Toy Hauler Utility Trailer Winch and Dynamic Dolly Nose Wheel

18 Jul 24: 

We like our utility trailer for use as a toy hauler, but found that the ramp can be a little slippery and awkward when pulling a dolly up the ramp. Skipper decreed that we figure out a way where she can load the dolly and boat by herself if she wants, so we added a battery powered winch from Harbor Freight.

The boat and dolly weigh under 200 pounds, so this ought to do. We picked this winch for price, and SPOILER ALERT, while it works, it is noisy and it will tangle the cable if there is not tension on the cable at all times. Even then, we periodically had to guide the cable back or forth when it started to stack up at either end of the spool. Does it work? Yes. Did we have a proper size fiarlead? Yes. Might there be another better designed winch out there? Yes. In the meantime, $69 USD will get you winching.

The tongue box aluminum is functional, light but thin for use as a winch base. So we added a 3/4 inch thick base plate of marine grade plywood and  tied it into the trailer frame with trailer axle U bolts.

Here are the specs on the AGM battery we chose.

We considered adding a solar panel to trickle charge, but it was easier/cheaper for now to just use our 155vac battery charger. We'll have to remove the battery to get it to the charger, no problem, and it will also be more secure inside.

Next we turned our attention to the Dynamic Dolly, we wanted it to have a nose wheel so it didn't scrape up the grated metal ramp. I bought a set of Railblaza Dinghy Wheels and made a wooden bracket to adapt a wheel to the tongue of the Dynamic Dolly.

One side has a latch where you can remove the fork and wheel if desired...

...and the other side has the locking lever that locks the fork into the selected position or allow the fork to be repositioned. Turns out this is very useful.

2 wheels = 2 dollies upgraded.

Video: Trailer Winch

Rigging Check...SPOILER ALERT...the boom is too low and I will catch hell for that when Skipper takes MADISON out :) 

1981 AMF Sunfish MADISON and 2013 Pelican Icon 10 kayak CLARK ready to roll on HUEY II, towed by SUPER SANDY.

It's almost like we planned this, but we didn't. The fork will swivel forward to clear the tongue box, and the wheel helps keep the dolly snug.

Some folks might be eyeballing the Dynamic Dolly for their Sunfish. It is a fantastic piece of gear, we highly recommend it, so much so that we own seven for the Armada and we are Dealers. 

If you are interested in buying one, we can get it to you with free shippin in CONUS. See link below or send us a gmail to lewis dot kent.

Virginia waters, here we come!

Small Boat Dolly

-Sunfish Dolly by Dynamic Dollies and Racks $575 Free Shipping to Lower 48 States

•Dolly style allows bow of boats with a curled gunwale to hang from a specifically shaped handle fitting. Snug-fitting edge trim atop the handle fitting protects the gunwale gelcoat. Type is suitable for Sunfish, Laser 2, JY 15, and more.

• Boat-specific tube and sling lengths provide a custom fit for each boat, enabling a balanced handle load and easy maneuvering.

• All joint fittings are through-bolted and designed for increased torque stability.

• Strong, 3” non-stretch, polyester sling provides wrap-around boat support.

• Adjustable, flexible V-fitting on tongue tube provides boat support forward of the sling and prevents boat and aluminum contact.

• Eyelets on sling and handle fittings facilitate securing boat to dolly in storage, on trailers or in racks. Tie-down with the handle fitting eyelet helps prevent slippage on steep ramps.

• Easy dolly breakdown using the snap buttons on wheel shaft and tongue tube, as well as wing nuts on axle tube cross fitting.

• Pneumatic, non-corrosive, 16” x 4” wheels can be secured on wheel shaft with provided screws for added security. For soft sand conditions, tire pressure can be reduced to increase tire footprint.

• Proudly made in the USA.

Purchase a Sunfish Dolly for $575, Free shipping in CONUS