ShoreLand'r SLB58T - Manual (Page 13)

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 potential failure or damage to either the trailer or boat.
Adjust as follows:
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.
To move the axle assembly, loosen the U-bolts that secure
the assembly to the side frames. Move the assembly to the
desired location then re-tighten the U-bolts.
Note: The brake line and wire harness will need care when
moving the assembly.
Rear Support System
Place the boat on the trailer so that the transom is located at
the rear of the support system. On an RB bunk 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. The rear pivot is
adjustable forward and backward to assist in adjusting the
trailer to various length boats. This is accomplished by
removing the pivot bolt that attaches the rear pivot to the side
frame and then sliding the assembly to the desired position
and re-attaching with the pivot bolt just removed. The wire
harness for the three-light identification light will have to be
rerouted as well.
RB 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.
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 one set of
the rollers are just to the outside of a strake if possible. 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.
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 adjusting process.
Front Support System
RB and Roller
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 designed to fit most boats without needing
any further adjustment.
Once the boat is positioned on the front roller system, the
stabilizer pads can be adjusted. This is accomplished by
sliding the pad up against the boat bottom by hand. It is not
necessary that they carry much weight. They are designed
to give your boat added stability while being towed. It may be
necessary to adjust the assembly up so that they can be
moved further apart giving additional support. Pull the
assembly away from the boat. Place the U-bolt that holds the
assembly to the cross member in a lower hole in the bracket.
Then push the assembly back against the boat. Tighten in
position.
Winch Post
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.
Loosen the three 1/2” hex bolts that clamp the winch holder
channel to the winch post. Attach the winch strap into the
bow eye and slide the winch holder channel up or down to
the desired position as you crank the winch tight. Once the
bow roller is located just above the bow eye, tighten the three
1/2” hex bolts that clamp the winch holder channel to the
winch post. Tighten the U-bolts that secure the winch post
assembly to the tongue. Attach the bow eye safety chain into
the bow eye of the boat as well. The chain is another level of
protection to keep your boat and trailer together as one unit
in the event of an accident. It may also be used to keep your
boat on the trailer while loading and unloading at the ramp;
especially with a roller trailer.
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
periodically 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 your ShoreLand’r Owner’s Guide for further technical
information regarding your trailer and its components.
Midwest Industries, Inc. Ida Grove, IA 51445 (800)859-3028 www.shorelandr.com M304016
Page 13