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Trailer wash system


Fab1

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Hi guys,im going to put together an idea iv'e had for a long time of a self contained trailer wash system over the coming weeks where I can wash the trailer internally/externally from a switch located on my dashboard immediately on launch/retrieval to rid the trailer of salt water.

I'll be gathering the supplies shortly as I don't have all that I need here.

Stay tuned and any thoughts welcome.

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Very interesting.

When you talk about the switch in your car, are you implying the water supply will be in there too?

I like the idea but I had a mire simplified version.

Have a series of perforated hoses running around the trailer, which lead to a garden style hose fitting which is fed from an external source. In saying that, I like a bit of water pressure to blast off the salt.

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Very interesting.

When you talk about the switch in your car, are you implying the water supply will be in there too?

I like the idea but I had a mire simplified version.

Have a series of perforated hoses running around the trailer, which lead to a garden style hose fitting which is fed from an external source. In saying that, I like a bit of water pressure to blast off the salt.

I thought about what your talking about also but decided to not go ahead with it as it relies on having a tap at Hand at the ramp.

I also thought about storing the tank/s in the boot of the car and decided to scrap that idea also because they need securing and there's a chance of spilling water all over the boot when filling.

I also thought about the Tank/s fitted to the trailers a frame but scraped that idea as it will interfere with climbing in and out of the boat via the spare wheel(which I specifically mounted to use As a step to board the boat over the bow when in the water)Not to mention the added weight on the towball.

Iv,e decided i will mount my Tank/s evenly distributed over the trailers 3 cross members which will be linked in series continuing to a poly pipe feed sprinkler system that will be routed through the trailer internally/externally and pressurised by a pump that I will mount internally in the feed tanks.

The wiring to that pump will be wired through the trailer ending at its own plug at the trailer plug.

Then I'll mount a power switch to one of the dummy switches on my cars dash and feed the wiring all the way to the boot and out to the trailer plug with its own plug to plug straight in to the pumps plug on the trailer.

Like I said ,after launching the boat as I drive up the ramp I will simply flick that switch and the trailer will wash itself before the saltwater gets a chance to dry.

The same goes for the journey home.When I retrieve the boat I will flick the switch to let the trailer wash while I organise things for the trip back home.

No taps,no waiting,no mucking around with hoses.

I might even put a adapter on it so I can flush my outboard at the same time and maybe a timer.

Will see what comes from it as its all in my head and my brain is hurting from all the thinking.lol.

Cheers.

Edited by Fab1
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How much water do you intend carrying = additional weight

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

my thoughts too, with the weight of the system and the tanks, 1 litre of water weighs 1 kg, it would mount up. so for a trip out, your would need to rinse after launching, and rinse after retrieval. if you can get it down to a jerrycan for each, factor 25 kg for each jerrycan. provided you do not alter the structure of the trailer, by ubolting and hoseclipping everything in place, it should pass test. it would be worthwhile getting your trailer and fully loaded boat weighed first so you know how much additional weight you can add (the boat is supposed to be empty whilst on the road, not full of gear, but allow for that anyway, and watch your towball weight. this is for cleaning the trailer and possibly the engine right? the boat structure gets washed later at home, as it is better protected by paint? I considered spray coating the inside of the trailer frame with tectyl, making my own super long pressure sprayer

Edited by piratesgold
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my thoughts too, with the weight of the system and the tanks, 1 litre of water weighs 1 kg, it would mount up. so for a trip out, your would need to rinse after launching, and rinse after retrieval. if you can get it down to a jerrycan for each, factor 25 kg for each jerrycan. provided you do not alter the structure of the trailer, by ubolting and hoseclipping everything in place, it should pass test. it would be worthwhile getting your trailer and fully loaded boat weighed first so you know how much additional weight you can add (the boat is supposed to be empty whilst on the road, not full of gear, but allow for that anyway, and watch your towball weight. this is for cleaning the trailer and possibly the engine right? the boat structure gets washed later at home, as it is better protected by paint? I considered spray coating the inside of the trailer frame with tectyl, making my own super long pressure sprayer

I know how much my fully loaded ready to fish boat weighs already.I'm looking at carrying 20-60litres on board depending on the tests I carry out with different nozzles etc.

The extra weight will be directly over the axle resting on the three crossmembers with the weight distributed evenly and if need be I will readjust the trailer to maintain my load on the tow ball and I'll still be well within my trailers/cars carrying/towing capacity.

Like I said I need to do some water usage tests before I fit the setup to determine usage based on the fittings used and pump pressure.

My trailer doesn't get inspected and if it did I don't think it would be an issue as I'm still within specs.

Cheers.

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I'm also very keen to see how this goes.

I've been thinking of doing something like this for a while.

Most ramps I use don't have taps handy and considering the trailer will sit for 12 hours covered in salt water it would be very worth while giving it a wash down while driving up the ramp.

My trailer is tandem axial so not really worried about the extra weight.

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After a huge letdown this morning I've dusted myself off and resorted to plan C.

Note to oneself ,you'll always be let down by others.

Anyway,materials have been acquired.post-20199-0-95086900-1448666794_thumb.jpg

Let the games begin.

I'll post in the workshop as I progress.

Cheers.

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  • 2 weeks later...

i go to the public ramp at windsor on my way home and reverse the whole trailer and boat in the fresh water then flush the motor and run a soft broom around the boat while she is submerged then simply drive out !! mind you I used about 3 cans of fish oil on the trailer when it was brand new and didnt use it for 2 weeks to let it harden and i have no rust problems and my boat and trailer is about 10 yrs old now.

pete

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