Trailer bows and canvas Question

Cacti_Ken · Post by **Cacti_Ken** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 8:22 pm

How are the trailer bows made that I have seen on some 1/4 trailers?
Do the standard canvas tops fit with trailers that use bows, or does one have to have a top made special to accomodate the bows?

Ken

OKCM38CDN · Post by **OKCM38CDN** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 8:34 pm

Buy a standard top and then add the bows after the fact... also do not install the top or get it wet till the bows are in place if you are going to do this.

The canvas will shrink and it will fit better if you shrink it to fit the bows...

As for the bows they are not standard for the M-100 in a military configuration, they are owner added to help keep the water out of the trailer (in my case, trailer was stored outside for the first year)...

You can make your bows from PVC pipe with a frame or as I did just got some oak from Lowe's and brackets from a marine supply store...

Hope this helps...

Cacti_Ken · Post by **Cacti_Ken** » Sun Aug 10, 2008 9:22 pm

thanks Hal. but what do the brackets look like if I was to use wood.

OKCM38CDN · Post by **OKCM38CDN** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 6:24 am

Go to a marine (boat) supply store and ask for a set of flush mount rib brackets. These are the square cup holders that screw to the inside of the boat to hold the cover bows...

I think I have a photo of them...

The bows are 3/8 - 1/2" by 2" oak cut to approx 45" (bought at Lowe's for under $10) and then inserted in the cups. I did have to shave the ends down to fit, and also rounded the corners with a hand plane to prevent the corners from damaging the canvas...

Hope this helps