Capt.Castafly Posted November 6, 2008 Report Share Posted November 6, 2008 I'm in the thinking process of up-grading boat trailers this winter. If one could choose any brand of commercial trailer available, what brand would it be? Please no complaints about bad history. I'm thinking along the lines of finest materials, workmanship, guarantees, and low maintenance. The cost is secondary. I'm more concerned with a dependable trailer that will last year after year in saltwater. Some specifics: Boat length, 21'-23' Construction, aluminum "I"-beam bunk Submerged at least 100 trips Good handling on highways I think we all agree about torsion axles, disc brakes, stainless hardware, LED lighting, etc. is the way to go today. If you know something better, please expand. So what brand would it be? How much safety factor would you go above overall gross weight of boat, trailer, motor, fuel, and gear? Nothing flies by me without a hook! If my fly is down, That's a good thing. Public Access.....It's a shore thing. My daily requirement of "Vitamin Sea". Capt. Ray Stachelek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billybob Posted November 6, 2008 Report Share Posted November 6, 2008 I think when you're going Alum I-beam with the upgrades that you want, they are all pretty similar. When I was buying one for my 23' , I did quite a bit of research and ended up going with a Towmaster, made by Nextrail. They had the best price and it was a great trailer. I didn't end up getting the SS upgrade, and ended up doing it myself later - so good choice there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foulhook Posted November 6, 2008 Report Share Posted November 6, 2008 I'm in the thinking process of up-grading boat trailers this winter. If one could choose any brand of commercial trailer available, what brand would it be? Please no complaints about bad history. I'm thinking along the lines of finest materials, workmanship, guarantees, and low maintenance. The cost is secondary. I'm more concerned with a dependable trailer that will last year after year in saltwater. Some specifics: Boat length, 21'-23' Construction, aluminum "I"-beam bunk Submerged at least 100 trips Good handling on highways I think we all agree about torsion axles, disc brakes, stainless hardware, LED lighting, etc. is the way to go today. If you know something better, please expand. So what brand would it be? How much safety factor would you go above overall gross weight of boat, trailer, motor, fuel, and gear? My top three in not specific order: Float on Magic Tilt (all welded Aluminum I beam) Loadmaster I bought a Venture Aluminum I beam because they are located in MD and the freight is less in the area so cost is less. Not the greatest trailer but good for the $$. I will swap the Tie Down brakes for Kodiak SS Disc when the time comes. "It isn't that Liberals are ignorant. It's just that they know so much that isn't so." Ronald Reagan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trigger Posted November 8, 2008 Report Share Posted November 8, 2008 I suggest you take a look at Hi-Tech Marine of Panama City, FL (they have a website and dealers in many areas). We have about 8 of these used for support and chase boats ranging from a 19 foot Lema to Protector 28's. The guys who run these are pretty high on the Hi-Tech trailers. They run 52 weeks a year in the Newport, RI, Portsmouth, NH, and Tampa Bay areas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrot6909 Posted November 8, 2008 Report Share Posted November 8, 2008 Float on I-beam would get my vote. Had one for our 23' SeaCraft. Great trailer and looked brand new after 7 years. Not one complaint. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikep53 Posted November 10, 2008 Report Share Posted November 10, 2008 I am on my 4th trailer (3 boats). First 3 were galvanized bunk, the newest is Magic Tilt Alum I Beam, with torsion bars, led lites, bunk trailer. Absolutely best one I've ever had. All welded construction, no u bolts! Handles great. I agree with Foulhook's list. Just bought what was available locally. I will never buy another galvanized trailer. The cost difference was about a 10 % premium for aluminum vs galvanized. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Bigdeal Posted November 10, 2008 Report Share Posted November 10, 2008 What position should the battery swith be in while running.......1st, 2nd, All....? My sons have been running in the "ALL" position drawing from both and recharging both.............is this correct..? Opinions please............... "The hungry Wolf hunts the best.... Why isn't John Moses Browning on Mt. Rushmore? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Bigdeal Posted November 10, 2008 Report Share Posted November 10, 2008 Meant that as a new post.................I appologize.......still sleepy from being out fishin'.......... "The hungry Wolf hunts the best.... Why isn't John Moses Browning on Mt. Rushmore? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muleski Posted November 13, 2008 Report Share Posted November 13, 2008 Agree 100% on the aluminium I beam trailers. There are a number of manufacturers. They tend to be similar, and for me the deciding factor was the shipping cost from FL to MA, and the timing. I could wait, join a big shipment, and save hundreds of $$. I had mine built with LED lights and disc brakes, used Bearing Buddies {the brand}, and beefed up the jack. Really happy with it. Great bang for the buck. No more galvanized for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capt.Castafly Posted November 14, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2008 Appreciate all of your reponses and comments. Three or four name trailer manufacturers seem to query the highest in people's minds. Take for example Wesco, they have a good name synonymous with quality. No customer service here in New England. Closest dealer is in Virginia. Many of the best Florida manufacturers seem to have no affiliation in the North East. That's a shame. Maybe it's distance? Maybe N.E. dealers have their own preference closer to home? Right now I'm looking Loadmaster. One important piece of information I've found from asking questions. Some manufacturers will pay a bench fee to local dealers to work on their trailers even though they do not carry their specific lines. That's comforting to know if you trailer and break down somewhere out in the boonies. Nothing flies by me without a hook! If my fly is down, That's a good thing. Public Access.....It's a shore thing. My daily requirement of "Vitamin Sea". Capt. Ray Stachelek Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikep53 Posted November 16, 2008 Report Share Posted November 16, 2008 The dealers around here push Load Rite and 5 Star. They are made nearby in PA. I guess its because they are local. Quality and service is good but they only have galvanized. Paid $1300 three years ago for a 5Star galvanized roller trailer for 19 footer I had. Was a great trailer but sold it with the boat. As I said earlier, will always buy aluminum from now on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Sears Posted December 7, 2008 Report Share Posted December 7, 2008 I have the Loadmaster tandem axle, have 19ft century on it and could easily go to 21/22 with minor adjustment ,towed all over Fl from Tampa area Keys, Pensacola.Big aluminum I beams .Look at tongue on most trailers it is welded on after trailer frames join, where Loadmaster is solid one piece all the way from tongue to rear. Excellent service rep ( Tampa )and helpful when phone in a question. Local Century dealer now handles Loadmaster (Not Cheap). Loadmaster is my pick, far better than many other i have had . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Bigdeal Posted December 7, 2008 Report Share Posted December 7, 2008 Anything wrong with a Load Rite bunk trailer we should know about...? "The hungry Wolf hunts the best.... Why isn't John Moses Browning on Mt. Rushmore? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foulhook Posted December 7, 2008 Report Share Posted December 7, 2008 Anything wrong with a Load Rite bunk trailer we should know about...? They are exactly what they are. A price point trailer. Had a story from a guy yesterday about his Loadright trailer. Within the first 6 months one axle had rusted like it was 20 years old. Drum brakes became rusted and unpinned !! (Were loose) and the lights were constantly going out. On the good side he lived in PA near the factory and they allowed him to bring it them. They did all of the work while he waited. If you have to choose a trailer that is pricepoint I would go with Venture. A little better quality for about the same $$. Also great customer service. I believe they are located in Marylad so will also be cheap on the freight... Tight lines, Bob "It isn't that Liberals are ignorant. It's just that they know so much that isn't so." Ronald Reagan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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