Operator`s manual
1213 1200.01
9
the rollers are fixed with no adjustment).
NOTE: It is important to remember that boats with longitudinal strakes or chines should have
the rollers adjusted to run on the flat area of the hull between the strakes or chines.
Also note that the rollers should be lubricated at least once a year, preferably at the start of
the season, and possibly a second or third time depending on the amount of usage and
water immersion. Use a dry graphite lubricant to lube the roller hub.
CAUTION - The boat should be removed from the trailer while ALL adjustments are being
performed. Make certain that all fasteners are properly tightened BEFORE the boat is
reloaded onto the trailer.
AB & AC (Aluminum Bunk) Trailer Set-Up
Step #1- Achieving proper Tongue Weight
IMPORTANT NOTICE- PROPER TONGUE WEIGHT OF 5%-6% OF THE GVWR MUST BE
OBTAINED. SINCE THE AXLES ON THE AB / AC TRAILERS ARE ADJUSTABLE,
THERE ARE TWO METHODS TO INCREASE OR REDUCE TONGUE WEIGHT (see
below) (also see ***note at bottom of this set up sheet). MAKE CERTAIN THE BOAT IS
LOADED THE WAY IT WILL BE TOWED (WITH FUEL AND GEAR ON BOARD)
When checking tongue weight always weigh at the coupler with the trailer in a level attitude
(parallel to the ground).
Method 1) Position the boat on the trailer and move the boat either fore or aft to achieve
proper tongue weight. The boat transom should NEVER overhang the rear bunk supports by
more than 8” without approval of hull manufacturer.
Method 2) Move the axles. If boat positioning (Method 1) will not provide proper tongue
weight, the axles can be re-positioned. Never attempt to move axles with the boat on the
trailer! Always mark the trailer frames before moving axles and fenders so that they are
moved in the exact same amount relative to each other. Re-torque ½” U-Bolts (or carriage
bolts) to 45-50 foot pounds when tightening. (Do NOT over torque).
Caution: Be sure not to damage the brake line or wire harness in the process.
Caution: Axles should never be moved in excess of 6” in either direction without
written approval from Load Rite.
Step #2- Hull set-up
1) Loosen the keel support roller (or target bunk) mounting bolts and lower the support all
the way down. Leave bolts loose at this time.
2) Adjust load bearing bunk centers (left to right) to fit boat properly. These MUST be placed
as wide as possible so that proper “lateral” hull support is guaranteed. Failure to do this
could result in unsafe towing.
Example: Spread bunks wide in order to assure lateral stability. Avoid all strakes on hull.
3) Attach the trailer to the correct size tow vehicle with the ball latched and safety chains or
cables properly secured to the receiver. Load the boat onto the trailer. Make certain there is
adequate fender clearance and that the boat is not resting on the satellite /target bunks at this
time.
Note: If the target satellite / target bunks are taking any load at this time, then the main load
bearing bunks must be raised to a higher adjustment position (target apparatus are NOT
designed to support heavy loading at any time).
4) Adjust the winch post location and support head height to match the boat bow eye. Winch
cable or strap should be parallel to the ground and pass below the winch roller.
5) Snug the satellite or target bunks against the keel (maximum load weight = 200 lbs.)
A hydraulic bottle jack can be used. Overloading these supports can result in trailer frame
damage. Tighten all bolts (1/2” straight and U-Bolts to 45 ft. lbs.), and check wheel lugs 85-
95 ft. lbs.
6) Attach winch cable to bow eye and pull boat firmly into bow roller (boat’s bow eye must
always be below the winch roller). Attach bow safety chain and take up chain slack in the
winch support keyhole.
*** Load bearing bunks can be adjusted fore & aft to help in achieving proper tongue weight
(rather than moving axles in most cases).