need help with Trailer selection

[chromefinder]

Hi,

I have a 2001 Sea Pro 180 DC with 115HP Yam 4 stroke

Dry Weight Hull = 1500 lbs
Motor Weight = 420 lbs
Fuel Cap 42 gals = approx 300 lbs
Rigging = estimated 200 lbs

Total weight is approx 2520 lbs

Should I be looking for a 2600 lb, 2800lb or 3000lb capacity trailer?

I plan to trailer this boat up and down the east coast frequently and launch at various unfamiliar saltwater and freshwater ramps. I'm thinking that rollers might be the best way to go due to variable ramp conditions. Who sells a good quality value priced roller or bunk trailer in the Southeastern PA area? I mostly see my local mariner dealers pimping the following brands priced from low to high, Venture, Loadrite and Shorelander.

Opinions please?

 

[rndn]

Re: need help with Trailer selection

I would suggest you get something rated for more than 3000 pounds. You don't account for batteries, coolers, and believe me the weight of fishing gear and various other things can easily add up to more than 200 pounds. You should go with something rated for at least 3500#. What if you decide to install a kicker motor? You don't want to go out and buy a new trailer because of the way you use your boat has changed.

 

[109jb]

Re: need help with Trailer selection

2600, and 2800 are too light since the weight the trailer can haul includes the weight of the trailer which you don't list. I'd actually go 3,500 lb. or more because, trust me, you will be throwing everything, including the kitchen sink, in the boat for trips. When I go on family trips, the kids bikes, luggage, coolers, dog food, etc. all goes in the boat to keep the inside of the car uncluttered.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: need help with Trailer selection

I would go with a trailer between 3000 and 3500lbs.

 

[chromefinder]

Re: need help with Trailer selection

Okay thanks for the input.

The dealers are all over the map on recommending a trailer for this boat. All have been given the same boat specs and only one has told me to go 3000lb capacity with brakes. All the rest are trying to get me to buy their current in-stock inventory trailers even though they really know they are undersized for the application.

 

[fondafj]

Re: need help with Trailer selection

Chromefinder,

It is a little more than just a capacity decision ----- shoot for 3000-3500# capacity , much over that and it will only result in a rougher ride for the boat.Based on your projected usage, I would also seriously consider:

- Galvanized or aluminium construction
- 15" tires for the biggest selection in replacement tires
- LED running and tail lights for low maintenace
- Disc brakes ( you DO want brakes) for low maintenance

As you stated, rollers are the most forgiving at the ramp but make it more difficult to self launch and reload. If you do go roller, consider a Boatbuddy latch mechanism. Check Champion trailers online for price comparison --- and maybe order from them. I have a Shoreland'r trailer and find it suitable anthough many components are only available from them directly and not off-the-shelf replacements. Plan ahead on maintenance items --- bearings, brakes, lights, tires and make sure your trailer selection is using easily obtainable parts -- again, you indicate you will be trailering a lot, this translates into a maintenace schedule that will have you servicing the trailer at least annually.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: need help with Trailer selection

they are pimping the expensive trailers. Continental is a galvanized trailer with a great rep. i have ST205/14 's Class D on my 4800 LB load.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: need help with Trailer selection

I would choose a dual axle, front axle surge disc brake aluminum trailer rated @ 5000 lbs.. I know it sounds like overkill, but I had a boat similar to yours. I loved the peace of mind knowing I could lose a tire, bearing, or the whole dang axle for that matter, and keep going. Weight was less than a much lower rated galvanized trailer and the cost was under $2000. Just a thought.

 

[109jb]

Re: need help with Trailer selection

I would choose a dual axle, front axle surge disc brake aluminum trailer rated @ 5000 lbs.. I know it sounds like overkill, but I had a boat similar to yours. I loved the peace of mind knowing I could lose a tire, bearing, or the whole dang axle for that matter, and keep going. Weight was less than a much lower rated galvanized trailer and the cost was under $2000. Just a thought.

If using brakes on only one axle of a tandem axle trailer the brakes should go on the rear axle, NOT the front. Reason is because the way a tandem suspension works and brakes are applied, the weight is transfered to the rear axle because of the equalizer links. Brakes on both axles is better. A 5000 lb trailer would also give a rougher ride. Other than this, there isn't anything wrong with what you said, just way overkill in my opinion for a 2,500 lb boat.

 

[chromefinder]

Re: need help with Trailer selection

they are pimping the expensive trailers. Continental is a galvanized trailer with a great rep. i have ST205/14 's Class D on my 4800 LB load.

They don't have ANY dealers outside of Florida.

A bit too far for me!

 

[chromefinder]

Re: need help with Trailer selection

Chromefinder,

It is a little more than just a capacity decision ----- shoot for 3000-3500# capacity , much over that and it will only result in a rougher ride for the boat.Based on your projected usage, I would also seriously consider:

- Galvanized or aluminium construction
- 15" tires for the biggest selection in replacement tires
- LED running and tail lights for low maintenace
- Disc brakes ( you DO want brakes) for low maintenance

As you stated, rollers are the most forgiving at the ramp but make it more difficult to self launch and reload. If you do go roller, consider a Boatbuddy latch mechanism. Check Champion trailers online for price comparison --- and maybe order from them. I have a Shoreland'r trailer and find it suitable anthough many components are only available from them directly and not off-the-shelf replacements. Plan ahead on maintenance items --- bearings, brakes, lights, tires and make sure your trailer selection is using easily obtainable parts -- again, you indicate you will be trailering a lot, this translates into a maintenace schedule that will have you servicing the trailer at least annually.

What maintenance items are only available from Shorelander? I was seriously considering their SRL30BS for my boat?

 

[fondafj]

Re: need help with Trailer selection

Chromefinder,
On my trailer -- an RB9500G 9500lb capacity roller tandem axle the following items were ---
Only found at Shoreland'r:
- 2" wide slipper springs with correct arc
- Spring hanger square bolts - 2" wide springs and a tall spring pack
- Spring tie plates
- Spring eye bushings - 2" x 9/16" x3/4" (found 1 other place)
- Equalizer bushings - bronze
- Equalizer bolt
- Spring eye bolt
Difficult to find locally:
- 16.5 x 9.50 tires
Not available anywhere:
-Axle seal protector - "Spindle Sleeve" - Shoreland'r documentation did not match my trailer and the size I have is unavailable

Here is some more documentation on the trailer you are looking at:
http://www.midwestindustries.com/documents/manuals/07SLRB30BS.pdf

I found these guys knew the most about Shoreland'r trailers --- and bought all my parts from them. The also know who to ask in the factory to get the right answers. http://www.aonetrailers.com/

What maintenance items are only available from Shorelander? I was seriously considering their SRL30BS for my boat?