Prop Guard Caster Wheels

[northernoak]

My 2001 Air Nautique that I got last fall sits on a tandem axle DHM trailer. Getting into and out of my driveway the prop guard drags on the ground for about 2ft. The tires never leave the ground, just a clearance issue with the entrance/curb. I've done the usual suggestions of lowering the tongue and putting boards under the tires but I still usually end up dragging. Looking into this further I've seen DHM used to sell a drag wheel kit that attached to the prop guard. (See image below) Since they're no longer in business I've not been able to find a set for sale anywhere. Talking with my neighbor who does metal fabrication he said he could make it for me as long as I get some casters.

So my question to the group, what size wheel do you think those DHM drag kits were? Most casters I'm finding are 2" wide but this kit looks like it could be a bit wider than that. Recommendations on capacity rating? The boat is 2800lbs dry, but if the trailer tires are never leaving the ground I don't think I would need to get casters that could carry the entire boat weight.

[MN Ryan]

I feel your pain. I have a Sequoia with and adjustable suspension, so if I drop the rear 2" and angle it just right, I can do it without scraping. Good luck!

[shag]

If it is dragging, it is putting a large amount of weight on those casters imo. I would want a high capacity roller just to be safe. Just because the tires don't leave the ground, doesn't mean there's not a lot of weight there.. Especially if going on an angle... Just my .02...

[H2O]

DHM factory caster wheels are 5" diameter and 2" wide.

[northernoak]

I forgot to do my follow up on this post.
Thanks for the reply H2O.
That sizing had been my guess but the day before I got your reply I ordered some 6"x3" casters given the recommendations to support the more weight. These can support 2000lbs each. I considered returning them and getting the 5x2 casters instead but the return shipping alone didn't make sense to go that route. If I was to do it over I would recommend the 5x2 as the 6x3 are laughably big.

I brought my boat and trailer to my neighbor and he took some measurements and the casters. A couple days later he had the brackets made and ready for install. He thinks he wrote down the wrong number for the angle when doing his measurements as they don't sit perfectly flat. Neighbor did offer to redo the angle, but for my purposes with the small area on my driveway I want to avoid dragging on, it does exactly what I need. I may have them redone in the fall when I'm not needing them every weekend. All in all I'm happy with the end result and no longer dragging my trailer on the driveway and dealing with that painful loud scraping sound.

[MN Ryan]

Awesome!

[SilentSeven]

@nothernoak - those are neat.... Where do the castors transfer the load? Do they connect to the prop guard or to the frame by the tail lights? Sad DHM is no long in business - they were always helpful when I called them.

[northernoak]

SilentSeven they are transferring the load to the prop guard just like the DHM ones did. I did consider the trailer frame but since the prop guard was good enough for DHM, then its good enough for me.

[SilentSeven]

Close up picture(s) would be neat if you have a few minutes. I have a DHM trailer as well...wanna guess what it does?

[northernoak]

Yeah, I'll grab some this weekend if I can remember.
But these are two photos from another planetnautique post I showed my neighbor when I asked if he could make the bracket.

[SilentSeven]

Ah...those are good enough...thanks!

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