I'm thinking about a new trailer as my old one is a steel tube bunk type and is starting to rust. I wanted to hear opinions on Galvenized vs Aluminum and bunk vs rollers. I have always had bunk trailers and am thinking of going to rollers since my buddies tell me they're easier to load. I use my boat 50% in saltwater and 50% in fresh.
Trailer Questions
- Thread starter rbones51
- Start date
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2000
- RO Number
- 2904
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- 279
I boat in fresh water only but I believe for salt water, galvanized is the recommended trailer type. There are other around here with better experience than I.
Gavlanized for any salt usage.
Roller are easier to load but typically ride w/a higher center of gravity.
If you have a choice, torsion axles rock IMO.
The provide for lower ride height (more stable) and independance wheel movement (much smoother). Torsion also elinates the steel springs which rust from salt water usage.
My current trailer is alum bunks (came w/boat) and works well. The lower CG improves stability but I miss the torsion axles of my previous trailer.
Also, get brakes on all axles. Discs are better if you have a choice.
Roller are easier to load but typically ride w/a higher center of gravity.
If you have a choice, torsion axles rock IMO.
The provide for lower ride height (more stable) and independance wheel movement (much smoother). Torsion also elinates the steel springs which rust from salt water usage.
My current trailer is alum bunks (came w/boat) and works well. The lower CG improves stability but I miss the torsion axles of my previous trailer.
Also, get brakes on all axles. Discs are better if you have a choice.
If you have 4 bunks you'll have no loading problems. Two along the keel,two more on the outside. I use favor furniture polish to coat bunks at least once a season to aid in easy loading.Spray when bunks have dried. Favor is more water proof than others I have tried. Tom
Mercrewser
Member
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- Jan 23, 2006
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- 20025
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- 64
I bought a new trailer for my boat, mainly because of PA's tough inspection laws. i would go with a galvanized Loadrite. I love these trailers. Disc Brakes, torsion axles, non markong rollers. I paid 3k for mine. My boat is an appreciating asset though, contrary to most boats.
When I was looking at trailers I looked at loadrite, loadmaster, and venture. I went with venture because of the price. It is considered a lower end trailer, but after comparing I could not see the difference. All were galvanized. I don't know what you want to spend, but I go mine for $1,800 less than the loadrite and load master.
I currently have a Loadrite galvanized roller trailer. It is easy to load and unload and I needed the galvanized for when we used to boat in salt water. Galvanized is not the prettiest, but it has held up well. I disagree with the statement rollers have higher centers of gravity. The chine on my boat sits only 1-2" above the fenders for the trailer wheels. I don't know how it could be any lower with a bunk.
Nice looking trailer, mercrewser. dritter, I want to spend no more than neccessary, but as much as need be. This is probably my last boat (yeah, right)and I want to get a good trailer under it. I have heard that aluminum flexes on the road and just wanted to see what others were happy with. I've looked at venture and loadrite so far. Pioneer, why brakes on both axles and by disc do you mean electric as opposed to hydraulic, or disc as opposed to drum? I have four bunks now and have no trouble loading either.