Bunk Trailer vs Roller Trailer, What's the Difference?
At a glance
A bunk trailer cradles the hull on carpeted boards and costs less to buy and maintain. A roller trailer lets the hull roll, so it launches with less friction and is often easier at low water ramps.
- Bunk trailers have fewer moving parts and can allow drive on loading where the ramp permits it.
- Roller trailers often work with less water at the ramp but have more parts to inspect and grease.
- Check the boat manufacturer's hull support requirements before choosing a trailer type.
Contents (12 sections)
- What Is a Bunk Trailer?
- What Is a Roller Trailer?
- Bunk vs Roller Trailer Side by Side
- Launching and Low Water Ramps
- Loading and Retrieval
- Hull Support, Cost and Upkeep
- What Are Bunks and How Does Bunk Carpet Protect the Hull?
- Saltwater, Rinsing and Trailer Upkeep
- Check the Boat Manufacturer's Requirements
- Which Is Better for You?
- Can You Turn a Roller Trailer Into a Bunk Trailer?
- Frequently Asked Questions
The right tool for this job
Boat Trailer Bunk Carpet for Bumpers
Black 1/4 inch thick bunk carpet in 13 foot rolls, 9 inch or 12 inch widths, 1 pack or 2 pack. A glue spreader is included.
View productBunk trailer vs roller trailer comes down to how the trailer holds the boat. A bunk trailer cradles the hull on long carpeted boards, and a roller trailer supports it on rollers. Bunk trailers cost less to buy and maintain, and they can allow drive on loading where the ramp permits it. Roller trailers launch and load with less friction and are often easier at lower water levels, but they have more parts to maintain and carry the hull's weight on smaller contact points.
Which one is better depends on your ramp, your boat, and whether you usually launch alone. A roller trailer needs a good winch, such as the Better Boat Trailer Hand Crank Winch. A bunk trailer needs fresh bunk carpet, such as Better Boat Boat Trailer Bunk Carpet.
What Is a Bunk Trailer?
A bunk trailer is a boat trailer that supports the hull on long boards called bunks. The bunks run along the frame under the hull, and they are covered with marine bunk carpet to cushion the hull and reduce rubbing as the boat slides on and off. Because the bunks spread the boat's weight over a long surface, bunk trailers are common for many hull types. Many pontoon trailers also carry the boat on bunks under the logs, and the pontoon boat trailer breakdown covers that setup.
Bunk trailers have fewer moving parts, so they are generally cheaper to buy and simpler to maintain.
What Is a Roller Trailer?
A roller trailer supports the boat on rollers positioned to fit the hull. The rollers turn as the boat moves, so the hull rolls on and off with less friction than it would sliding on bunks. Rollers can make it easier to launch alone and to use a ramp where the water is shallow. The tradeoff is more moving parts to inspect, grease or replace, and a higher purchase cost than a basic bunk trailer. The guide to boat trailer rollers goes deeper.
Roller trailers are normally paired with a winch to pull the boat the rest of the way up after it is guided onto the rollers. Because the hull rolls with so little friction, the bow must stay connected to both the winch strap and the safety connection until the boat is backed over the water at the launch position and you are ready for controlled movement. Follow the trailer maker's and boat maker's exact release sequence. Pick a hand crank winch and strap rated for your boat and trailer setup.
Better Boat Trailer Hand Crank Winch
This winch comes in 1600 lb, 2000 lb and 3200 lb capacities, and each one comes with a 33 foot strap and hook plus mounting hardware and instructions. Check your boat and trailer load before choosing the capacity and gear configuration. If the winch is fine and only the strap is frayed, the Trailer Winch Strap Replacement is a 2 inch by 20 foot woven polyester strap with a sewn on hook, sold in 5000 lb and 10000 lb break strength. Confirm that it fits your winch before you order.
Bunk vs Roller Trailer Side by Side
| Trailer type | Launching | Loading | Hull support | Low water ramps | Cost and upkeep |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bunk trailer | Hull slides on carpet, so it takes more effort and often needs deeper water | Drive on loading where the ramp permits it, then winch to seat the boat | Weight spread along long boards | Usually needs the trailer deeper in the water | Fewer moving parts. Bunk carpet wears and needs recovering |
| Roller trailer | Hull rolls off with less friction, which helps when launching alone | Guide the boat onto the rollers, then winch it up | Weight carried at roller contact points | Often works with less water at the ramp | More moving parts to inspect, grease and replace |
Launching and Low Water Ramps
A roller trailer is easier to launch because the hull rolls instead of dragging across carpet. That also helps at ramps with shallow water, where a bunk trailer may need to go deeper before the boat will float off. Bunk trailers usually need the back of the trailer well into the water, which means more wetting of the axle and hubs.
