Tie Down Eng Non-Marking/Polyurethane Rollers
Tie Down Engineering 86409 8-Inch Black Poly Vinyl Keel Roller for Boat Trailers - 5/8" ID
Tie Down Engineering Non-Marking & Polyurethane Rollers: Built to Protect Your Hull
Every time a boat meets its trailer, the contact points matter. Scuffs, pressure marks, and surface abrasions can accumulate over a season of launching and loading — and the rollers on your trailer are the first line of defense. Tie Down Engineering, a manufacturing company with roots stretching back to 1969 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, has built a reputation across the marine industry for producing boat trailer components that prioritize both performance and hull protection. Their lineup of non-marking and polyurethane rollers is a cornerstone of that reputation.
What Makes Tie Down's Poly Vinyl Rollers Stand Out
Tie Down Engineering's non-marking rollers are crafted from a proprietary polyvinyl compound that delivers a distinctive combination of properties rarely found together in a single roller material. These rollers are long-lasting, absorb shock during loading and unloading, are cut-resistant, and — most importantly — will not mark or mar your boat's hull or gelcoat finish. The amber-colored polyvinyl versions are specifically formulated to be the safest choice for hull contact, while black variants are also available for those prioritizing aesthetics (though Tie Down notes the amber rollers are the preferred non-marking option).
The range spans a wide variety of roller styles and sizes to cover virtually every position on a trailer:
- Bow Roller Assemblies — Available in 3" and 4" sizes (part numbers like 86143, 86142, 86287, 86289, 86400), these include end bells for added hull protection and easier loading alignment. They fit standard 1/2" shaft hardware.
- Keel Rollers & Keel Pads — Center-guided keel rollers (such as the 86158 in 5") and oversized keel pads (like the 86291 at 15" x 3.5") are designed to cushion the hull's keel during transport and provide a smooth glide path when the boat meets the trailer.
- Side & Spool Rollers — Supporting the hull from the sides, these complement keel rollers to distribute the boat's weight evenly and prevent rocking or shifting during transport.
- Wobble Roller Kits — Tie Down's 5" polyvinyl wobble roller kits include four ribbed rollers, bushings, washers, and clips — everything needed to replace a full roller cradle. Available in both amber and black, these kits are fade-resistant, long-lasting, and manufactured in the USA.
- Poly Vinyl Trailer Rollers — General-purpose 5" and 8" trailer rollers (part numbers 86158, 86159) engineered with the same non-marking polyvinyl material for versatile placement across the trailer frame.
Engineering Depth Behind the Lineup
With over 95 patents and a portfolio spanning more than 7,000 products manufactured and shipped from U.S. facilities, Tie Down Engineering brings serious engineering pedigree to what might seem like simple rubber rollers. Their marine division encompasses a full spectrum of trailering hardware, and their non-marking rollers reflect a deliberate material science approach: the polyvinyl compound is engineered to resist UV fading, absorb the mechanical shock of a hull landing on the trailer, and remain cut-resistant across thousands of loading cycles. These qualities make them a practical choice for both casual weekend boaters and serious anglers who trailer frequently.
Whether you are replacing a single worn bow roller or outfitting an entire trailer frame, Tie Down Engineering's non-marking polyurethane and polyvinyl roller lineup offers a depth of selection — more than 40 products in this category alone — to match nearly any trailer configuration or hull type.