Kinda Long - What Type/Brand of Trailer?

[JoLin]

Just purchased a 1985 Pro-Line WA that's been transported to my driveway. I don't know yet whether it'll be docked or trailered, but I want to buy a new trailer for it and I'm trying to research options before I go head to head with the dealer(s).

First, I want a pretty basic roller trailer. I've worked out a rough weight estimate as follows:

Basic Boat: 2200 lbs. (per the manufacturer)
Motor: '97 Johnson 175hp @ 375 lbs (per the manufacturer)
Motor Bracket - I figure 100 lbs.
Normal Fuel load- 40 gal, so call it 300 lbs. (the boat has either a 60- or 70-gal tank. can't remember off the top of my head)
Miscellaneous Junk and "safety factor" - 500 lbs.

1. Does a 3500 lb capacity estimate seem reasonable? That would put me in range of a single-axle trailer. I don't want to spring for a tandem unless I need to.

2. Of the major manufacturers, which provides the best value? The trailer I buy will be washed down and covered, and regularly maintained. I don't need fancy, I just need usable with enough reserve capacity to handle a trip once in awhile.

3. Roughly speaking, what'll it cost me?

All advice and guidance gratefully received.

 

[orion25]

Re: Kinda Long - What Type/Brand of Trailer?

I have an EZLoader trailer that came with my Larson LXi 208 (about 3200 lbs dry). The boat is 20'9" and the trailer is a tandem axle. It has surge brakes as well. I think the capacity is around 3800 lbs but it is dark and I am not going into the back yard to check. The dealer quoted the trailer price at about $1400 when he broke down my boat purchase for tax & insurance purposes (The boat was a new 2007 model) but I am not sure how accurate this is........... If I were you I would be sure to have brakes at a minimum. A tandem axle would be a wise choice as well. If a tire blows on a tandem you can limp to a repair shop. If it blows on a single you can call AAA.

If you are washing and covering then there is no reason to spend more $$ on galvanized. You can save $$ there.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Kinda Long - What Type/Brand of Trailer?

AAA does not cover the trailer, unless you have a specific rider for it. SeaTow, has a $20 a year option for the trailer, i've had single and tandems with that load. i would go tandem.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Kinda Long - What Type/Brand of Trailer?

After thinking it over and reading the advice, I'm also thinking tandem now.

Any recommendations on brand? So many- Load Rite, Shoreland'r, EZ Loader, Magi Tilt.... any wisdom?

Do they tend to run in the same general price ranges?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Kinda Long - What Type/Brand of Trailer?

Your numbers (added quickly) come to 3400# and you indicated you thought a 3500# trailer would do the job. Granted you added 500# but I saw no battery (you will probably have two). If you take a longer trip, I guarantee you will throw lots of water toys and other stuff in the boat. That leaves virtually no reserve capacity. In my view you should look at a 4000# trailer which will put you in the tandem range. The load will also handle much better than on a single axle trailer.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Kinda Long - What Type/Brand of Trailer?

You are definitely on the edge of needing a tandem, most all brands today are similar and can serve you well. Out of all of my trailers, I am partial to my Load Rite trailers. I have one single axle, and one dual axle.
With that weight, you will be happier in the long run with the tandem, it will handle any excess weight better and it will be much safer on the road.

I have gone with heavy single axles though, but mostly only when I'm trying to keep the overall weight down when towing with a smaller truck. A good single still weighs less than a tandem trailer. You also don't want to buy a trailer that's too heavy, it won't protect your boat from road shock like a proper weight trailer will. The springs need to have some give to absorb road shock.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Kinda Long - What Type/Brand of Trailer?

Thanks to all who responded. Yeah, when I started this post I sorta figured I needed a tandem, but was hoping you folks would say, "nah, not necessary"

Tandem it is - galvanized (even tho it'll be maintained, I still live on Long Island), capacity in the 4000+ lb range.

I'll let you know what I end up with, should be within the next few months. After that I'll start thinking tow vehicle. Not much rush on that- if I find good dock space the neighbor guy (owns a 70's vintage Chris Craft Cutlass - very cool boat) has volunteered his truck to help launch and retrieve as needed next season.

Happy winterizing, all!