Choosing a new trailer
 

Went out looking at new aluminum trailers for my 20'. I'm impressed by the Rolls (Rollsaxle.com). I found a dealer in West Palm Beach, but who else carries them. I was given a price of $2300 for their 2160 Tandem. Any advice??

Re: Choosing a new trailer
 

what all does that quote include? (stainless disc brakes?, what size wheels?, aluminum or galvanized rims?, etc)?

Re: Choosing a new trailer
 

Their trailers seem to have a lot of upgrades to begin with...all stainless hardware and a unique cushion spring as opposed to torsion or leaf. This one had did not have brakes, The rims are galvanized, 14" tires. (The aluminum rims would be a $75 per tire upgrade.) It seems really heavy duty. Still not sure if $2300 is retail or dealer cost

Re: Choosing a new trailer
 

I got a quote on a Loadmaster (19-21' rated to 6,000#s) with every bell and whistle available - Kodiak SS disc brakes, mag wheels + mag spare, etc etc and it came to about $1K more than your quote.

Re: Choosing a new trailer
 

Thanks Mark...this has a 5200# rating...

Re: Choosing a new trailer
 

i have had a rolls trailer for 9 years and i trailer alot-no problems. as far as i'm concerneed it is the best trailer. i added disc brakes last year on one axel, they are stainless. i had to replacce one disc pad - no corresion or lock up . i would consider putting a powerwinch on it. and teflon slides for the bunkers. they now have stainless hubs and aluminum rims. i think maybe the hubs may be a good idea, i don't think i would pay the extra for the rims. i trailer 2 times a year to the keys and at least 2-3 month over to tarpon spgs.
mad max

Re: Choosing a new trailer
 

Why get a tandem? I put my 20' on a single, no brakes, galvanized roll on Continental. I pull it with a Suburban with no problem and we have dragged it as far away Virginia from S. Florida.

Bill

Re: Choosing a new trailer
 

I had a wheel bearing go out on a single axle trailer (inspite of having it lubed two hours prior) on I-95 during rush hour traffic in Ft. Lauderdale - in the middle lane of course. My next trailer will be a tandem. Some incidents really stick in your mind!

Re: Choosing a new trailer
 

I had a single under My 20' for years No problem,bought a tandem Rolls for the New '83. & love it .SS brakes too.A much smoother ride.I called the place I got Mine &They'll give the same model to You at $2000. w/o brakes $2500. w/SS brakes.When Rolls say's ALL Allu. & SS They have it.
You got My e-mail.
TUG [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Re: Choosing a new trailer
 

I've had singles and tandems, and I prefer singles if I can get away with it. They are easier to manuver off the hitch and less parts to break. I've never had a set of brakes work for more than a year so no brakes for me. I'd spend that money on a torsion drop axel and larger tires. Quick load, loadmaster,Continental, you should be no more than $1500 to $1600. Just my .02

Re: Choosing a new trailer
 

ztagator, check the pic out on this forum. web page I have an 18' with a tadem Rolls, and wouldnt trade it for the world.

Re: Choosing a new trailer
 

Personally, I like the Loadmaster. Nice stuff and never been a problem. Also, personally, two axles are better than one any day in my book. I have had the pleasure of a blow out with a single axle and it was less than a pleasure. Oh, and that occured with less than 100 miles on the new tires that were on the trailer that was less than three months old. I have also had the pleasure of having a spring go on a single axle trailer, again, less than pleasurable when you are running down the expressway! So, those are my reasons for my very bias opinion on one axle versus two.

I have a Loadmaster under the new ride and I love it. Loads easily, unloads easilt, cleans easily, rides as if it was on air. Wouldn't trade it for the world.

Now, I have seen Capt Brad's new baby and it was pretty nice too, though I admit I did not look at it really close. Next time we get together, I will make a point of a closer inspection.

Re: Choosing a new trailer
 

I paid extra for aluminum wheels once that looked great for a few months. When they started to errode it was fast! Maybe dissimilar metals in salt water, I dont know but it's galvanized now for me.

Re: Choosing a new trailer
 

Does anyone have an idea on how to make trailer parts last longer. My continental galvenized dual axel trailer is already showing some minor signs of rust forming. I sprayed the lug nuts with corrosion x max wax. Am I better spraying highly succeptable parts with cold galvenize, like the hubs and springs? Springs seem to really rust after only a few years. Had I not got this trailer for under $1200 bucks only 4 months old, I probably would have gone with an aluminum trailer,stainless package with turbolube hubs. I guess my question is am I better coating the trailer springs with cr X or cold Galvin spray? Oh yeah, Pettit makes this stuff called metal prep I used on the inside gas tank of my motorcycle. Maybe that would work.

Re: Choosing a new trailer
 

Briguy
When My ol' trailer started that I wire brushed what I could sprayed with Ospho.Then used a metal etching primer then a Allum. (grey)colored paint.Did'nt want to get rid of it after that.
Scream'n Reels' [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Re: Choosing a new trailer
 

Briguy,
I replaced my springs with torsion axles but when I originally bought my Slide-On they coated them with a thinned-down roofing cement. I redid them yearly and it seemed to help. Thin it with gas and brush it on, messy as hell though.

Re: Choosing a new trailer
 

Briguy

There is not much you can do about the springs rusting especially when in the saltwater environment [img]/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] With proper care you should get at least 10 years out of them. They can be bought for approx. $25-$30 each when needed.

In the interim, I go to Kmart and get the "Rust-proofing / Rubberized Undercoating Spray" from the auto dept. Approx $4.00 a can. Two cans will do it!. Make sure the springs are dry and spray the $hit out of them. You can use a throw away brush and dab some in the tight areas. Use a piece of cardboard as a backdrop, a drop cloth and throw away gloves as the stuff splatters everywhere [img]/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]. I double coat the axels also. Seems to hold up about 2 years. You also can get this stuff called "Trailer Coate" which is quite expensive but works extremely well. Boater's World and West Marine carries it [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

I would highly recommend that you bite the bullet and replace the "U Bolts" and all others with Stainless before they rust up and give you real trouble. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Re: Choosing a new trailer
 

BriGuy,
A good coat of 10w-30 on the leaf springs and grease on the threads of the u-bolts once a season doesn't hurt if you want to prevent rust.