Buying New Trailer

K

kwk

Seaman
Joined
Jul 28, 2001
Messages
52
I need to buy a new trailer for my 18' center console (axle rusted out of old one). What should I look for in a new trailer? How do I determine if it is right for my boat?
 
S

Solittle

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: Buying New Trailer

You may have already considered this but have you priced out fixing what you have? With trailers it is pretty much rip off the bad stuff & install the new stuff. Might save a bunch of bucks.
 
L

Lugnut36

Seaman
Joined
Aug 14, 2002
Messages
70
Re: Buying New Trailer

my axle broke at the hub weld. It litterally bent the fender upward toward boat but didnt hit it, i cut out the old axle and springs and for 290 bucks ( including shipping ) I got spindle lube all galvanized setup with hubs from champion trailers. And i do have to say this, i was VERY impressed with their work on the axle it was exact to the TEE on my specs that i gave from the old one and every weld was absolutly gorgeous i spent a few minutes just admiring the excellent work!!! sure the price is alittle up there but now everything is galvanized underneath my old trailer except for the springs I never have to worry again and like others have said on this forum i think the spindle lube is top notch system i dont even think you have to pack the bearings if you dont want too!!! the spindle lube would probably do it for you.
 
K

kwk

Seaman
Joined
Jul 28, 2001
Messages
52
Re: Buying New Trailer

I could have gotten it fixed, but it was 12 years old and needed new springs, fenders, and at least one new hub, and one new bunk. The guy who towed it home for me swapped the towing fee for the junked trailer because he wanted to fix it. That alone was worth $200. I'd rather have the peace of mind of a new trailer. <br /><br />So the question still stands, any advice on buying a new trailer? The old one loaded and unloaded very easily. How do I know if the new trailer will work as well?
 
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L Christopher

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Jun 12, 2002
Messages
141
Re: Buying New Trailer

KWK,<br />I think I would call a dealer that sells the type boat you have and see what the recommend. Once you have their recomendation shop around. In your environment I would go with alluminum trailer w/stainless disk brakes and 4 bunks.
 
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beckerdg

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Sep 9, 2002
Messages
147
Re: Buying New Trailer

I'd recommend one just like these guys sell. High quality, and low price, aluminum bunk trailer.<br /><br /> http://www.1stcoasttrailers.com <br /><br />I bought a tandem trailer from this guy about a year ago on a trip to FL to visit my folks. They went out of their way to meet me on the way down on Thanksgiving morning to pick it up. Love the trailer, and the folks that run the business seemed 1st class. Check em out!<br /><br />I have dealt with roller trailers too, this was the first large bunk trailer I had used. I much prefer the bunk trailer. Seems easier to load, and if I put the trailer at the right depth for loading, the boat loads dead on straight even on ramps that are uneven. I have never had a problem loading and unloading at low or high tide, but don't ever deal with lakes that can get real low like in some areas.
 
V

V156

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Apr 4, 2002
Messages
143
Re: Buying New Trailer

kwk:<br />Storm gave you some good advice. I love champion trailers but I don't know if they deliver to Va. Go to your dealer and see if they can hook you up with the folks that make trailers for your boat. If you dunk your rig in saltwater then you'll know your covered for years to come with the suggestions Storm made. Maybe you can get the same trailer and you won't have to worry about loading and unloading.<br /><br />Dutch
 
V

V156

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Apr 4, 2002
Messages
143
Re: Buying New Trailer

By the way Storm how's old Raleighwood anyway. I lived there for 5 years and I must say I miss the country and the people there. But I decided to move back home to be closer to my parents. I really miss working at RDU-the home of rock-n-roll. How about that wolfpack!!<br /><br />Dutch
 
K

kwk

Seaman
Joined
Jul 28, 2001
Messages
52
Re: Buying New Trailer

Thanks Dutch and Storm,<br /><br />Are aluminum trailers more or less expense than galvanized?<br /><br />By the way, I'm a Wolfpacker too! I was there from 1985-1989. A little too close against Texas Tech this weekend.
 
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L Christopher

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Jun 12, 2002
Messages
141
Re: Buying New Trailer

Heys Guys,<br />Come on back and join the crowd. I have been here sense 1984, moved 3 times (further out each time) and the crowds keep catching me. I started boating on the weekends because it was taking 6 to 7 hours to play a round of golf here in golf country. But it is more fun to be with the family. Howabout that PACK!! and they say we only do basketball down here (well maybe at Carolina & Duke).
 
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L Christopher

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Jun 12, 2002
Messages
141
Re: Buying New Trailer

Sorry kwk, aluminum is a little more expensive, but not much. Aluminum will pay dividends over time.
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: Buying New Trailer

KWK,<br /><br />I agree with everyone on aluminum over galvanized, if it's not price prohibitive.<br /><br />I also agree on bunk over roller.<br /><br />Also, rubber torsion axles will eliminate spring problems. Sure Lube axles are worth their extra $$$ also.
 
