We normally get the water tank empty to lighten the bow as the tank sits up on the nose of the boat under the bunk.

I have always also applied a silicon lubricant to the bunk carpet to help reduce friction while loading.

It was recommended to me by Chip at Phoenix Trailers to give MaryKate Liquid Roller a try. He said those who have used it, rave about it.

I applied it and allowed it to dry a couple days. You could tell that the bunk carpet was much more slippery than with silicon.

Last Sunday, we loaded the boat. WOW, What a Difference. It was so much easier to load the boat is was unbelievable.

We will continue to use MaryKate Liquid Rollers in the future!

Now just as MaryKate allows the boat to go up on the trailer easier, it will also do the same when unloading. We will use care, as we always do, when releasing the boat from the trailer into the water.

We do not apply the MaryKate to all the bunks, just the far forward set up bunks, and bit of the next. When the boat is fully on the trailer a majority of the boat weight is on the rear bunks that are not treated with MaryKate.

Anyway, wether you are loading a 37PC, or a 25 footer, considering trying MaryKate Liquid Rollers. The stuff works great. It is available all over for $9-$10 per can.

More info below:

Mary Kate Liquid Rollers - Trailer Bunk Board Lube 10 Oz.
Dramatically reduces friction to make bunk boards as slick as rollers. Long lasting, non-greasy, non-staining formula. Repels road dirt and grime.

Couple placed to get it:

http://www.sloblu.com/Shopping-MA1MKT_6810+Liquid_Rollers%C2%AE_Trailer_Bunk_Board_Lube_10_Oz._in_the_Marykate_Brand_Name_Shop.html

http://www.discountmarinesupplies.com/Rollers_Bunks-MARYKATE_LIQUID_ROLLERS.html
 
Re: MaryKate "LiQUID ROLLERS" Greatly Assists Loading Heavy Boats on Bunk Trailers

BEECH,
I TRAILER THE SAME BOAT, AND NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS GETTING IT UP ON THE TRAILER. I USE A LOADMASTER 4 AXLE TRAILER, AND CAN HONESTLY SAY, IT GOES ON PERFECT. I CAN POWER IT ALL THE WAY TO THE BOW STOP WITHOUT BUNK LUBRICATION. MAYBE YOUR RAMP IS TOO SHALLOW.
 
Re: MaryKate "LiQUID ROLLERS" Greatly Assists Loading Heavy Boats on Bunk Trailers

It is interesting how ramps make such a difference.

We have a RC30 Powerwinch on the trailer. It has a dead lift capacity of 7,500# and does a great job assisting the boat onto the trailer.

http://www.powerwinch.com/powerwinch/controller?action=product&c=9&p=1

Our ramp over in Dubuque IA is extremely steep, with about a major drop off as you wheels hit the water. It is a real challenging getting it out of there. The boat comes into the trailer at such an angle, it make loading a challenge.

With the Powerwinch we can mostly just idle the boat, run the winch, and after the tow strap is hooked back the trailer down in the water.

Our boat trailer is a triple axle trailer. Is your a pintle, or gooseneck?

Last year we put nearly 1,800 miles on our trailer with the 37PC aboard.

The ramp in Dubuque, is falling apart. It has 4 boat ramps, the outside two are all broke up. The inside ones are falling away into the river. Someday it is hoped that they will be replaced.

Oh, did I mention the dock in Dubuque? It floats out from the shore, and is held in place overhead by cables. Cables so low that you must have your antenna down, and lower the arch on a 37PC. if you dock the boat at the ramp, it comes back to about the front of the arch., so fendering, and tying is extremely enjoyable. Oh, hey, it not in a no wake zone either...

We also load often at a ramp in Sturgeon Bay, WI. Loading there is a breeze. Nice long dock, great slope on the ramp. It is always a breeze loading there.

Along with Sturgeon Bay, we have loaded at St Ignace, MI which is another great boat ramp.

Regardless, it is great having the ability to move these large cruisers around to other boating areas.
 
Re: MaryKate "LiQUID ROLLERS" Greatly Assists Loading Heavy Boats on Bunk Trailers

MINE IS 2-5/16 BALL, 30,000 POUND CAPACITY.
 
Re: MaryKate "LiQUID ROLLERS" Greatly Assists Loading Heavy Boats on Bunk Trailers

So... what do you use to pull these boats?

Gary - You have a hardtop - do you lower the top or leave as is when trailering?
 
