Trucks & Trailers - Storing trailer on its side

THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.




View Full Version : Storing trailer on its side


gumgator
07-31-2012, 10:30 AM
My new boat will be kept in a dry dock, an I would like to store the trailer on its side in my storage shed. I will only use the trailer once a year, at most. The trailer is an aluminum double axle for a 24' Yellowfin. Talking with Ameratrail, they say I would not be able to pick up the side of the trailer, too heavy.
I have thought about purchasing an engine hoist to lift up one side, and then just place it on heavy duty castors. Or, possibly removing the tires, and then picking it up, storing it on blocks on its side.
Has anyone came up with a good way to store a trailer on its side?


ALUMINATOR
07-31-2012, 05:52 PM
Never though of until now. How about a couple of heavy duty furniture dollies.

Lattitude Adjuster
07-31-2012, 07:43 PM
The furniture dollys may not be heavy enough for the trailer, you might consider car dollys from Harbor freight they would probably do better.
(1) I would be concerned on how you will keep it on its side. I am assuming you could use a come along to winch it up against the wall of your shed. This may not be convenient or the safest procedure, but an electric hoist (not a winch) from Northern Tool would be much a safer way to do this. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200328855_200328855
The hoist would be mounted to the top of the wall of the shed, connect the cable to the opposite side of the trailer and pull it up to the vertical position.
Since you would be using a hoist the line will not free spool, so it would be power up / power down.
You will also have a remote control so you can be out of the danger zone for this operation.
(2) Be aware that the brake reservoir is designed to operate in the horizontal position, you may loose brake fluid through the reservoir vent, you could probably come up with some way to plug this.

Your trailer probably weighs at or above 1,000 pounds, be careful with this, it is enough to squash you if the physics get out of control.
To get the trailer weight look on the ID tag on the inside of the trailer, there are two numbers on the gross weight and the load rating, subtract these numbers, the difference is the trailer weight.

Good luck with this and let us know how it works


Ryan H.
07-31-2012, 07:56 PM
Depending on the roof supports and height, have you thought about three chain hoists, one at the toungh and one at each rear corner and then just hoisting it up overhead and using the underneath area for storage and the like????



Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.2.0