Tilt Trailers?

[TexasJim]

I haven't seen a recently-built tilt trailer in years. Are they still made? The trailer I (re)built for my 14' skiff has a straight axle with leaf springs, and big 14" tires, so it has to be down the ramp till the top of the tires are just about submerged. I don't have any trouble launching and retrieving, but, as I'm always in saltwater, all the steel components, even the long ago hot-dipped galvanized frame gets submerged. And, as we know, "Rust never sleeps!" I see rigs that "dry launch". They all seem to have torsion axles and deep-vee cross members. I'm wondering why I couldn't mod my trailer to have a tilt section at the rear, that might let me submerge less of my trailer. You guys got any brilliant ideas? TexasJim, cold in South Texas

 

[airshot]

Modify or replace your trailer to suit your needs...always. Boating should not be a chore ! Can honestly say I have never saw a need for a tilt bed boat trailer, those I have watched, have had more issues than I could count. For a small lightweight tinnie, I could see possibilities for shallow retrieves. But a heavier boat....I can only see more issues, but...I am not using your launch, so it is hard for me to say for sure. I have always encouraged boaters to solve your issues that make boating a chore.

 

[FuzzyGrub]

My DMI 1648 came with a trailer with tilt, that I have never tried to use. It might even be welded/defeated. Can't remember. It is an old trailer and uses round steel tubes vs rectangular.

My pick-up on a stick, trailer, a 5' x 8' bed has tilt. I have used that a few times. Once you pull the pin it can be hard to control. With a boat, if it wasn't near balanced, that could be a problem. ie most boats are stearn heavy with motor and fuel.

Post some pictures of your set-up. There might be other ways to configure to help your situation. Might also try those "slick" pads if it is a bunk style trailer.