Re: MaryKate "LiQUID ROLLERS" Greatly Assists Loading Heavy Boats on Bunk Trailers

SPICE,
I TOW MY 37PC WITH AN INTERNATIONAL 4400 SERIES TRUCK. COMBINED WEIGHT AT AROUND 40,000 POUNDS.
HARDTOP COMES OFF, AND STORES ON THE SWIM PLATFORM. ALL FACTORY RIGGING IS USED TO TIE IT DOWN. WHEN I GET TO MY BUILDING, I REMOVE THE HARDTOP, AND PLACE IT IN ITS OWN CRADLE, OUT OF THE WAY.
 
Re: MaryKate "LiQUID ROLLERS" Greatly Assists Loading Heavy Boats on Bunk Trailers

GSENT said:
MINE IS 2-5/16 BALL, 30,000 POUND CAPACITY.
Click to expand...

So you are using a tag style trailer with a reciever style hitch and a 2 5/16" ball? I ask because I'm finishing up a deal on a 400ss and also a 3 axle 21k lb Myco trailer. I've towed a 23k lb gooseneck race car trailer with my truck but I've never towed that much weight on a tag style trailer. I've been a bit sceptical that this combination is going to tow very well. Is the reciever larger that 2"? I have a coventional class V 2" reciever hitch and a large wieght distributing draw bar but don't think that it is rated for that much weight? Do you have any recomendations about where to purchase the proper hitch and related equipment?

Thanks a bunch, Pat
 
Re: MaryKate "LiQUID ROLLERS" Greatly Assists Loading Heavy Boats on Bunk Trailers

need more info, like what kind of tow vehicle, hitch rating, etc.
mine is custom made, and tow vehicle can handle combination weights to 45,000 pounds.
a 40ss on a triaxle trailer, with a 21,000 pound capacity should not be hauled with a pick up truck, but something medium duty.
tongue weight is the most important part of towing anything. 10 percent of the trailer weight should be on the tow vehicle.
brakes are also important. should have them on all axles, not just one or two. electric brakes or electric over hydraulic work in reverse, and are needed when going backwards down the launch ramp. surge brakes do not work in reverse.
 
Re: MaryKate "LiQUID ROLLERS" Greatly Assists Loading Heavy Boats on Bunk Trailers

GSENT said:
need more info, like what kind of tow vehicle, hitch rating, etc.
mine is custom made, and tow vehicle can handle combination weights to 45,000 pounds.
a 40ss on a triaxle trailer, with a 21,000 pound capacity should not be hauled with a pick up truck, but something medium duty.
tongue weight is the most important part of towing anything. 10 percent of the trailer weight should be on the tow vehicle.
brakes are also important. should have them on all axles, not just one or two. electric brakes or electric over hydraulic work in reverse, and are needed when going backwards down the launch ramp. surge brakes do not work in reverse.
Click to expand...

Truck is a 2002 Ford F550 crew cab with the Dana 110 rear, 19.5 wheels and tires, big 4 wheel disk brakes, and Goodyear air bag rear suspension. Trailer is a Myco with triple 7k axles and electric over hydraulic brakes on all 3 axles. Just curious on draw bars and related parts for towing 20k on a tag trailer. Again, I've towed well over 20k with my 50ft gooseneck but never that much on a conventional tag hitch. I've towed a big 36 ft tag style stacker car trailer with a Renegade motorhome built on a Frieghtliner Coranado chassis but that has a 40k hitch. Maybe there is something along those lines made for the smaller trucks?
 
Re: MaryKate "LiQUID ROLLERS" Greatly Assists Loading Heavy Boats on Bunk Trailers

After a bit of research I see that Draw Tite / Reese makes a tag hitch called the Class V "Super Titan" with a 3" reciever that is good up to 25k gross tow wieght and 4k tongue wieght. It's made for a 34" chassis cab type frame width like the F550 so it looks like just what I'm after. Of course they have the one I really want listed as "coming soon" but maybe they are just slow on the web updates :) I'm going call tomorrow and see what's up.

BTW, sorry for the hijack BeechBoy.
 
Re: MaryKate "LiQUID ROLLERS" Greatly Assists Loading Heavy Boats on Bunk Trailers

THREE 7000 POUND AXLES? LITTLE LIGHT DON'T YOU THINK?
TRAILER THAT SIZE GOT TO WEIGH AT LEAST 4500 POUNDS. LEAVING YOU ONLY 16,500 FOR BOAT, GEAR, AND FUEL.
I WOULD THINK IT WOULD HAVE 8OOO POUND AXLES.
 
