Let’s Talk About Tie Down Engineering 86144 5in PVC Ribbed Wobble Roller Kit 4 Pk
The Tie Down Engineering 86144 5in PVC Ribbed Wobble Roller Kit 4 Pk offers a simple solution for boat owners struggling with damaged or worn-out trailer rollers. Tie Down Engineering promises durability and boat protection with these PVC ribbed rollers. Are they truly worth the investment, or just another set of rollers destined for early replacement?
My old boat trailer rollers were shot; cracked, deformed, and leaving black streaks all over my hull. I was on the hunt for a replacement that wouldn’t break the bank and would actually last more than a single season.
Upon unboxing the Tie Down Engineering 86144 5in PVC Ribbed Wobble Roller Kit 4 Pk, my initial impression was that they felt substantial. The PVC material appeared more rigid than the cheap rubber rollers I was replacing, but not overly hard. I was cautiously optimistic about their potential to hold up against the harsh marine environment.
I considered a few other options, including urethane rollers which are known for their exceptional durability, but the price point was significantly higher. I also looked at standard black rubber rollers, but their tendency to leave marks on the hull steered me towards the PVC option. Ultimately, the Tie Down Engineering rollers seemed to offer a decent balance of price and potentially long-lasting performance.
My first impression was a mix of excitement and apprehension. I was eager to see if they lived up to the claims of durability and hull protection, but also aware that cheaper materials sometimes belie their initial appearance. Only real-world testing would reveal the truth.
Real-World Testing: Putting Tie Down Engineering 86144 5in PVC Ribbed Wobble Roller Kit 4 Pk to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Tie Down Engineering 86144 5in PVC Ribbed Wobble Roller Kit 4 Pk at my local boat launch, which is exposed to both freshwater and occasional brackish water from tidal surges. Installing the rollers was relatively straightforward, requiring only basic tools and about an hour of my time.
The boat launch has a fairly steep incline, so rollers need to perform flawlessly. Initial loading went smoothly; the ribbed design seemed to help center the boat and prevent side-to-side movement. However, I noticed they seemed a little “slick” compared to my old rubber rollers, requiring slightly more winch power to fully seat the boat.
One minor issue I encountered was that the included shafts (7/8″ and 1-1/8″) didn’t perfectly match the existing hardware on my trailer. I had to source slightly different sized washers to ensure a snug fit, which was a slight inconvenience.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full season of use, including multiple trips to both freshwater lakes and saltwater estuaries, the Tie Down Engineering 86144 5in PVC Ribbed Wobble Roller Kit 4 Pk have held up remarkably well. There are no signs of cracking or deformation, and they still roll smoothly.
The rollers have shown minimal signs of wear and tear despite regular exposure to sun, salt, and abrasion. I make it a point to rinse them off with fresh water after each saltwater trip to remove salt residue, but other than that, maintenance has been practically nonexistent.
Compared to my previous rubber rollers, these PVC rollers are a significant upgrade. The old rollers would deteriorate quickly, leaving unsightly marks on the hull and eventually requiring replacement every season or two. The Tie Down Engineering rollers are definitely outperforming my expectations and seem poised to last for many years.
Breaking Down the Features of Tie Down Engineering 86144 5in PVC Ribbed Wobble Roller Kit 4 Pk
Specifications
- The Tie Down Engineering 86144 5in PVC Ribbed Wobble Roller Kit 4 Pk includes four 5-inch wobble rollers. These rollers are made from high-quality polyvinyl material.
- The kit accommodates both 7/8-inch and 1-1/8-inch shafts. This allows for versatile installation on various trailer models.
- The PVC construction provides excellent resistance to saltwater and freshwater conditions. The material is designed to prevent cutting and fading from prolonged sun exposure.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the rollers’ ability to withstand the harsh marine environment. The PVC material should resist cracking and deformation, while the ribbed design aids in centering and guiding the boat during loading and unloading. The ability to accept two different shaft sizes ensures compatibility with a wider range of trailers.
