Boat Trailers are a PITA!
#21
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[ATTACH=CONFIG]527121[/ATTACH]
I will share my opinion.
C channel steel hot dipped galv'ed, with all stainless steel bolt package. Self healing if scratched. I have dunked mine in salt several times this year, and not one speck of rust anywhere. Very little chance of a weld cracking, and much stiffer than an aluminum. I went with 16" wheels with E rated tires. Surge brakes, disk on all 4. Build time was spot on, and the company was very easy to work with.
Loadmaster out of Port Clinton Oh will have my biz from now on if I ever need a new trailer.
Was it cheap, no, but how can you put a price on being stranded in nowheresville.
This will be the last trailer I will have to buy for the 292.
I will share my opinion.
C channel steel hot dipped galv'ed, with all stainless steel bolt package. Self healing if scratched. I have dunked mine in salt several times this year, and not one speck of rust anywhere. Very little chance of a weld cracking, and much stiffer than an aluminum. I went with 16" wheels with E rated tires. Surge brakes, disk on all 4. Build time was spot on, and the company was very easy to work with.
Loadmaster out of Port Clinton Oh will have my biz from now on if I ever need a new trailer.
Was it cheap, no, but how can you put a price on being stranded in nowheresville.
This will be the last trailer I will have to buy for the 292.
#22
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They build a great trailer that tows on long hauls wonderfully and the boat so far has loaded perfectly each time. The trailer is a tank, hands down. Think about getting 16" wheels, they make a huge difference.
~~But~~
DO NOT GET IT PAINTED!
And make sure the center caps drain! I have 4 aluminum wheels that are all corroded after just 2 saltwater and only 2 freshwater dunks on a trailer that's only a couple months old. And yes! I washed the boat and trailer with soap and water after the salt runs.
I emailed them and they said they drill holes so the center caps so the water can drain, our caps have no holes. They said I should drill them myself or remove them and I need to call the wheel supplier. I already know how this is going to end, everyone else pointing fingers over their shoulder with the customer paying in the end.
~~But~~
DO NOT GET IT PAINTED!
And make sure the center caps drain! I have 4 aluminum wheels that are all corroded after just 2 saltwater and only 2 freshwater dunks on a trailer that's only a couple months old. And yes! I washed the boat and trailer with soap and water after the salt runs.
I emailed them and they said they drill holes so the center caps so the water can drain, our caps have no holes. They said I should drill them myself or remove them and I need to call the wheel supplier. I already know how this is going to end, everyone else pointing fingers over their shoulder with the customer paying in the end.
Maybe you have a bad set, my wheels look the same and i have zero corrosion to date. But it does look like some body went ape sht cra on putting the lug bolts on with an impact gun with a socket just pounding at the aluminum.
#23
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I will share my opinion.
C channel steel hot dipped galv'ed, with all stainless steel bolt package. Self healing if scratched. I have dunked mine in salt several times this year, and not one speck of rust anywhere. Very little chance of a weld cracking, and much stiffer than an aluminum. I went with 16" wheels with E rated tires. Surge brakes, disk on all 4. Build time was spot on, and the company was very easy to work with.
Loadmaster out of Port Clinton Oh will have my biz from now on if I ever need a new trailer.
Was it cheap, no, but how can you put a price on being stranded in nowheresville.
This will be the last trailer I will have to buy for the 292.
I will share my opinion.
C channel steel hot dipped galv'ed, with all stainless steel bolt package. Self healing if scratched. I have dunked mine in salt several times this year, and not one speck of rust anywhere. Very little chance of a weld cracking, and much stiffer than an aluminum. I went with 16" wheels with E rated tires. Surge brakes, disk on all 4. Build time was spot on, and the company was very easy to work with.
Loadmaster out of Port Clinton Oh will have my biz from now on if I ever need a new trailer.
Was it cheap, no, but how can you put a price on being stranded in nowheresville.
This will be the last trailer I will have to buy for the 292.
#24
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Got worried about not having a controller in all tow vehicles. Plus I have not had many issues with surge systems as long as they are maintained. .
