Strapping the boat down

[Chrisrog]

What do you guys use to strap the boat down to the trailer? My boat came with only the webbing strap from the winch. I think it needs some better method of attaching at the bow, and I'd love recommendations for the best straps for the rear, as well as recommendations on where they should attach to the boat.

The trailer is a 2012 (or so) tandem axle Roadrunner that the second owner bought when the boat was 10 years old.

[shag]

There should be a cable/chain also that attaches directly to the trailer frame with manual chain links as an added safety, probably depends on trailer manufacturer tho.
Many people use transom straps and hook them to the rear lift eyes, then to a significant mounting point on the trailer.

[Chrisrog]

The rear lift eyes have plastic covers that would prevent you from connecting anything from below. The swim platform attachment point is the only thing that looks like it might be in the right spot, but how strong is it?

I'm considering getting these straps, 2 for the rear and 1 for the front:

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/boat-...4?pCode=406803

[bturner]

Got a set from Christmas I'm installing this spring.

[mulde35d]

The rear lift eyes have plastic covers that would prevent you from connecting anything from below. The swim platform attachment point is the only thing that looks like it might be in the right spot, but how strong is it?

I'm considering getting these straps, 2 for the rear and 1 for the front:

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/boat-...4?pCode=406803

I had those on my last boat trailer. They worked great and were relatively easy to install as long as your comfortable drilling through the steel trailer. Just remember, lots of pressure and low speed while drilling and put some paint on the raw steel after you drill through to hopefully prevent future rust.

[NautiqueJeff]

Swim platform brackets are plenty strong. That's what all of the newer boats attach to the trailer with.

[SilentSeven]

I use something like these for a 20 foot Nautique 206. https://www.amazon.com/Meili-Transom...723281&sr=8-10

My DMH trailer has welded loops by the stop lights and I cross strap to the furthest swim step mount.

For me, the main purpose of transom straps is to keep the stern of the boat from lofting off the trailer over large bumps. If you've ever had this happen, it's unsettling at best and dangerous at worst.

Edit: also, our state requires rear straps.

[Chrisrog]

I decided to order the retracting type to minimize the amount of "other stuff" I have to manage even though they were more money.

Now on to getting my lug wrench and jack situation under control so next time I have a blow-out I'm not scrambling to find an open store in the middle of nowhere or reliant on that nice country gentlemen who stopped to help and happened to have a jack stand / bottle jack combo that would work. How does the manufacturer intend for the trailer to be jacked up? Is there a jack and lug wrench hidden on one of the rails that I have missed? If not, this has to always ride in my truck when trailering, because the truck's jack won't work safely on the trailer.

[SilentSeven]

I carry a cheap scissor jack on any major roadtrip. I went with a scissor jack because a) small b) cheap c) light(er) and - most importantly - d) able to slide under the axle even when the tire's blown.

My DHM trailer has no jack storage; keep it in the car.

Edit: one of these https://www.harborfreight.com/2-1-2-...ack-96406.html

[XBIGPUN66]

We carry a 5 ton floor jack and a four way. And chocks.

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