Trailer bunk bolts

[mf01]

I plan on replacing the bunks/carpet on the trailer this weekend. The current bunks have bolts in them. I've never seen the top bolt, since it's under the carpet. The bottom looks like a standard nut/washer. Is the top just a counter sunk bolt with washer?

[DanielC]

RE: Trailer bunk bolts

Yes, just a counter sunk bolt. Probably a carriage bolt, no washer.

[mf01]

RE: Trailer bunk bolts

So if I buy new carriage bolts, I should be good? I'm trying to get all of the hardware, so my unattended boat is left down at a semi-public dock for the least amount of time. I'd prefer to not run to Home Depot during the process, but might have to.

[AirTool]

RE: Trailer bunk bolts

Do you know anybody at McQueeny you could borrow a trailer from? There are hundreds parked outside the ski club and neighborhood there.

[mf01]

RE: Trailer bunk bolts

Nope, I'm mainly on Lake Austin. I plan on tying the boat up at a neighborhood ramp/dock, then swap out the bunks at a friends house a few blocks away.

[81nautique]

RE: Trailer bunk bolts

Be prepared with a sawzall to cut the old ones off. You could fight with those old rusted bolts all day.

[mf01]

RE: Trailer bunk bolts

I plan on bringing a grinder. I put some PB blaster on them tonight and will again tomorrow.

[81nautique]

RE: Trailer bunk bolts

I think what you'll find is that the bolts will just spin and being countersunk into the bunks you'll have a hard time gripping them. The grinder makes a lot of heat and you'll start burning the old bunks. Cutting is easier but either will work.

[RainDog]

RE: Trailer bunk bolts

A cold chisel and 2 whacks with a hammer sheared every bolt easily on the 1978 trailer I restored. Place the chisel between the nut and underside of the trailer rail.

[81nautique]

Re: RE: Trailer bunk bolts

A cold chisel and 2 whacks with a hammer sheared every bolt easily on the 1978 trailer I restored. Place the chisel between the nut and underside of the trailer rail.

Show Off!!! :razz:

[mf01]

RE: Re: RE: Trailer bunk bolts

I thought about just re carpeting the current bunks, but I thought it'd be easier and better to just replace them. Now I'm thinking it might be a pain to replace the bunks.

[behindpropellers]

Re: RE: Re: RE: Trailer bunk bolts

I thought about just re carpeting the current bunks, but I thought it'd be easier and better to just replace them. Now I'm thinking it might be a pain to replace the bunks.

Might want to pull them off. Mine were severly pitted under the bunks.

My '86 trailer had SS carriage bolts in them.

[skijones]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Trailer bunk bolts

My 89 eagle trailer has 1" lag bolts put in from the bottom. Replaced the bunks and carpet 2 years ago and no problems yet.

[east tx skier]

RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Trailer bunk bolts

When you replace those carriage bolts, skip the nylock nuts and double up on regular stainless steel nuts and lock washers. The nylock nuts will just require that you hold the bolt on the threaded end to keep it from spinning inside the bunk. Double up the nuts and they'll stay put.

[mf01]

Re: RE: Re: RE: Re: RE: Trailer bunk bolts

When you replace those carriage bolts, skip the nylock nuts and double up on regular stainless steel nuts and lock washers. The nylock nuts will just require that you hold the bolt on the threaded end to keep it from spinning inside the bunk. Double up the nuts and they'll stay put.

Thanks for the tip. Should I use some loctite? So lock washers instead of regular washers?