Trailer Brands
 

Im buying a new trailer and I'd like to hear opinions on which brands are considered the best, I'd like to get the best available as opposed to trying to save a buck!

i have always like aluminum... that being said my boat came with a EZloader and i have changed my dislike of galvanized.... every piece used on this trailer is bolted on and can be replaced !!!!!!!! even the main beams. i was not a fan of the rollers but after i change them to nomarking i think i have had a change of heart. I have always driven my boats on the trialer but the rollers make it easier to run it up in shallower ramps !! but if you go aluminum the "best " to me is the one you get the best deal on... just make sure to get disk brakes if you get brakes on it.. torsion is nice but not MUST have... tandem over single always even on a 18.... if you are planing on pulling it a long distance... tandems always seem to pull better to me. JMHO.

I have had galvanized and aluminum trailers and they both have their pros and cons. I currently have an aluminum load-master trailer which I like. The main things I would look out for is that the trailer have all stainless hardware and torsion springs versus leaf springs. Load-master, continental, ezzzz-on and performance are all brands that I consider good trailers. One downside to aluminum, if you have a tandem or tri axle trailer, they WILL float on you. Been in some sticky situations where the trailer floated with a strong current and got caught underneath a dock...

Stauter99
This wasnt at the launch under the bridge in Gulfshores was it ??? Had the same trouble with a friends aluminum at that ramp... Solution was to back the trailer under the boat.. but this is a 2 person operation... i do like torsion but why are they perceived as better ?? corosion or ride ?? i know they have a smoother ride

I have an aluminum Rocket trailer that came with my boat. It bounces a bit on the highway w/out on the boat on it.

Additionally, I just found a 5 inch crack in one of the I_Beams. Not sure what that is going to cost to weld.

Thanks for the input guys!
I think I have the specs pretty well narrowed down, aluminum ibeam, dual axel, stainless disc brakes, torsion axels, and bunks with bow guides. I was more concerned with brands, I had a venture which I wasn't impressed with, I am looking at load rite and road king and was looking for input! Basically if you could buy any trailer out there and price wasn't a concern, what would you buy?

Not all 6" aluminum I beams are the same on the trailers. Look at the thickness at the webbing, some are twice as thick and much stronger. I would want all stainless hardware and 316 grade stainless not cheep 304. Also watch out on the type of aluminum grade they are made from. There are some made from better quality (grade) aluminum than others. I would get "acu-lub" hubs. They add grease from the inner bearings to the outer and lube better than the buddy style. Torsion axles will last three times as long vs leaf springs and get you closer to the ground for easier unloading. There are many different brands that are good but I would look for the way they are built due to some companies sell a economy model and a heavy duty that look about the same but one will be better built and more money a course.

Rolls Axle or Myco

When I went looking for a new trailer, I noticed that the most knowledgeable boaters in this area nearly all had Owens Trailers of St Petersburg. That was about 13 years ago and the service since has been outstanding. If you want an aluminum float-on bunk trailer, they are among the best.

Myco Rolls or Owens

I have an owens slide on and like it quite well, I agree it is a good one to choose, Myco is defiantly good as well, They make all of the high end custom race boating trailers. I have a cupple of magic trails as well and they are not to bad either as well as my classic float on that is still working 22 years latter.

Forgot to mention Float-On. They are also very nice trailers.

My two cents. Buy a "double bend" frame!! As an example, it's an option on Continental, their top of the line "CA" models have it. Only way to go.

That's a new one to me! What is a "double bend" frame Don?

Go to the Continental web site....as an example only.....and look at how their top of the line trailers are made looking at the hitch back to the axles. Two bends, one in front of the axles and one at the front. MUCH superior. My last two trailers were built this way and would not buy one without the extra strength. I can send pictures of mine when I get home.

1st choice and most expensive
Ameri trailer. Full welded aluminum

2nd
Rolls

3rd
Float on

I have a float on and it is great. At over 30 years old I replaced the torsion axles. It took 2 days and I picked the new ones up at the factory. Easy as that!

YES Sir!!! It's one of those 'ya get what you pay for!!! I'm lucky there are two boat trailer builders very close to where I live and shopping with them gives me a chance to see what the difference between cheapo and well made is!!

Thanks guys, yeah it must be nice being in Florida for that stuff, it's a little tougher to get some of those brands up here in the northeast.
If you gat a chance to post the pic Don I'd be curious to see it

Here ya go!! Notice the 3" x 3" galvanized tubing is 8' long and runs through the "second bend" in the frame which is bent to run parallel to the tube and bolted through with SS bolts along with a cross member at the end. In effect the load at the front of the trailer is distributed over 5' versus in some trailers, like the basic Continental models, just 2' with little bracing.

My Peterson is built the same way. Don I like the steps to get off from the bow.

Yeah......when your an old fart you build things to make it easy on yourself!! Oh yeah, and it works quite well!!