Performance & Functionality
The Tie Down Engineering 86144 5in PVC Ribbed Wobble Roller Kit 4 Pk performs its job of supporting and guiding the boat remarkably well. The ribbed design helps to center the boat, minimizing side-to-side movement during loading.
The rollers’ strength is their durability and resistance to wear and tear. The downside is that the PVC material can be a bit slick, requiring a slightly stronger winch pull compared to rubber rollers. Despite this, they meet and even exceed expectations in terms of longevity and hull protection.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is good; the PVC material feels solid and well-constructed. The rollers are lightweight, making them easy to handle during installation and replacement.
There isn’t much of a learning curve involved with using these rollers. Anyone familiar with boat trailers and basic tools can install them.
Durability & Maintenance
The Tie Down Engineering 86144 5in PVC Ribbed Wobble Roller Kit 4 Pk appears to be built to last. With proper care (rinsing after saltwater use), they should provide many years of reliable service.
Maintenance is minimal; simply rinsing with fresh water after use is generally sufficient. There are no moving parts to lubricate or replace.
Accessories and Customization Options
The kit includes the rollers themselves and adaptors for 7/8″ and 1-1/8″ shafts. There are no further customization options for these rollers beyond selecting the appropriate shaft size.
The rollers should be compatible with standard trailer hardware from other brands as long as the shaft size matches. However, you may need to source washers or spacers separately, as I did, depending on your specific trailer configuration.
Pros and Cons of Tie Down Engineering 86144 5in PVC Ribbed Wobble Roller Kit 4 Pk
Pros
- Exceptional Durability: The PVC material resists cracking, deformation, and wear, even after prolonged exposure to sun and salt.
- Hull Protection: The smooth PVC surface prevents marking or damaging the boat’s hull.
- Easy Installation: Replacing old rollers with the Tie Down Engineering kit is a straightforward process with basic tools.
- Versatile Compatibility: The kit includes adaptors for both 7/8″ and 1-1/8″ shafts, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of trailers.
- Minimal Maintenance: A simple rinse with fresh water after use is typically all that’s needed.
Cons
- The PVC material can be slick, requiring slightly more winch power compared to rubber rollers.
- The included shafts may not perfectly match all existing trailer hardware, potentially requiring additional washers or spacers.
Who Should Buy Tie Down Engineering 86144 5in PVC Ribbed Wobble Roller Kit 4 Pk?
The Tie Down Engineering 86144 5in PVC Ribbed Wobble Roller Kit 4 Pk is perfect for boat owners who are tired of replacing worn-out rubber rollers every season. It’s also a great choice for anyone who wants to protect their boat’s hull from unsightly marks and scratches. Pro anglers and recreational boaters alike will appreciate the durability and low maintenance of these rollers.
Anyone expecting a direct, drop-in replacement for their existing rollers might want to double-check their trailer hardware measurements and be prepared to source additional washers or spacers if needed. Also, boaters who frequently launch and retrieve in very shallow water might prefer the slightly “grippier” feel of rubber rollers, even though they come with increased maintenance.
A must-have is a good set of stainless steel washers to ensure a secure and rust-free installation.
Conclusion on Tie Down Engineering 86144 5in PVC Ribbed Wobble Roller Kit 4 Pk
The Tie Down Engineering 86144 5in PVC Ribbed Wobble Roller Kit 4 Pk offers a solid value proposition. At $76.99, it represents a worthwhile investment for boat owners seeking a durable and long-lasting replacement for traditional rubber rollers.
I would personally recommend this product to anyone looking for a low-maintenance solution that protects their boat’s hull and withstands the rigors of the marine environment.
If you’re ready to say goodbye to cracked, worn-out rollers and hello to worry-free boating, give the Tie Down Engineering 86144 5in PVC Ribbed Wobble Roller Kit 4 Pk a try. You might just be surprised at how much of a difference a simple set of rollers can make!