Advice on Trailer repair costs

[Searay260cc]

I have a 2001 escort trailer tandem that I use to tow my 1990 26' searay

The trailer sat for a long time and I think the brake froze. I had it evaluated by a trailer place and here is what they sent me:

REPAIR TRAILER: replace springs, brake lines, brakes and hubs, surge brake activator,
and buddy bearings. Guesstimate = $2500
Parts Cost:
4-10" hubs - $98.99 ea for $395.96
4- 10" drum brake kits w/backer plates - $112.68 ea for $450.72
4- springs - $57.80 ea for $231.20
1- actuator 2" = $678.98
Total Parts = $1756.86

-----------------------------------

I looked at the prices and they look rather high. Can you guys pitch in on the costs and whether it's fair? Thanks

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Advice on Trailer repair costs

I think I'd buy a new trailer before I spent $2500 on parts for an old one. What are your tires like - are they going to need replacing soon too?

Brand new aluminum for around $2600
Tandem Axle Boat Trailers, Aluminum Custom Built Boat Trailers

 

[Searay260cc]

Re: Advice on Trailer repair costs

The tires are good. They are about 1 year old and barely used. Boat was stored about 2 miles from the launch area and used about 5 times since new tires were put on.

 

[Searay260cc]

Re: Advice on Trailer repair costs

Can someone tell me if the prices quoted to me are too high?

 

[NYBo]

Re: Advice on Trailer repair costs

Can someone tell me if the prices quoted to me are too high?

You always pay a premium on parts when you have a shop do the work. As stated, if that's the best price you can find for the work, I would sell your current trailer and buy a new one. If you have the ability and inclination to do the work yourself, you can save a ton of money, though.

 

[Searay260cc]

Re: Advice on Trailer repair costs

Just the actuator itself, I looked online nad max they were about $180. Not sure where this guy is getting $678.

10" drum brake kits w/backer plates : about $55 and this guy is charging me $112 a piece.

UFP Marine Grade Free-Backing Plate Assembly (10" Left) #32681L

While I understand that he needs to make a profit but that's a lot.

My boat is currently sitting on the trailer.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Advice on Trailer repair costs

Just the actuator itself, I looked online nad max they were about $180. Not sure where this guy is getting $678.

10" drum brake kits w/backer plates : about $55 and this guy is charging me $112 a piece.

UFP Marine Grade Free-Backing Plate Assembly (10" Left) #32681L

While I understand that he needs to make a profit but that's a lot.

My boat is currently sitting on the trailer.

You don't know what brand parts he is using, so I wouldn't take the cheapest parts you find on the internet and assume that is what he is using.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Advice on Trailer repair costs

Yes -- the prices are very high. But understand the dealer needs to make money on labor as well as the parts, as does the manufacturer as does the distributor. But regardless, you have four choices: 1) bite the bullet and have the agency do the work based on the estimate, 2) try to negotiate down the total cost by reminding them that you have checked and their parts prices are roughly double what the going rates it at other supply houses (such as Northern Tool for example). 3) Get two or three other quotes, or 4) obtain the parts yourself to save about 1/2 on parts cost and do the work yourself with the help of a knowledgeable friend and save the total labor cost except for the adult beverages the helper should get. A fifth option if all else fails is to buy a new trailer.

 

[britisher]

Re: Advice on Trailer repair costs

Don't know where you are based, but down here in central Florida a company called boat tune sell a wide range of trailers. Their website is Boat Tune. I saw one of their ads on craigs list and told my mate about them as he was thinking about having his steel trailer repaired on his Tahoe 19 footer. He phoned them up and bought a galvanised trailer with brakes for less than $1000.00. He was a happy camper.

 

[Searay260cc]

Re: Advice on Trailer repair costs

Don't know where you are based, but down here in central Florida a company called boat tune sell a wide range of trailers. Their website is Boat Tune. I saw one of their ads on craigs list and told my mate about them as he was thinking about having his steel trailer repaired on his Tahoe 19 footer. He phoned them up and bought a galvanised trailer with brakes for less than $1000.00. He was a happy camper.

I'm in MA, so that might be a hike

 

[Searay260cc]

Re: Advice on Trailer repair costs

Yes -- the prices are very high. But understand the dealer needs to make money on labor as well as the parts, as does the manufacturer as does the distributor. But regardless, you have four choices: 1) bite the bullet and have the agency do the work based on the estimate, 2) try to negotiate down the total cost by reminding them that you have checked and their parts prices are roughly double what the going rates it at other supply houses (such as Northern Tool for example). 3) Get two or three other quotes, or 4) obtain the parts yourself to save about 1/2 on parts cost and do the work yourself with the help of a knowledgeable friend and save the total labor cost except for the adult beverages the helper should get. A fifth option if all else fails is to buy a new trailer.

The frame itself is good, I figured, everything he is changing will make the trailer brand new basically. It is high but the trailer is about 2 hours from me and I cant move it to a location where I can even fix it.

I guess I will just email him back and see if he would give me a break on those parts.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: Advice on Trailer repair costs

I replaced axle, lights, installed complete surge break system, new hubs,, for $750

 

[Searay260cc]

Re: Advice on Trailer repair costs

Just wanted to update this thread. I bought a new Venture 6400 tandem. My 89 Searay 260 fits nice on it and the frame was much bigger than the 2001 escort.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Advice on Trailer repair costs

Just wanted to update this thread. I bought a new Venture 6400 tandem. My 89 Searay 260 fits nice on it and the frame was much bigger than the 2001 escort.

When i read the original post i thought the trailer was to small for your boat.

 

[Searay260cc]

Re: Advice on Trailer repair costs

When i read the original post i thought the trailer was to small for your boat.

It was ok for the boat but this one is definitely big enough. It's a venture VBT 6400. The boat dry is 4500lbs.