Technique: Combi Trailer

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Combi Trailer

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: Dinghy classes
Forum Name: Technique
Forum Discription: 'How to' section for dinghy questions and answers
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12269
Printed Date: 08 Aug 25 at 6:49am
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Topic: Combi Trailer

Posted By: Megaricht
Subject: Combi Trailer
Date Posted: 10 Jan 16 at 10:46pm

I am thinking of getting a dinghy with a combi trailer; specificly along the lines of a Wanderer.

I know I can handle the trailer except for the business of getting the launch trailer back onto the road trailer.

I know there are people out there who can help. Acting on my own is there a secret in lifting the launch trailer off and on?

Thank you. Richard

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Cheers Rich

Replies:

Posted By: gordon1277
Date Posted: 11 Jan 16 at 8:27am

Hi
If the combi is set up correctly you should be able to manage on your own.
Make sure the road base has a full width roller at the back, and that the boat on the trolley is well balanced.
I know having 10inch wheels is better for towing but this can make it more difficult to combine the two.
Without seeing the combi in action its difficult to come up with tips.
Regards
Gordon

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Gordon
Lossc

Posted By: Megaricht
Date Posted: 11 Jan 16 at 11:10am

Thank you. My problem will be getting the wheels of the launch trailer back on. Do people normally use a ramp. Can't see how it's possible otherwise

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Cheers Rich

Posted By: Megaricht
Date Posted: 11 Jan 16 at 11:11am

I mean getting the launch trailer wheels up and onto the road trailer

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Cheers Rich

Posted By: MerlinMags
Date Posted: 11 Jan 16 at 11:12am

If you can pull a dinghy up a slipway then I think you could manage to work a combi trailer OK.

But do spend time/money on getting it to work flawlessly. I have an ancient one that definitely makes it a lot harder work.

Posted By: Megaricht
Date Posted: 11 Jan 16 at 11:22am

Maybe I'm not being clear. Dinghy and trolley are about 150 kilos. I have to pull it up a step of about 9 inches. Surely this needs a ramp... it won't just easily roll up a step that high will it?

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Cheers Rich

Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 11 Jan 16 at 11:35am

Typically there are rollers on the road base, and the frame of the launching trolley rolls up these rollers to lift the trolley: its not a case of having it bodily up a step. Built in ramp in reverse really!

However if you find you really struggle then two or three old blocks and a bit of rope in the back of the car would give you a purchase that would let you heave it the last bit. Never seen anyone needing it though.

Posted By: Megaricht
Date Posted: 11 Jan 16 at 11:44am

Ah I think I'm seeing it. So lift front of boat and trolley. Pull and restitution on road trailer.and keep pulling till centre of balance tilts back of trolley up off floor. Then pull last little bit.

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Cheers Rich

Posted By: gordon1277
Date Posted: 11 Jan 16 at 12:06pm

Hi Mega
Starting straight so you dont bind on the sides helps a lot although a good wiggle of the boat and trolley can sort things if you get stuck.
Gordon

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Gordon
Lossc

Posted By: rogerd
Date Posted: 11 Jan 16 at 1:50pm

On the wayfarer combi`s I have used, get the front of the trolly as far forward as possible and then lift the front of the road base and trolly together you can hook up the front of the trolly and the by pushing the two down together you lift the rear end off the ground.

Some of these combi`s have a system where the mast suppot slides down vertically to hold the road base front up higher.

Im not sure I have described it very well.

Posted By: zippyRN
Date Posted: 11 Jan 16 at 2:22pm

As has been said the road base generally has a full width roller at the axle on modern designs.

park the trailer flat ( if fitted with a jockey wheel or a convenient step / crate to hand

line up trolley (with boat) and pull the trolley on to the trailer as far as you can get it

depend on exact design of trailer sometimes lifting the tow hook end of the trailer allows you to get the trailer a little further on ...

pul down and forward on trolley ( and down on trailer if lifted ) trolley slides forward to fully loaded position ...