Need An Aluminum Trailer, Any Suggestions?
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11-12-2013, 10:03 AM
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11-12-2013, 01:35 PM
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It didn't make sense to me either, but I am telling you the person I was put in contact with said they don't build trailers that small. Water under the bridge and any day now our Manning should be delivered.
01-19-2014, 01:31 PM
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Thought I'd give an update, we did in fact go with Manning Marine. We decided to built the tailer with all the best possible parts and hardware and I must say this trailer is an absolute monster! The order was placed without ever seeing one first hand and going off what was said here on this site and I was nervous. Now that we have it I can honestly say this trailer is built well and I am not at all worried about its construction.
However there was a few things that did not sit well with me. They promised a build within 3-4 weeks from from the time they received the check, it took 7.5 weeks. When the trailer showed up the wheels had yellow stains on them and didn't match the center caps, nothing that couldn't be replaced. I took the tailer home before loading the boat to give it a bath and there were tons of rock chips in the paint all over the frame, again nothing that couldn't be fixed. Loaded the boat on the trailer with a lift and the bunks and boat did not fit together, along with the V-block not being able to position itself properly on the bow, now the trailer was becoming a VERY expensive problem. After speaking with them about everything they came back down to pick up the trailer to make it right. They replaced the wheels, repositioned bunks, fixed the V-block and repainted the areas of the trailer that needed it. So over all they stood behind their work.
Two things I would like to pass along to those that are considering a new aluminum trailer from any manufacture out there is this, DON'T GET IT PAINTED! There are again more rock chips and now there is orange peel and over spray from the repair work and in my opinion the paint was not at all worth it and it's a big regret. I also decided to add a bow ladder for easier movement on and off the bow for us. While this option is wonderful the placement is such that it is inside the radius of our rear bumper and any hard/sharp right turn will cause damage to our bumper and trailer. So if you are thinking about adding a bow ladder make sure the tongue is long enough for the tight turns or you will be limited and/or needing to replace a bumper. I am more aware of this since I already had this problem with a work trailer that had an external fuel tank, I am on my second blade.
I would recommend Manning for their incredible construction and over all finished product. However for the finish work like paint and attention to the small details I would make 100% sure you know what you are getting in the end. And for aluminum trailers, again I'll say I wouldn't recommend painting them.
Hope this helps and good luck if you are considering a new custom trailer in the near future.
However there was a few things that did not sit well with me. They promised a build within 3-4 weeks from from the time they received the check, it took 7.5 weeks. When the trailer showed up the wheels had yellow stains on them and didn't match the center caps, nothing that couldn't be replaced. I took the tailer home before loading the boat to give it a bath and there were tons of rock chips in the paint all over the frame, again nothing that couldn't be fixed. Loaded the boat on the trailer with a lift and the bunks and boat did not fit together, along with the V-block not being able to position itself properly on the bow, now the trailer was becoming a VERY expensive problem. After speaking with them about everything they came back down to pick up the trailer to make it right. They replaced the wheels, repositioned bunks, fixed the V-block and repainted the areas of the trailer that needed it. So over all they stood behind their work.
Two things I would like to pass along to those that are considering a new aluminum trailer from any manufacture out there is this, DON'T GET IT PAINTED! There are again more rock chips and now there is orange peel and over spray from the repair work and in my opinion the paint was not at all worth it and it's a big regret. I also decided to add a bow ladder for easier movement on and off the bow for us. While this option is wonderful the placement is such that it is inside the radius of our rear bumper and any hard/sharp right turn will cause damage to our bumper and trailer. So if you are thinking about adding a bow ladder make sure the tongue is long enough for the tight turns or you will be limited and/or needing to replace a bumper. I am more aware of this since I already had this problem with a work trailer that had an external fuel tank, I am on my second blade.
I would recommend Manning for their incredible construction and over all finished product. However for the finish work like paint and attention to the small details I would make 100% sure you know what you are getting in the end. And for aluminum trailers, again I'll say I wouldn't recommend painting them.
Hope this helps and good luck if you are considering a new custom trailer in the near future.
01-19-2014, 03:24 PM
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01-19-2014, 03:27 PM
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I also forgot to mention there is no aft facing bow strap anchor(s), the boat shifted forward about 6" on our drive down south. I am going to have to have something made or get a stainless turnbuckle that'll attach to the V-block, but this is something that will have to be addressed before the next road trip.
