trailer brands

[rinker fan]

who makes the best boat trailer for a 26-28 foot boat and why do you think that? It Will be in fresh water lakes only.

 

[Speedwagon]

Re: trailer brands

There is almost never a "one best brand" of anything. It is usually highly opinionated. However, there are usually many good brands, and you will probably get many opinions.<br /><br />You may have known this already, but many times this type of question is asked, looking for "that one" that does not exist.

 

[fondafj]

Re: trailer brands

Well, this is my opinion based on personal experience. We purchased a new 2001 Shoreland'r 9500lb capacity, 12,500 lb GVW galvanized, tandem 16.5" axel roller trailer.<br />Problem #1 - the trailer is shipped in pieces and during assembly the dealer misplumbed the hydraulic lines, forgot to put brake fluid in and mis assembled many aspects of the bolt together.<br />Problem #2 - the trailer lights lasted 8 months with only occasional use in salt water--- always flushed<br />Problem #3 - Shoreland'r does not really have a firm grasp on their product line. It took repeated calls to answer questions. I found a distributor that had a much better working knowledge than the trailer mfg or the dealer.<br />Problem #4 - not trailer relatd---- but the dealer sent me out with only 75 lbs toungue weight. Nasty ride home. <br />So, the net? My advice is as follows -------<br />#1 - Find a good dealer you can trust and purchase a trailer from them.<br />#2 - Don't buy the cheapest trailer. <br />#3 - If you are going to keep it for a while --- go galvanized. ALL painted trailers rust even if they are fresh water only.<br />#4 - Get disk brakes<br />You will find once you get out of the "cheap" trailers, most of the manufactures are pretty similar in quality and cost. Decide on what features are important and work with a reputable dealer..... and buy local.

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: trailer brands

I had a trailer built from a small builder, this trailer by far is beefier than most mass produced I have seen, it is 26foot long tandem axle with titan brakes and is a 4 board bunk, this trailer on its own weighs 1100#, I've had it 5 years now, and paid $2500 for it. far better than the $3500 to $4000 I had been quoted for most known popular brands.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: trailer brands

I've owned two Shorelander roller trailers that have been flawless. I had a galvanized Karavan bunk trailer that trailered ok, but it was less than desireable from a design standpoint. Since trailer parts are fairly generic (winches, axles, brakes, hubs, bearings, lights and springs etc)parts availability is not an issue. Frame integrity (paint, welds, drains, wiring, etc) probably should be looked at carefully.

 

[Timbit]

Re: trailer brands

I would definatley go with a local builder before I would go with a major brand. Like Upinsmoke says Trailer parts are very generic, and your local builder will most likely build you a better trailer.