Float on trailer fenders

[CaptainT]

Has anyone permanently removed the fenders on their Float On trailer?
I’ve had 3 tires blow out while traveling on the freeway in the past 2 years.
I was only towing the boat about 60 miles when it occurred.
Is there any reason other than cosmetic to keep the fenders on?

 

[bob daily]

You might want to check the law in your state as to there requirements for trailer fenders and mud flaps! Just remember that it is to protect others on the road as well as yourself. And yes I know the damage it can do to not only the tailor but also your tow vehicles.
Stay safe! Bob

 

[scross]

Try switching to the USA made Goodyear Endurance tires. Much better reviews than most Chinese built trailer tires. Change them at least every four years. I’ve towed 4,400 miles on mine so far in past two years without any issues.

https://m.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp? ... lsrc=aw.ds

 

[S. Todd]

Our boat is more valuable than our trailer and would much rather have the trailer fenders catching the dirt, rocks and other road debris than our boat's gel coat.
We just had Integrity custom build a trailer for our new R29S and, without intending to hijack this topic, we specified Goodyear Endurance tires and that they be spun balanced on their wheels before installing on the new trailer. The Integrity Trailer Company was great to work with and understood our reasons for both these requests. Sure, we paid a little more for premium USA made tires being properly balanced up front, but it was worth having to deal with poor quality unbalanced tires later.

 

[knotflying]

I would not remove them. As mentioned, dirt and rocks hitting the hull can be bad. Look at what happens with a blowout. The fender takes the damage. I admit the fenders are a bit flimsy, but I beefed mine up.

 

[ixlr8]

I would rather have a blown out tire hitting the fender rather than the boat hull/side.

 

[ALICE J]

I replaced my fenders in Calgary after the Float-on fenders cracked in several places on my from Florida to Alaska. I replaced them with 3/16 thick Aluminium. They held up well for over 20,000 miles, then cracks appeared at the angles, reinforced the gussets, that lasted for 10,000, miles, I have them rewelded before heading to Maine this summer. I have not had a blowout (yet) but I have put on "H" rated tires, a class above the standard E rating. I replaced the H-rated tires after 4 years and half tread, with additional H-rated tires. I also only drive at 55 mph and have Tire Minders the constantly check the pressure and heat in each tire and show on a monitor in the cab of the truck The Float-on trailer has aluminum I-beams that flex a lot, this is what cracks the fenders at they are not intended to flex, and the I beam flexing breaks the more rigid (formed) fenders. I would also check the tire pressures, and the weight of your rig, perhaps you need a triple axle trailer, just for the weight. My H-rated tires require 110 psi and metal valve stems. I have a double axle and my rig is just about 12,000 lbs. (at the limit, hence the reason for using the H-rated tires, they are from China. 😳

 

[scross]

If you have had fender cracking, like we have had at the bend on our starboard fender, remember to stop drill the crack as soon as you find it. Stop drilling our 1” long crack two years ago stopped any further progression. I used a 1/4” drill bit about 1/16” or so ahead of the crack to stop drill.

 

[KKRCRACE]

Like the Gentleman above said, switch to Goodyear Endurance. I tow a race car all over the east coast and would have multiple blowouts every year until I switched to the Goodyear and have not had a blowout in 18 months.
KKRCRACE