#25
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I am at the crossroads of rebuilding my tri-axle Hi-Tech because it is what I have to work with. Priced out maybe flipping the Hi-Tech and building a Manning but by the time I added what I wanted I was out of my range. So I ordered all new Dexter hubs with bearings. I had Kodiak Ecoated brakes on 2 axles which rusted over the winter. I wash the trailer down thoroughly after each dunk but still have issues with the light wiring always needed attention. Part of me wants to upgrade all the axles to a new higher capacity setup (3,500lb torsion tie downs currently) and run metal brake line instead of the old rubber and add brakes on all axles. I also want to go from 14" aluminum wheels with radial tires to 15" aluminum or steel with radial tires to help with the tire roll or scrub under tighter turns. Aluminum vs Steel... people say aluminum for salt water but they start looking like junk too, steels don't corrode...
I rebuild transmissions for a living so this is all basic stuff for me but what is the best to invest in? I am a firm believer a pay for what you get kind of guy but sometimes you can't justify things. Looks like a new trailer would be close to 8 grand.
I appreciate any input from ya'll.
I rebuild transmissions for a living so this is all basic stuff for me but what is the best to invest in? I am a firm believer a pay for what you get kind of guy but sometimes you can't justify things. Looks like a new trailer would be close to 8 grand.
I appreciate any input from ya'll.
#26
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I am at the crossroads of rebuilding my tri-axle Hi-Tech because it is what I have to work with. Priced out maybe flipping the Hi-Tech and building a Manning but by the time I added what I wanted I was out of my range. So I ordered all new Dexter hubs with bearings. I had Kodiak Ecoated brakes on 2 axles which rusted over the winter. I wash the trailer down thoroughly after each dunk but still have issues with the light wiring always needed attention. Part of me wants to upgrade all the axles to a new higher capacity setup (3,500lb torsion tie downs currently) and run metal brake line instead of the old rubber and add brakes on all axles. I also want to go from 14" aluminum wheels with radial tires to 15" aluminum or steel with radial tires to help with the tire roll or scrub under tighter turns. Aluminum vs Steel... people say aluminum for salt water but they start looking like junk too, steels don't corrode...
I rebuild transmissions for a living so this is all basic stuff for me but what is the best to invest in? I am a firm believer a pay for what you get kind of guy but sometimes you can't justify things. Looks like a new trailer would be close to 8 grand.
I appreciate any input from ya'll.
I rebuild transmissions for a living so this is all basic stuff for me but what is the best to invest in? I am a firm believer a pay for what you get kind of guy but sometimes you can't justify things. Looks like a new trailer would be close to 8 grand.
I appreciate any input from ya'll.
#27
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LOTS of people skimp on trailers. (I'm not accusing anyone of such here.) But dealers didn't often spec a top quality trailer when they used to stock/floorplan boats. And people that are buying used boats are often at the top of their price bracket, and the focus on the boat, and the trailer is a "companion" or "tool".
A trailer is NOT a tool. It's a COMPLIMENT to the boat, and needs to be of same & strong caliber. It's a VEHICLE and it has life threatening consequences when something goes south.
A trailer is NOT a tool. It's a COMPLIMENT to the boat, and needs to be of same & strong caliber. It's a VEHICLE and it has life threatening consequences when something goes south.
My father taught me a long, long time ago that "When you buy a cheap tool, all you get is a cheap tool." Same goes for trailers.
#28
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Lol that was a short discussion! Lol
Sydwayz I would in heartbeat go that route if I could but I think it is just a little out of range for me especially after buying a boat lift for the boat this season. Unless I could finance a few grand depending on what mine would sell for I do not see it happening right now.
The trailer has towed the boat down to southwest Florida from NJ safely a few times and I have another trip planned for end of November.
So say we put the new option on hold, and I was just trying to improve what I had for the time being. What would be the advice on some of the questions I posted above in wheels, tires, brakes etc.
Btw yes the truck is up there # wise but has never once been the weak link in the rig. Even when the trailer brakes stopped working the truck stopped her without making me feel uneasy. The equilizer hitch helps the comfortability going down the road and I have just grown to like the way she handles with it. Im sure a 3500HD with a diesel would feel great towing a little boat but the Sierra Denali gives me everything I need on a daily basis and can handle the chores thrown at it when the time comes. I have 10k Enclosed trailer for my 3/4 Suburban (yes I know most people have race cars, I have a show truck that I tow and store in the trailer) and the Denali tows it fine and I see the difference of how nice electric brakes work and handle.