Low friction cuts both ways on an inclined ramp. Keep the bow attached to both the winch strap and the safety connection until the boat is backed over the water at the launch position and you are ready for controlled movement. Follow the trailer and boat manufacturers' exact release sequence.
If a bunk trailer sticks, check the carpet condition first. The guide to boat trailer bunk slides explains one way to reduce that drag.
Loading and Retrieval
Check the posted ramp rules first, because power loading is not allowed at some ramps. With a bunk trailer, the boat can be driven onto the bunks only where that is permitted and consistent with your boat and engine manuals. Otherwise, float the boat into position and use the winch to bring it onto the bunks. Either way, the winch then brings the bow snug against the roller or stop at the front.
Better Boat pick
Boat Trailer Hand Crank Winch
Hand crank trailer winch in 1600, 2000, or 3200 lb capacity. Comes pre rolled with a 33 foot strap and hook, plus bolts, washers, lock nuts, and instructions.
View productWith a roller trailer, the boat is lined up on the rollers and pulled forward with the winch. The strap carries real load, so use a winch and strap rated for your boat, and inspect the strap before ramp days. Do not rely on the winch alone for towing. Secure the transom with tie downs, and the Boat Trailer Ratchet Straps are a retractable option that come in 1 inch by 72 inch and 2 inch by 43 inch sets of 2, with mounting brackets and stainless bolts. Choose the size that matches your trailer tie down layout.
Hull Support, Cost and Upkeep
Bunks spread the boat's weight over a long area, which is why many hull designs are made to ride on them. Rollers carry the weight at contact points, so they need to be set and adjusted to fit the hull. Neither is right for every boat, so match the trailer to the hull shape and the boat maker's support guidance.
On cost, a basic bunk trailer is generally cheaper to buy and to maintain because it has fewer moving parts. A roller trailer costs more and has rollers and arms that wear and need attention. Dry or worn bunk carpet can scuff the hull, so replacing it is part of owning a bunk trailer. Keep the trailer's hubs and bearings in good shape too. The boat trailer maintenance tips cover the basics.
What Are Bunks and How Does Bunk Carpet Protect the Hull?
A bunk on a boat trailer is a board, usually wood, that runs along the trailer frame and supports the hull. Bunks are carpeted so the hull rides on a cushioned surface that reduces rubbing as the boat slides on and off. When the carpet wears through, bare wood, staples or grit can rub the hull at every launch and load.
The Better Boat Boat Trailer Bunk Carpet for Bumpers is 1/4 inch thick black carpet, UV resistant and waterproof, in 13 foot rolls. It comes in 9 inch and 12 inch widths to fit 2x4, 2x6 or 2x8 bunk boards, in 1 pack or 2 pack options, and a glue spreader is included. One roll covers a full pair of 6 foot bunks with material to spare. Measure your bunk boards first and choose the width that matches. Staples are used to finish the install, and stainless steel staples with a 3/8 inch crown are a match for staple guns of that size. See how to recover boat trailer bunks and the video on replacing bunk carpet for the steps. If the boat is already sitting on the trailer, the guide to replacing trailer bunks with the boat on the trailer applies.
Saltwater, Rinsing and Trailer Upkeep
Either trailer type gets wet at the ramp, and saltwater is hard on metal parts, hubs, rollers and fasteners. Rinse the trailer with fresh water soon after pulling out, paying attention to the axle, hubs, winch and frame. A Better Boat Hose Nozzle makes rinsing quicker.
Better Boat pick
Trailer Maintenance Kit
Bundles the trailer basics before a small maintenance miss ruins launch day.
View product
For salt on the boat and gear, Better Boat De-Salt Concentrate is a salt remover that is mixed with water per the label. It works on fiberglass, aluminum, chrome, stainless steel and rubber surfaces, and it also works as an engine flush with a compatible flushing system. It comes in 32 oz and 1 gallon sizes. Inspect and service the wheel bearings following the axle, hub or bearing protector maker's procedure and schedule. The Trailer Maintenance Kit bundles a grease gun, 14 oz marine grease tube, grease caps and wheel chocks for that job. Chock the trailer when it is parked, as covered in the guide to storing your boat on a trailer.
Check the Boat Manufacturer's Requirements
Some boat manufacturers specify how the hull must be supported, including bunks, rollers or a mix. Check the owner's manual before choosing a trailer type, and confirm that your trailer supports the hull the way the maker intends. A bunk trailer is a perfectly good choice when the boat's manual calls for one.
