Help.....boat trailer cross member

[slappy64]

I had a little problem at the boat ramp this weekend and bent the front cross member. I dont think that it can be fixed, does anyone know where i can find a new one? It's a spartan trailer and it has a "V" style cross member. Thanks all.

[Skipper T]

Find a competent welder. If it is steel, chances are it can be repaired.

[Terry Hagstrom]

Slappy,

Been down this road before. Grab a 4x4 or 6x6 timber about 4 feet long and have somone hold this against the backside of the cross member. wrap a cable from a come along (winch) around both. Anchor the other end (the winch end) securely to the mast. It would be best to get a chain or heavier cable to wrap around the mast and the main tube to the tongue.

Here is were it can get a little tricky. Carefully crank the cable tight and add tension. Dont over crank or the cable could snap and come back at you. Now with the help of that other person I spoke of earlier, have them wack the backside of the timber with a sledge hammer as you crank. If the cross member is not moving you may have a bigger problem than you would care for. This has worked in the past and I'm sure it will for you.

The only down side to this has been some ugly looking welds at the main rails of the frame from getting bent.

Good luck

Terry

Terry Guide Service

www.fishingmn.com/terry

[Valv]

Terry, excellent suggestion.

[perchking]

Why do I picture an Over Sized bow and arrow pointing right at you?

My suggestion is to find a shop to cut off the existing cross member and reweld a new one back into its position and paint it with a good rustoliom paint. As soon as you start bending steel you are going to have some issues with running straight down the road.

[Skipper T]

Quote:

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The only down side to this has been some ugly looking welds at the main rails of the frame from getting bent.

Good luck

Terry

Terry Guide Service

www.fishingmn.com/terry

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"Ugly welds" have most likely had their strength compromised. Best bet is to contact a professional to repair severe damage to a trailer. When you pull a trailer down the highway, it ought to be safe. A competent professional should be able to repair this damage at a reasonable cost, and it will be attractive and safe to use.