Re: MaryKate "LiQUID ROLLERS" Greatly Assists Loading Heavy Boats on Bunk Trailers

GSENT said:
THREE 7000 POUND AXLES? LITTLE LIGHT DON'T YOU THINK?
TRAILER THAT SIZE GOT TO WEIGH AT LEAST 4500 POUNDS. LEAVING YOU ONLY 16,500 FOR BOAT, GEAR, AND FUEL.
I WOULD THINK IT WOULD HAVE 8OOO POUND AXLES.
Click to expand...

It's an aluminum trailer and Myco says it wieghs about 2800 empty so it gives me 18,200 load capacity. Also if I'm splitting hairs it should probably have around 1500 on the tonque so theoretically it would give me 19,700 load capacity on the actual trailer axles if I'm cheating :). I'd absolutely rather have something with triple 8k's but I got this one used at the right price. The guys at Myco said they would normally want to sell me a 24k trailer for this boat if I was buying new but that they see no problem with this one considering my intended use and if I'm smart about it making sure the fuel and water tanks are close to empty when I use it. A bit of a PITA but better that $20G's for a new trailer I guess. Even at 18,200 that should still work out OK for my intended use. Initially I'll tow it home about 400 miles with the fuel and water tanks empty. After that I'll normally only be using it for pre and post season hauling 20 miles each way to my building, winter storage, and any summer hauling out for maintenance if needed. Not planning to do any traveling with it.

Looks like the Reese / Draw Tite "Super Titan" hitch set up will be the way to go. Set up for the 34" frame width and uses a 3" reciever good for up to 25k towed wieght and 4k tongue wieght.

Thanks, Pat
 
Re: MaryKate "LiQUID ROLLERS" Greatly Assists Loading Heavy Boats on Bunk Trailers

GSENT said:
THREE 7000 POUND AXLES? LITTLE LIGHT DON'T YOU THINK?
TRAILER THAT SIZE GOT TO WEIGH AT LEAST 4500 POUNDS. LEAVING YOU ONLY 16,500 FOR BOAT, GEAR, AND FUEL.
I WOULD THINK IT WOULD HAVE 8OOO POUND AXLES.
Click to expand...

Agreed. I have triple 8000 pound axles on my trailer pulling my 370SS. First, make absolutely certain that you tow the trailer level. I was just under 2 inches high in the nose and i have gone through 2 rear axles at almost $3000 per axle replacement (after shipping and labor). Every year I have the bearings replaced and repacked too. So far the new axle is holding up, but i don't trailer it in the heat of summer more than a few miles. I moved my boat to Havasu in a storage unit there so my trailering has decreased to less than 10 miles per trip, compared to 400 round trip.

I would not recommend going far with the 7000 axles. Just short trips like less than 10 miles each way.

FYI, I tow with a 2006 Freightliner Sportchassis and it handles it nicely. Also installed a 2.5" monster hitch with additional support to the frame. Trailer shop rated it at 25k. My boat on the trailer was more than 22,000#. I had about 1/3 tank of fuel if I remember correctly. The 400SS should be about 1500 more.

If you do decide to trailer with the 7000 axles, make certain that trailer is pulling level and always travel with 2 strong jacks and straps incase you need to strap an axle up.
 
Re: MaryKate "LiQUID ROLLERS" Greatly Assists Loading Heavy Boats on Bunk Trailers

GSENT and Magic34,

Good advice from both of you, thanks for all the info. I am looking for a 24k GVW or larger gooseneck trailer now. I think the Myco I have now will probably work but it really is a bit small for this boat and I'd just as soon not have to worry about draining fuel, water, etc just to get down to safe weight. Because I'm towing with the F550 vs a larger Frieghtliner or similar I'd really like a gooseneck or 5th wheel also.

Magic34, a couple questions for you...........
1) You actually damaged the entire axle from towing 2 inches higher than level? Curious about what parts failed that required an entire axle replacement? When talking to the guys at Loadmaster they did say that they'd rather see a leaf spring suspension under a trailer this big instead of torsion axles. I was surprised but they said the leaf spring suspension is a lot more forgiving on uneven surfaces (going down a ramp) and also if not perfectly level

2) How high does your 370 sit on the trailer. I know I'll have to take all the stuff off the top of the radar arch to get down below 13' 6" either way but I'm wondering how much higher the boat would sit on a tandem dually vs a triple axle. Wondering if it would be down as low as 13 ft on a regular trailer so maybe still below 13' 6" on the tandem dually.