Which Is Better for You?
- Choose a bunk trailer if you want lower cost, fewer parts to maintain, and drive on loading where the ramp allows it.
- Choose a roller trailer if you launch alone often, use shallow or low water ramps, or want the hull to roll rather than drag.
- Choose based on the boat first. Check the hull type and the boat manufacturer's support requirements before the cost and convenience points above.
Can You Turn a Roller Trailer Into a Bunk Trailer?
It may be possible, but it depends on the trailer frame and the hull. Bunk boards need brackets, correct spacing and height so they support the hull the way the boat maker specifies. Check the trailer maker's guidance and the boat's manual before removing rollers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bunk trailer?
A bunk trailer supports the boat on long carpeted boards that cradle the hull. The carpet cushions the hull and helps it slide on and off.
What's better, a bunk trailer or a roller trailer?
Neither is better for every boat. Bunk trailers cost less and have fewer parts, while roller trailers launch with less friction and suit low water ramps. Check your boat maker's guidance as well.
What is a bunk on a boat trailer?
It is a carpeted board, usually wood, that runs along the trailer frame and supports the hull.
Can I turn my roller trailer into a bunk trailer?
It may be possible, but it depends on the trailer frame and the boat. Follow the trailer maker's and boat maker's guidance on bunk position and support.
Do roller trailers work better at low water ramps?
Generally yes, because the hull rolls off with less friction and the trailer may not need to go as deep. Ramp conditions vary, so judge each ramp and keep the bow secured until you are ready to launch.
How do I protect a bunk trailer from saltwater?
Rinse the trailer with fresh water after each trip, service the hubs per the maker's procedure, and replace worn bunk carpet before it rubs the hull.
What to buy for this job
- Boat Trailer Bunk Carpet for Bumpers. When bunk carpet is worn and the hull rubs bare wood.
- Boat Trailer Hand Crank Winch. When you would rather swap the winch than fix the old one.
- De-Salt Concentrate Salt Remover and Flusher. After saltwater trips, to break down salt on gear and surfaces.
- Boat Trailer Hub Grease Caps. When hub bearings need grease through a zerk fitting.
what is a bunk trailer for pontoon
A bunk trailer for a pontoon carries the boat on long carpeted boards that run along the trailer frame under the logs. The bunks spread the boat's weight over a long surface, and the carpet cushions the hull as the boat moves on and off. Check the pontoon maker's guidance on hull support before choosing a trailer type.
what are trailer bunks
Trailer bunks are boards, usually wood, that run along the trailer frame and support the hull. They are covered with marine carpet so the hull rides on a cushioned surface that reduces rubbing as the boat slides on and off. When the carpet wears through, Better Boat Boat Trailer Bunk Carpet for Bumpers can recover the boards in 9 inch or 12 inch widths to fit 2x4, 2x6, or 2x8 bunks.
boat trailer with bunks
A boat trailer with bunks supports the hull on long carpeted boards that run along the trailer frame. The bunks spread the boat's weight over a long surface, and bunk trailers generally cost less to buy and maintain because they have fewer moving parts. Check the boat maker's hull support guidance before choosing, and when the carpet wears through, Better Boat Boat Trailer Bunk Carpet for Bumpers can recover the boards in 9 inch or 12 inch widths.
what is a boat bunk
A boat bunk is a board, usually wood, that runs along the trailer frame and supports the hull. It is covered with marine carpet so the hull rides on a cushioned surface that reduces rubbing as the boat slides on and off. Worn carpet can let bare wood, staples, or grit rub the hull, so it should be replaced when it wears through.
bunk style boat trailer
A bunk style trailer cradles the boat on carpeted boards instead of rollers. It has fewer moving parts and can allow drive on loading where the ramp permits it, but it often needs the trailer deeper in the water to launch. Keep the bunk carpet in good shape, and Better Boat Boat Trailer Bunk Carpet for Bumpers fits 2x4, 2x6, or 2x8 bunk boards depending on the width chosen.
Quick quiz
Tap a question to see the answer.
Which bunk board sizes does the Better Boat bunk carpet fit?
It comes in 9 inch and 12 inch widths to fit 2x4, 2x6 or 2x8 bunk boards. Boat Trailer Bunk Carpet for Bumpers
When should the bow stay connected to the winch strap and safety connection on a roller trailer?
Until the boat is backed over the water at the launch position and you are ready for controlled movement. Boat Trailer Hand Crank Winch
What should you check before choosing between bunks and rollers?
The boat manufacturer's owner's manual, since some makers specify how the hull must be supported.
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