converting single trailer to 2 place?

fwi

X-
Location
Cape Coral FL,
Has anybody done this? I have an almost new single Karavan (the one in the avatar) that I want to convert to haul both my standups.
The measurements work out, the 2 skis will sit above the fenders without going beyond the fenders edge. I was thinking of attaching a flat piece of plywood over the top of the existing 2 bunks, then making two sets of PVC bunks, 2 or 3" diameter.
Any other, perhaps better ideas?
 
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I converted a single to a double. I just painted it today. I'll post some pictures tomorrow. I made the trailer wider. I had to do a lot of cutting and welding but I'm happy with the way it came out.
 
You're in luck. I have that exact trailer and I just converted it to a double a couple of months ago. It turned out great. I am extremely happy with it. The caravan has the tubular construction instead of the C channel construction so it can hold a ton of weight. My blaster and superjet fit perfectly on there so your two standups would definitely fit very well.

I'll post some pics in a little while.
 
First round...
 

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I bet you didn't think you could fit a box and two ski's on a single trailer? :biggrin:

Next I'll be adding two winches and a rack for the VP Fuel Jugs.

Let me know if you want pics of the ski's on the trailer and how I tie them down to keep them secure.
 
fwi said:
Thanks for the fast response Dan!
Yeah, if you could give me the part #'s and all the other info that would be great. I am still in Michigan for another 2 weeks, I need to get this done so I can get these machines back home with me before they freeze up here!:scared:


I bought all my trailer parts at West Marine because I work there as a summer job and get amazing discounts. It didn't cost me too much, but my discount at West Marine is pretty good. I never totalled up what it would have cost me if I would have payed retail, but I'll go ahead and do that.

2 Sets of Carpeted Bunks 76.99 x 2
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/10001/-1/10001/35817/10001/641/11210/17

4 11in Bolster Swivel Brackets 15.99 x 4
These brackets were used to mount the outside bunks.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/10001/-1/10001/151045/10001/641/11210/17

4 9.5in Vertical Bunk Brackets 19.99 x 4
These brackets were used to mount the inner bunks.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/10001/-1/10001/151044/10001/641/11210/17

8 3-1/8" Wide x 3"' Stainless Steal Long Square Bend U Bolt 9.99 x 8
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/10001/-1/10001/118258/10001/641/11210/17

8 Stainless Steal Bolts with washers and lock nut to bolt the bunks to the brackets ($?)


The total cost of the parts comes to about $377.82. :bigeyes: Holy crap! I didn't even realize how much it would have cost me if I would have payed retail. You have no idea how much things like this are marked up.

If you have a family member or a friend that works for West Marine now is the time to ask for a favor. If not I would try shopping around.

Oh and I put guide ons on the trailer for two reasons. First they help protecting the ski's because my blaster sticks out over the fender and if I am backing into a tight spot I would rather the guide on post hit first. Secondly I got them really cheap. Here are the guide-on posts:
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/10001/-1/10001/251979/10001/641/11210/17



Well sorry if I burst your bubble with that price, but in the end it turns out really nice.


Good luck with the build and let me know if I can help you out with anything else.:biggthumpup:
 
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fwi

X-
Location
Cape Coral FL,
Thanks Dan, this setup is a lot better looking than what mine would have. I can make the bunks but even if I have to spend $300 it's better than buying one of those double couch haulers for $1000!
West Marine had a little store on Federal Hwy in Fort Lauderdale, then about 3 years ago they bought the 2 city blocks surrounding it and they now have a store almost the size of a Walmart!
:bigeyes:
 
Thanks Dan, this setup is a lot better looking than what mine would have. I can make the bunks but even if I have to spend $300 it's better than buying one of those double couch haulers for $1000!
West Marine had a little store on Federal Hwy in Fort Lauderdale, then about 3 years ago they bought the 2 city blocks surrounding it and they now have a store almost the size of a Walmart!
:bigeyes:

Yeah I know exactly what store you are talking about. Its freakin huge! I thought you lived in Michigan? I have family in Ft. Lauderdale.

If I were you I would definitely make the bunks myself. You can save $160 just doing that.

I don't know if you noticed or not, but I used one of the flat bunks that came on the trailer as a walkway board down the center of the trailer. Thats really nice to have when loading the trailer.

Have fun with the build and make sure you have an air compressor with an air wrench. It will make the job so much faster. Those lock nots on the u-bolts go on really tight and you have to constantly tighten them and loosen them to get the bunks in the right place.

Let me know what you decide to do about winch post if you are even going to put them on. I still haven't figured out exactly what I am going to do.
 
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How is the box secured? Maybe a better pic of that would be good..

The box actually came on the trailer when I got it. It's secured by two u-bolts. One in the front part of the box and one in the back part of the box. Looking at it you wouldn't think thats its very strong, but it is actually very sturdy.
 

IceRocket1286

Site Supporter
Location
Metro Detroit
i just converted one of my 2 places into a 3 place ski trailer. take some angle iron, if you can get ahold of some, and bolt them to the trailer frame with U bolts. Then, on the other side of the angle, drill holes and mount your bunks to them.
 

fwi

X-
Location
Cape Coral FL,
Yeah I know exactly what store you are talking about. Its freakin huge! I thought you lived in Michigan? I have family in Ft. Lauderdale.

If I were you I would definitely make the bunks myself. You can save $160 just doing that.

I don't know if you noticed or not, but I used one of the flat bunks that came on the trailer as a walkway board down the center of the trailer. Thats really nice to have when loading the trailer.

Have fun with the build and make sure you have an air compressor with an air wrench. It will make the job so much faster. Those lock nots on the u-bolts go on really tight and you have to constantly tighten them and loosen them to get the bunks in the right place.

Let me know what you decide to do about winch post if you are even going to put them on. I still haven't figured out exactly what I am going to do.

No, I live in Fort Lauderdale and my wife's family is in Michigan, we've been slacking here for the last couple of months and I have enjoyed riding up here (besides, every jetski I've owned, I bought up here, I even got 2 more this time!:biggrin: ).
I have met a lot of good people that I ride with and definitely want to come back next summer.
Now it's getting too freaking cold for me, I am going home..........after I ride one more time....... it's supposed to be in the 70's for the next 3 days!!!:woot:
I have built bunks before, so that is not a problem and I know what you mean about setting them up just right, as far as the winch posts, I am not sure yet either, perhaps I will just strap the skis to the bunks like I have always done. Thanks for your help Dan.
GB
 

fwi

X-
Location
Cape Coral FL,
Thanks. I did buy a Performance double couch carrier (more like an aircraft carrier) a couple of years ago, when I got it home it would not fit through my single car garage door, so I returned it and got my money back.
This thing is way better, now I just have to figure out what to do about the winch and some sort of nose stopping device.
 
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