Renovating Four Winns Trailer

num7live · **Joined:** Mon Aug 24, 2009 5:36 pm **Posts:** 26

Four Winns Trailer
1999 190 Horizon

I am in the process of replacing the bunks on my trailer and have a few questions:
1) What is the correct lumber to use? Is there a special type of "marine grade" pressure treated lumber?

2) When removing the side "guide" bunks I discovered that the mounts are getting corroded (see photo). One is completely unusable. Can replacement mounts be ordered? Four Winns Parts Dealer? If not what are the other options to replace? Find a metal shop? Aftermarket options?

3) The rubber guide bunk on the back of the trailer is in bad shape (see photo). It there anywhere to order this part as well?

Thanks

NiagaraChillin · **Posted:** Thu Sep 06, 2012 7:03 am

Here is a couple of websites/links that have parts:
http://www.boatersland.com/boat-trailer-guides.html
http://search.overtons.com/?Ns=p_image_sort|1||p_purchased|1&cname=Trailer-Guides&Ne=1000&N=2264
http://search.overtons.com/?Ns=p_image_sort%7C1%7C%7Cp_purchased%7C1&cname=Trailer-Rollers-Hardware&Ne=1000&N=2267

ric · **Posted:** Thu Sep 06, 2012 8:18 am

Bunk wood? Treated lumber from home depot. Probably a 2x6x8. Will last a good 10 years.

EvilZ · **Posted:** Thu Sep 06, 2012 10:53 am

Here's another link to a site for all things trailer-related:

http://www.easternmarine.com/?gclid=CK_LrMqnobICFQXhQgodLQkAZA

rpengr · **Posted:** Thu Sep 06, 2012 11:26 am

When you get to the carpeting for the bunks, I used this one from home depot (SKU # 273497):
http://www.homedepot.com/Grays/Flooring-Carpet-Carpet-Tile-Outdoor-Carpet/h_d1/N-5yc1vZboilZ1z13zy8Z1z0z6hr/R-100482833/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051#.UEjNJ7KPVu4
Wrapped the carpet around so that only about 1 or 2" of wood was exposed underneath. Stapled it on with 1/2" T-50 staples made from Monel. (Monel staples cost $25/box, but will outlast the wood) No staples on top...only on the bottom side.

LouC · **Posted:** Thu Sep 06, 2012 3:41 pm

those mounts for the side bunks, that rotted, are they galvanized? I know that Champion Trailers sells lots of galvanized stock but I think you can probably salvage those by drilling those holes lower and making the bunk a bit higher to compensate. I'd sand down the rusted area, hit it with rust converter and then cold galvanizing spray....

I rebuilt a salt water galvanized trailer over the past 10 years or so, the only thing remaining of the original trailer is the side frame rails, cross members and winch post, everything else (longer heavier gauge tongue, longer and heavier gauge roller bars, more rollers, new axle/springs with brake flanges, new fenders, surge brake system, all new wiring and lights). Also upgraded from 14" to 15" rims with 225/75-15 tires. Sounds like a lot but I did it a little at at time over a number of years. I do a lot of rust prevention and it really does help, so much so that I do the same thing on my vehicles as well.

Rick180 · **Joined:** Wed May 23, 2007 10:02 pm **Posts:** 41

Unfortunately, all of those links to boat guides won't do you much good. Reason being is that 99.7% of them require you to bolt them (using clamps) onto the frame rails. With that step there, you're out of luck. I know, because I have the same problem and have been looking into it. You might try salvaging them as LouC says. I saw this in the parking lot at the lake today, and might try it. A receiver is welded onto the channel with a gusset underneath (for support). The guide goes into the receiver and is adjustable.

The other thing you could do with those other boat guides are to bolt them directly onto the top of the step. That way you could adjust them to almost any width. I wouldn't recommend bolting them on the bottom (you'd have to cut out a notch out of the side of the step for bottom install). The width of the step is going to determine how narrow you can make the guides, and I'll bet that's too wide.

Rick

rpengr · **Posted:** Thu Sep 06, 2012 11:38 pm

LouC wrote:

...but I think you can probably salvage those by drilling those holes lower and making the bunk a bit higher to compensate. I'd sand down the rusted area, hit it with rust converter and then cold galvanizing spray....

I was thinking the same thing from the photo. Cut those off just below the rusted hole, and drill a new hole 1" lower, which would not affect the functioning of these bunks, unless you dunk your trailer exceptionally deep.

num7live · **Joined:** Mon Aug 24, 2009 5:36 pm **Posts:** 26

All, Thanks for the feedback. I am probably going to attempt the cut and drill new holes option. I will probably install wider (2x6) bunks for the guides to make up for the loss of height.

Any advise for cutting through galvanized metal? I have a sawsall with a hack saw blade. I will probably try that first.

Any ideas on the rubber bumper/guide on the back (second picture). I am probably not going to mess with it this season, but want to replace it soon.

NiagaraChillin · **Posted:** Fri Sep 07, 2012 2:40 pm

Get a poly one, won't fall apart like rubber. You can find them on any of the links provided in this thread. Usually only cost about $10 bucks.

EvilZ · **Posted:** Fri Sep 07, 2012 2:52 pm

This is the one that I bought:
http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Stoltz-Self-Centering-12-Keel-Roller&i=74195&aID=603G1&merchID=4006

My FW dealer thought I was nuts - and he was probably right...It's held up well, but then again, I don't think my boat has ever come near to touching it.....

LouC · **Posted:** Sat Sep 08, 2012 11:19 am

num7live wrote:

All, Thanks for the feedback. I am probably going to attempt the cut and drill new holes option. I will probably install wider (2x6) bunks for the guides to make up for the loss of height.

Any advise for cutting through galvanized metal? I have a sawsall with a hack saw blade. I will probably try that first.

It's no different than regular steel, wear eye protection. I'd take em off, clamp in a vise and use a circular saw.

Any ideas on the rubber bumper/guide on the back (second picture). I am probably not going to mess with it this season, but want to replace it soon.

Chech champion trailers or eastern marine, those are commonly available

90Tiger · **Joined:** Fri Oct 21, 2011 9:23 am **Posts:** 79

The rear center guide (and end pieces) can be purchased from Overton's. If you need a new bar for it and acorn nuts, those can also be purchased from Overton's. I recently refurbished my FW trailer (pics here: http://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9537) and used a sawzall or a 4" grinder with metal cutting wheel to cut off bolts. If you need a 4" grinder, you can pick one up pretty cheaply from Harbor Freight.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

You will want to use a grinder to smooth out the edges after cutting the supports....can cut your hoofs or someones bare feet if used like a step as mine often are.
. .
I do like the receiver hitch idea for installing a removable equipment box on the tongue of my trailer...can use a locking pin to secure.

www.iFourWinns.com

Renovating Four Winns Trailer

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