Posted: 24 April 2007 at 8:21am | IP Logged

Anyone know where I can purchase Rollers for a Calkins Roller Boat Trailer.

My Trailer has #16 - 4 Inch Diameter Rollers  and #8- 7- 1/4 or 7- 1/2 in keel Rollers. I would buy  a whole set or any number I can find.

Posted: 25 April 2007 at 7:14am | IP Logged

    There are all different sizes of rollers, roller shafts and roller widths, roller diameters, roller colors. I was at a couple of Marinas yesterday and both told me when the boat is off the trailer. To bring the trailer to them and they will try to match the rollers as close as possible.  They also will help me figure out how to get the old rollers off since they seem to be pressed on. Edge taabs peened over. Not like the clips on new ones.

     My rollers are not bad now. I just saw one that was starting to crack on the edge and there may be others. I'll closely inspect them the first time the boat is off the trailer and Silicone  all the rollers at the shafts. I am wondering what Armor All would do to the Actual Rollers themselvess if it would soften them but not damage or weaken them. ANYBODY HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS?

The trailer is probably 15-20 years old and so what I'm tryiing to do is preserve, protect the rollers that are on it so I don't have to replace them. I'm wanting to keep the UV rays and sun from deteriorating them faster or any more.

Posted: 25 April 2007 at 12:45pm | IP Logged

Patrick thanks a Million for the link for Carnai.

I've sent a request for a Brocure and Accessory Catalogue from Carnai.

I knew there was someone out there that would know and be willing to share their knowledge.

They might have the knowledge as how to change the rollers also. I'll just wait until I hear from them now.

Thanks again. you get....... FIVE STARS!

Posted: 26 April 2007 at 6:05pm | IP Logged

Patrick I got a reply back this morning from Michelle Dorgan  - Carni Trailers and their Catalogue and Brochure are in the mail to me as of today. She said there are no Dealers in my area.

Thanks again. I still think like everyone else.  Walmarts or any good Marina will have rollers that will work. I looked them all over again today. The best I could without crawling under the boat and they all look good except the one that is starting to crack.

I haven't gotten any replies from anyone about using Protect All on the rollers yet?

Posted: 27 April 2007 at 8:13pm | IP Logged

Trailer companies don't manufacture their own rollers.  Any good marine retailer will have replacements.  The yellow ones are best, they don't mar the boat.

Is this what you have as retainers?

You just hammer or pry them off.  One time use.  Replacements are available at marine centers or home centers.

Posted: 27 April 2007 at 8:53pm | IP Logged

no Ron

The ends are actually the axle and the ends are peened over or pressed over tabs to hold the rollers on. If I had a digital camera I would take a picture and post it but I don't have one nor know anyone around here with one. I saw the new ones with both the caps and the pins and I think I would prefer the pins. I think I could grind the peened edges with a Dremil Tool. Drill holes and use the clips if the axles are long enough. The 4 inch rollers are not a problem to obtain and yes it most certainly will be the yellow non marring rollers.

I guess I would just do one roller at a time. By the time I got them all changed if I live long enough the first ones will probably be wore out and I can start all over

Posted: 28 April 2007 at 7:27am | IP Logged

Grind away then.  You might have a better time of it with a larger grinder if there's room.  You can use the caps pictured as long as the end of the axle is relatively undamaged.  It's easier than drilling.

Unless you're replacing just one, I would do the entire trailer or at least all the front or rear ones.  Once the boat is off the trailer and you have your materials and tools lined up it shouldn't be that big of a job.  A couple hours at most.

Posted: 28 April 2007 at 7:38am | IP Logged

Ron thanks for the tip. No I have a 4 -1/2 inch grinder but there is only room for about 2 inches or less. Although there are about 4 tabs. It look like they have only peened two per roller so it won't be that bad of a job. I might try the caps like you suggest.

Like I said when I have the boat off the trailer and in the Lake I'll closely inspect them. I got silicone to spray the Axles and I'll do that then. We Camp on a lake much of the summer so I will have a lot of oportunities to look at them closely and do a little maintenance. The Boat stays in the fresh water three weeks at a time unless I have to get gas.

I read on the can you can apply the silicone on the rubber to bring new life. I'm also thinking of Armor All or even the stuff you spray on car tires to clean. shine and protect them from the UV rays. That comes in a yellow can but I don't remember if it's Armor all or what brand. I ran out last year and haven't replaced it yet this year.

Posted: 28 April 2007 at 7:50am | IP Logged

I would consider something with more body than silicone for lubricating the wheels and axles.  Waterproof grease, for instance.  Check any documentation that comes with the rollers.  As far as spraying the outside of the rollers, the good ones are already UV resistant.  And remember whatever you spray on the rollers will be in contact with your boat's gelcoat for long periods.  Some products could stain the gelcoat.

Posted: 28 April 2007 at 7:51am | IP Logged

How about a small grinding wheel or cone in an electric drill ?

Posted: 28 April 2007 at 8:21am | IP Logged

Ron that might work too thanks. I'll just have to try one thing or another until I find what works easiest for me then I can go with that. I never thought about the grinders that go on the end of  a drill. I do have some little grinders that go on the end of a drill that might work good. Like I said only one roller is starting to crack right on the edge by the axle that I see so I may not do anything with them this year and over the course of the winter start picking up yellow rollers a few at a time. I just don't want a roller to disentegrate and punch a hole in the hull. I checked them over last year and everything looked good. Just as regular trailer mainteneance. So I don't think any are too bad right now, but once they start they might go fast so now that I know thye are starting to crack. I will keep a close eye on them.

Chuck