Thanks, Pat
 
Re: MaryKate "LiQUID ROLLERS" Greatly Assists Loading Heavy Boats on Bunk Trailers

pat@osp said:
GSENT and Magic34,

Good advice from both of you, thanks for all the info. I am looking for a 24k GVW or larger gooseneck trailer now. I think the Myco I have now will probably work but it really is a bit small for this boat and I'd just as soon not have to worry about draining fuel, water, etc just to get down to safe weight. Because I'm towing with the F550 vs a larger Frieghtliner or similar I'd really like a gooseneck or 5th wheel also.

Magic34, a couple questions for you...........
1) You actually damaged the entire axle from towing 2 inches higher than level? Curious about what parts failed that required an entire axle replacement? When talking to the guys at Loadmaster they did say that they'd rather see a leaf spring suspension under a trailer this big instead of torsion axles. I was surprised but they said the leaf spring suspension is a lot more forgiving on uneven surfaces (going down a ramp) and also if not perfectly level

2) How high does your 370 sit on the trailer. I know I'll have to take all the stuff off the top of the radar arch to get down below 13' 6" either way but I'm wondering how much higher the boat would sit on a tandem dually vs a triple axle. Wondering if it would be down as low as 13 ft on a regular trailer so maybe still below 13' 6" on the tandem dually.

Thanks, Pat
Click to expand...

Pat,
The leaf spring trailer will self adjust. They are correct in their statement to you. The leaf springs are much more forgiving. Yes, my trailer was 2" higher at the front than 42' back in the rear. When you lose a bearing under driving conditions, it always destroys the spindle. You then need a new axle. Combine the extra load with 100+ degree towing conditions, the bearing heat up and fail. Either way, if you get a leaf spring or torsion axle trailer, just do whatever you need to and distribute the load evenly by keeping the trailer level. One axle runs heavy, it runs hotter than the others and has a chance for failure. I am also running some 19.5" tires that you would find on a dually pickup, almost like big rig tires. You want some strong tires too. Repack bearings at the start of every season and definitely before a 1000 mile trip. Couple hundred bucks of maintenance could save you thousands in repairs.

My boat on the trailer, to the top of the Raymarine radar dome is exactly 14' 2" and if i unbolt the radar dome and put on the side, i can get it in a 14' garage door. While not the most convenient thing, it takes me 3 minutes to unbolt and sent on the arch (off of the base). I don't know how you would get to 13', I don't see that possible. I would try to get under 14' for regular trailering although I know 13' 6" is the legal limit. I have not run into any issues here out West on the major highways at 14' 2". I would not be nervous if I was between 13'6" and 14', obviously the lower the better. If I didn't have the radar/mount and satellite mount on mine, I would probably be at 13' 9" at most. I do unbolt the satellite when not on the water.

I would go 3 axles. I would try and spread that weight as far as possible and if you did get a flat, changing on a triple would be easier than tandem dually.

I have attached a picture so you can see how my boat sits on the trailer. I don't think I could lower the bunks even a 1/2" if I wanted.
 

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Re: MaryKate "LiQUID ROLLERS" Greatly Assists Loading Heavy Boats on Bunk Trailers

I HAVE NEVER SEEN TORTION AXLES THAT LARGE. I'VE ONLY SEEN THEM FOR LIGHT DUTY APPLICATIONS.
 
Re: MaryKate "LiQUID ROLLERS" Greatly Assists Loading Heavy Boats on Bunk Trailers

GSENT said:
I HAVE NEVER SEEN TORTION AXLES THAT LARGE. I'VE ONLY SEEN THEM FOR LIGHT DUTY APPLICATIONS.
Click to expand...

I am running triple 8000 pound torsion axles with 17.5" wheels
 
Re: MaryKate "LiQUID ROLLERS" Greatly Assists Loading Heavy Boats on Bunk Trailers

GSENT said:
I HAVE NEVER SEEN TORTION AXLES THAT LARGE. I'VE ONLY SEEN THEM FOR LIGHT DUTY APPLICATIONS.
Click to expand...

I've seen several triple axle 24k GVW trailers with 8000 lb torsion axles. Biggest I've seen is triple 9000's lbs on a Myco 5th wheel built for a 48 ft Fountain Express Cruiser. The trailer has a 32k lb GVW tag..............I thought that was interesting, I guess that they figure it will carry 5k on the truck thru the 5th wheel?
 
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