Sydwayz I would in heartbeat go that route if I could but I think it is just a little out of range for me especially after buying a boat lift for the boat this season. Unless I could finance a few grand depending on what mine would sell for I do not see it happening right now.
The trailer has towed the boat down to southwest Florida from NJ safely a few times and I have another trip planned for end of November.
So say we put the new option on hold, and I was just trying to improve what I had for the time being. What would be the advice on some of the questions I posted above in wheels, tires, brakes etc.
Btw yes the truck is up there # wise but has never once been the weak link in the rig. Even when the trailer brakes stopped working the truck stopped her without making me feel uneasy. The equilizer hitch helps the comfortability going down the road and I have just grown to like the way she handles with it. Im sure a 3500HD with a diesel would feel great towing a little boat but the Sierra Denali gives me everything I need on a daily basis and can handle the chores thrown at it when the time comes. I have 10k Enclosed trailer for my 3/4 Suburban (yes I know most people have race cars, I have a show truck that I tow and store in the trailer) and the Denali tows it fine and I see the difference of how nice electric brakes work and handle.
#29
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All's well that ends well they say.
The place that did my trailer brakes back in June stood behind their work. They replaced the broken brake line, bled brakes, checked all brake calipers, locktited and retorqued, and reinstalled the brake caliper that fell off. I converted the Vanguard hybrid oil hubs to grease with bearing buddies and out the door for $150.
All is good again.
Dave
The place that did my trailer brakes back in June stood behind their work. They replaced the broken brake line, bled brakes, checked all brake calipers, locktited and retorqued, and reinstalled the brake caliper that fell off. I converted the Vanguard hybrid oil hubs to grease with bearing buddies and out the door for $150.
All is good again.
Dave
#30
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Lol that was a short discussion! Lol
Sydwayz I would in heartbeat go that route if I could but I think it is just a little out of range for me especially after buying a boat lift for the boat this season. Unless I could finance a few grand depending on what mine would sell for I do not see it happening right now.
The trailer has towed the boat down to southwest Florida from NJ safely a few times and I have another trip planned for end of November.
So say we put the new option on hold, and I was just trying to improve what I had for the time being. What would be the advice on some of the questions I posted above in wheels, tires, brakes etc.
Btw yes the truck is up there # wise but has never once been the weak link in the rig. Even when the trailer brakes stopped working the truck stopped her without making me feel uneasy. The equilizer hitch helps the comfortability going down the road and I have just grown to like the way she handles with it. Im sure a 3500HD with a diesel would feel great towing a little boat but the Sierra Denali gives me everything I need on a daily basis and can handle the chores thrown at it when the time comes. I have 10k Enclosed trailer for my 3/4 Suburban (yes I know most people have race cars, I have a show truck that I tow and store in the trailer) and the Denali tows it fine and I see the difference of how nice electric brakes work and handle.
Sydwayz I would in heartbeat go that route if I could but I think it is just a little out of range for me especially after buying a boat lift for the boat this season. Unless I could finance a few grand depending on what mine would sell for I do not see it happening right now.
The trailer has towed the boat down to southwest Florida from NJ safely a few times and I have another trip planned for end of November.
So say we put the new option on hold, and I was just trying to improve what I had for the time being. What would be the advice on some of the questions I posted above in wheels, tires, brakes etc.
Btw yes the truck is up there # wise but has never once been the weak link in the rig. Even when the trailer brakes stopped working the truck stopped her without making me feel uneasy. The equilizer hitch helps the comfortability going down the road and I have just grown to like the way she handles with it. Im sure a 3500HD with a diesel would feel great towing a little boat but the Sierra Denali gives me everything I need on a daily basis and can handle the chores thrown at it when the time comes. I have 10k Enclosed trailer for my 3/4 Suburban (yes I know most people have race cars, I have a show truck that I tow and store in the trailer) and the Denali tows it fine and I see the difference of how nice electric brakes work and handle.
Clear out in box please, trying to send you quote on trailer. Or email me at [email protected] thanks for the PM.