ShoreLand'r SL20AL - Manual (Page 12)

Midwest Industries, Inc. Ida Grove, IA 51445 800.859.3028 www.shorelandr.com
0003625
Page 12 3/07/06
Trailer Adjustments
The adjustment of the trailer to your boat is very important not only
for the trailer, but also the boat. Failure to do so may lead to poten-
tial failure or damage to either the trailer or boat.
Adjust as follows:
Rear Support System
The rear cross member is adjustable forward or backward to allow
the trailer to be adjusted to various length boats. This is accomplished
by removing the pivot bolt on each end that holds the rear pivot arm
to the side frame and the rear pivot offset weldments. Once the rear
pivot arm assembly is removed, remove the two additional bolts on
each side frame that mount the rear pivot offset weldments to the
side frame. Move them to the desired location and remount to the
side frames with the bolts just removed. Reposition the rear pivot
arm between the two rear pivot offset weldments just installed. Se-
cure in place using the two pivot bolts removed earlier. Tighten.
The wire harness for the three-light identification light must be re-
positioned where it comes from the black wire harness tubing to
eliminate slack, and sagging of the wiring.
1. Place the boat on the trailer so that the transom is located at the
rear of the support system. On a bunk and RB trailer, the transom
of the boat should be within 1-2” of the end of the bunk. The center
of the rear rollers on the roller rack should be approximately 4” from
the transom. This gives you maximum support on the transom.
2. BUNKS Make sure the bunks are positioned far enough apart
to give your boat as much stability as possible while transporting.
Position the bunks so they are located just to the outside of a strake
that your boat may have. This will help center your boat and assist
when loading. The bunks need to be adjusted up high enough to
keep the keel from resting on the center pads. A minimum of one
to two inches of clearance is desirable. RB BUNK trailers would be
adjusted the same way.
ROLLER TRAILER
The center of the rear rollers on the roller rack should be
approximately 4” from the transom. This gives you maximum
support on the transom.
4. ROLLERS Position the roller racks so they are far enough apart
to give your boat stability while transporting. When the desired
width is achieved, move the roller rack system so that the rollers
are just to the outside of a strake. The rollers need to be adjusted
so that you have a minimum of one to two inches of clearance
between the keel of the boat and the center cross member pads.
This will help center the boat when loading and unloading.
5. When the desired position is determined, tighten only enough to
hold the bunks or rollers from moving while the other adjustments
are being made. Final tightening will be done at the end of the ad-
justing process.
Front Support System
1. BUNK The front bunks should be adjusted either in or out so
that the bunk will continue to run just to the outside of the strake
of the boat. Adjust the bunks up so that there is approximately 1
inch clearance between the keel of the boat and the center cross
member pad.
2. RB & ROLLER FRONT KEEL ROLLER ASSEMBLY
The keel of the boat must rest on the center of the front keel
roller system creating a three-point support system. The keel
roller system is adjustable to fit most boats. Some boat bottom
designs will require the keel roller system to be raised. The keel
roller system has been shipped in its lowest position and is the
recommended location when possible. The lower you carry the
boat on the trailer, the more stable it will be when towed.
To raise the keel roller system, loosen the two bolts on the ends of
the front channels. Then loosen and remove the two bolts (Item #6)
that mount the center of the keel support system to the front cross
member. (See Diagram H.) Raise the keel roller system up to the
desired position and re-insert the two bolts just removed. If this
position is correct for your boat, tighten all bolts loosened to make
this adjustment.
Winch Post
1. Now that all other adjustments are complete the winch post can
be adjusted. Slide the winch post base backward on the tongue
until the bow roller comes in contact with the boat. This bow roller
needs to be positioned directly above the boat bow eye to prevent
your boat from moving forward in the event of a sudden stop. It
can be moved up or down by removing the back bolt that mounts
the winch head to the base. When this bolt is removed, the head
can be rotated up or down to reach the desired height required to
fit your boat. Once in this position, align the closest pair of holes in
the brackets and reinsert the bolt just removed. Tighten. Attach the
winch strap and crank winch tight. Attach the bow eye safety chain
into the bow eye of the boat as well. This is just another level of
protection to keep your boat and trailer together as one unit.
Tighten the three bolts securing the winch base to the tongue.
AXLE ADJUSTMENT
The amount of tongue weight on your trailer can be adjusted as
follows:
To lower the tongue weight, adjust the axle assembly forward.
To increase the tongue weight, adjust the axle assembly
backward.
The distance that the axle assembly has to be moved will vary
because it is directly related to the weight and center of gravity of
the boat place on it.
Best towing is achieved when the tongue weight is 5-7% of the total
gross load of the complete unit.
Adjustments are now complete. Double check your boat for fit. If
desired fit has been achieved, tighten all fasteners that may have
either been left loose or have been loosened to do the adjusting.
Re-check all fasteners on the complete trailer to make sure they
are all tight and ready for towing. All fasteners should be periodi-
cally check before towing.
The law requires that the white ground wire on both the tongue wire
harness and vehicle harness be properly grounded to respective
trailer and vehicle frames.
See the ShoreLand’r Owners Guide for more technical infor-
mation.