I’m considering upgrading my current trailer winch and jack. The winch itself is still in great shape and I haven’t had any issues with it so I’m not pressed to replace that right now. My jack is starting to show signs of failure though. It’s “slipping” when lowering the trailer and it’s developed some “side-to-side” movement when supporting the boat and trailer.
I’m considering replacing it (maybe both) with a Fulton F2. Approximate boat weight (per manufacturer’s website) is 1436 lbs (the current jack shows a rating of 1000lbs). Is there a such thing as “overkill” when it comes to your jack and winch? Also, do any of you have any experience with the Fulton F2 series of jacks and winches?
As to upgrading the winch - biggest upgrade to to get rid of the wire cable and get a rated strap. Seen two wire cable snaps (both with electric winches with covers over 'em) at boat ramps since Memorial Day, one with whiplash injury to boater across the chest.
If you got to use wire rope/cable, gives serious thought to replacing with new Dynemmna rope (high ratings) the new car winch companies (they seen the “light” too)are comming out with. No more snags/prongs of the wire rope too. Harbor Freight Tools has 'em.
If price is an object, try doubleing up the wire cable with a rated tow truck style snatch block at the bow eye for winching up that boat at low tide. It effectly reduces the total poundage lbs on the wire rope while increasing the rolling load rating. Winching with a snatch block WILL double the time putting the boat back on the trailer, but SAFER!
Fishing the beaches, Bays & Ocean of Wildwood/Cape May, NJ
Soon a resident of Georgetown, SC
Thanks Eric. My winch has tow strap, not cable so I’m not really worried about that. Like I said, my winch is actually still in great shape. I’m considering replacing both at the same time but at the very least, the jack. I’m curious as to other people’s experience with Fulton jacks and winches.
No matter how much it hurts, how dark it gets, or how far you fall…you are never out of the fight.
The boat weighs around 1,400 lbs, so total rig is likely under 1 ton. You could probably get by with a 750-800lb jack. I’d want something beefier than a 500lb. We had Fulton jack on previous trailer (not the F2). It did the trick.
Do you maneuver the trailer on the jack wheel a lot? The F2 will probably help for that. Make sure whatever you go with has enough travel to clear the truck squat when releasing the trailer.
Winch: How much strap do you have remaining on the winch when you have it fully extended? If you’re worried about sun-damaged/wear on the strap (and you have excess) you can cut off the first 18" and re-tie the hook. I’ve done this on an old jon-boat trailer.
I was going to recommend Shelby Industries, but a quick search turned up they closed in Oct. '16 because their material cost was 20% higher than imported finished product…
It has 20’ of tow strap but I’ve never had it extended more than about 2’. Never needed to extend it past that. Like I said, the winch is in great shape and in no need of being replaced but I was figuring I might replace both at the same time and keep the original for a spare.
Yes, total rig is just under 1 ton. I have an Express H20B aluminum bay series. The current jack (which appears to be failing) is “rated” for 1000 lbs but like I said, it’s already slipping when lowering.
I appreciate the link. I’m going to check out that site.
No matter how much it hurts, how dark it gets, or how far you fall…you are never out of the fight.
Get the large double wheel Fulton jack. Bigger “is” better in this case. It won’t lean like you were saying as much either. Not sure the lean can be fixed. I use a large cider block to rest my tongue on. Not just the trailer jack. But my boat is a whole lot heavier.
cinder blocks are a bad idea for jacking up trailers. use a large piece of dunnage. Ive had several cinder blocks explode when using to jack up my equipment trailers and nearly cause injuries and damages. i now have a piece of dunnage for each of my trailers to use.
If I’m posting, its because I’m sitting here at work, dreaming about fishing.
If I replace the winch, I’d rather stay with one with a strap versus a cable. I appreciate the heads though. Thanks millacd.
Reeldawg, the double wheel model is the one I was looking at. I use a piece of 2x6 under the wheel of the jack. The storage place I store my boat at is a covered shelter, which is awesome, but it’s a “crush and run” type of gravel lot, not paved or concrete, so I use the piece of lumber for a smooth level surface. HOA won’t let me keep it in the driveway and it’s too tall and long to fit into the garage. Plus my wife’s car wouldn’t fit in the garage if I could put the boat in there and she isn’t having any of that. LOL!!
No matter how much it hurts, how dark it gets, or how far you fall…you are never out of the fight.