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beckerdg

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 9, 2002
Messages
147
Re: Buying New Trailer

Here is an idea of price for aluminum. Unfortunately out of FL.<br /><br />Standard Features <br />All new aluminum boat trailers are equipped with Goodyear Marathon Radial Tires and the following standard features: <br /><br />Torsion Axles <br />Aluminum "I" beam construction <br />Aluminum crossmembers <br />Aluminum bunk brackets up to 6000 lb-gvw <br />Stainless steel bolts in main frame <br />Galvanized wheels <br />Gator shield tongues <br />Galvanized axles <br />Aluminum diamond plate fenders (step-on) <br />Adjustable Cypress bunks <br />Blue U/V protected roller and pads <br />H/D winch strap (D.O.T. approved) <br />Galvanized hubs <br />Yellow zinc "U" bolts <br />Posi-lube axles <br />Front "v" bar <br />1200 lb jack with wheel <br />Submersible lights and wiring <br />Aluminum guide-ons with PVC covers <br />NUMBER AXLES BOAT LENGTH GVW in LBS. PRICE <br />SINGLE 15' - 17' 2700 $1095 <br /> 18' - 19' 3500 $1295 <br /> 19' - 21' 3500 $1395 <br /><br />Available Options <br /><br />Disc Brakes <br />Stainless "U" Bolts <br />Aluminum Mag Wheels <br />Spare Wheel/Tire and Mounting Bracket
 
K

kwk

Seaman
Joined
Jul 28, 2001
Messages
52
Re: Buying New Trailer

JollyRogerX,<br /><br />Those prices don't sound too bad, especially since I could use the 2700# trailer. Do you have a contact phone number for the dealer in FL?
 
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L Christopher

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Jun 12, 2002
Messages
141
Re: Buying New Trailer

kwk:<br />My trailer matches the specs above but is a tandem axles with "Tie Down" components (brakes, etc.). I bought it as an upgrade from a painted trailer that can with my boat. You may be able to find what you are looking for at the dealer I used. Eaton Ferry Sales. They are on the NC side of Lake Gaston, which should only be a couple of hours drive for you unless the traffic is backed up at the tunnel then it will be about a five hour drive. If you are interested call Bill Fogleman (252)586-4661. Beat him up for a good price - tis is the season for deals.
 
K

kwk

Seaman
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Jul 28, 2001
Messages
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Re: Buying New Trailer

Storm: Thanks. I can do NC much easier than FL.<br />JollyRogerX: I missed the dealer contact info in your ealier post. Thanks.
 
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beckerdg

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Sep 9, 2002
Messages
147
Re: Buying New Trailer

I bought a tandem from them while visiting my folks in FL. They are near St Augustine. I like the trailer and the folks I dealt with. But NC is a lot closer if you could get something similar. Good luck.<br /><br />Chuck Dykes, Owner <br />(904) 460-1177 <br /><br /> http://www.1stcoasttrailers.com/
 
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boater4life

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Joined
Nov 5, 2002
Messages
126
Re: Buying New Trailer

Try Great Lakes Trailers http://www.greatlakestrailers.com/about.html <br /><br />They design and build to your boats specification using CAD to locate bunks for full hull support. Their trailers are fitted with stainless steel disc brakes and torsion axles giving you a low profile, independent heavy duty suspension. The frames are built with top grade aluminum I-beams. Stainless steel hardware and galvanized steel structural components all add to a strong, lightweight, maintenance free trailer.<br /><br />It's a high-end trailer and I wouldn't sell mine for anything.
 
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BassMan283

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 26, 2002
Messages
277
Re: Buying New Trailer

Just to counter the bunk boys, rollers are the only way to go. WAY easier to load and unload and support your boat just fine.<br /><br />[edit] sorry, too many J&B's. (God, that was hard to type.)
 
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AllisonMarineFL

Cadet
Joined
Nov 27, 2002
Messages
16
Re: Buying New Trailer

JollyRoger, I noticed you are a distributor for the Loadmaster. We are a manufacturer in Panama City, FL. We also have the following standard features;Torsion Axles <br />Aluminum "I" beam construction <br />Aluminum "V" crossmembers <br />Stainless steel bolts EVERYWHERE <br />Galvanized wheels <br />Galvanized axles and Swing Arms<br />Aluminum diamond plate fenders (step-on) <br />Adjustable Cypress bunks <br />Blue U/V protected roller and pads <br />H/D winch strap (D.O.T. approved) <br />Galvanized hubs <br />Posi-lube Quick Change Axles<br />Front "v" bar or Front Center Bunks<br />1200 lb jack with wheel <br />Submersible lights and wiring <br />guide-ons <br /><br />It is good to see other manufactures in the industry moving towards better quality trailers. We will not build spring axle trailers, even though they are cheaper to build, due to the problems associated with the springs in salt water.<br />Bill Brasher<br />Allison Marine <br />850-276-3495 / 271-3704<br />ALLISONMARINEFL@aol.com
 
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