Winch strap

[knotflying]

I have been in maintenance mode on my trailer. Almost done. I want to change my winch strap to a new one and have hit a road block. I called Float-on trailers to get a strap and they informed me that they do not use that supplier anymore because they when out of business, so they do not have a replacement. The strap measures 2-3/4 inches wide and it is about 25 feet long. I can't seem to find that dimension strap anywhere. There are 3 inch straps, so I am not sure if 3 inch is really 2-3/4. I have seen a 2 inch strap that seems to have the same load capacity, but it is 30 feet and I think it will be too much for the winch roller.
Anyone have a recommendation as to a supplier, or information regarding the actual size of a 3 inch strap?

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Mike:

What's the side to side measurement of inside of the drum that the strap rolls up into? This measurement might give you an indication if a 3" strap is in actuality a 2 3/4". I went out to measure and our strap is 2" on our Fulton Winch, not sure of the length. In any case it would seem you'd want the strap to fill the side to side part of the drum well up as close as possible to keep the strap straight and tight. Try online at trailer.com

Jim

 

[Crewdog]

might try calling Etrailer.com 800-298-8924

Here's a link to their 3 in straps:
http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Accesso ... _Wide.aspx

i've received great customer service from them.

We have 2012 Float-on trailer model 1231-ABB and it has a Dutton-Lainson hand winch that uses a 2 in strap

Good luck and enjoy the summer.

Bill

 

[Todd]

Use the shortest length strap that will work for you. As you roll it in the drum gets larger and the force you can apply gets smaller.

 

[knotflying]

Well, I am batting zero on a 3" with a 10,000 load rating and 4,000 working load. I can find a 2" with the same specs anyone See a problem with using a 2" strap on a 3 " wheel?

 

[SGIDAVE]

Well, I am batting zero on a 3" with a 10,000 load rating and 4,000 working load. I can find a 2" with the same specs anyone See a problem with using a 2" strap on a 3 " wheel?

Hello Mike,

I recently read on the Rosborough forum about a guy that used Amsteel Blue (Dyneema) braid for his boat trailer winch. The guy's write up is here (http://compactyachts.com/equipment/) - scroll down to the second topic. This is incredibly strong, small diameter braid used in place of steel cable. Looks like it would work well in a boat trailer application. And it floats too. And it's a USA MADE product.

Here (http://www.midwestwinchrope.com) is a source to have a piece made with an the proper end splice.

Good luck,

/david

 

[Levitation]

The downside I see to braided rope as opposed to a flat strap is bird nests. We don't have winders on these winches that lay the cable/rope down back and forth in rows, so if you are winching the boat, then have to back off a few feet for positioning then begin winching again, likely you will have a tangle that binds when you try to launch the boat the next time. This is my biggest bitch about my steel cable winch.
The strap winch's claim to fame is no tangling.
Mike, can you get a new 3" strap even if the working load is higher? Or am I misinterpreting your comments?
I suspect that a narrow strap will work on your drum if you pay attention to the wrapping as you winch the boat on. Not as convenient as have the right width drum, though.
Possibly make up a wood/plastic side plate to act as a filler on your drum. Hard Maple or UHMW should work well for this.

 

[knotflying]

Denny,
The problem is finding a 3 inch strap with a high enough working load and a hook that clasps shut. I like your idea of the filler. Maybe some starboard would do it. Quite frankly, sometimes I may be too much of a Boy Scout and take the "Be Prepared" slogan a bit far some times. At this juncture my strap seems okay, but a bit worn and UV faded. I have this vision of retrieving the boat some day and the strap snapping. I wanted to buy the new strap as a backup. I could probably take off the last two feet or so, but I am not sure what knot would be appropriate to use to reattach the hook or even be able to knot the webbing. Maybe I need a therapist instead of a spare winch strap! :lol:

 

[Levitation]

No, you are fine. It is strap manufacturers who make their 2" straps stronger than their 3" who need counseling :roll: