Magictilt VS Loadmaster

[Trayder]

For my other boat I went with Loadmaster10,500# cap with torsion axles, Turbo Lube oil bath Hubs, Stainless fasteners, Quick change hub/spindles and Kodiak Stainless Disk Brakes.

I am thrilled with this combination. Due to the fact this particular trailer has (3) axles I am even more thrilled at how trouble free it has been. With my previous trailer I was stranded 5+ times a year with some sort of major failure that cost me time $$ and many busted knuckles.

I highly recommend the Torsion axles and the Stainless Steel fasteners package. As for the Turo lube hubs, no issues yet and 50,000 miles between service is fantastic.

[Ed]

Hey Gents-

On Friday,I am ordering a 6,000lb Magic-Tilt aluminum roller with 50 yellow poly rollers. After talking with the trailer dealer, I am going with stainless fastners, leaf springs and disc brakes. According to him, boats (like mine) that sit on their trailer year round put a lot of stress on torsion axles and as a result, they tend to cave in toward the fender over time. He felt that the leaf springs would stand up better over time.

I am sure there are two sides to this argument, but I believe this guy because he repairs a ton of trailers and is a dealer for 3-4 brands.

As far as bunks versus rollers are concerned, I opted to switch to rollers because winching my boat onto my existing bunk trailer with 10-12 foot tides and a strong river current was a PAIN IN THE ARSE.

I will let you guys know how I make out with the Magic Tilt after I pick her up.

-Ed-

[JohnS]

I agree with Trayder on the torsion axles being more maintenance free. A buddy of mine has had his torsion axles for as long as I can remember. Only thing he HIGHLY suggests is washing them REALLY WELL after each use or you will be sorry later. His boat sits on the trailer all the time, more than it should, and his torsions have never sagged. There is a guy that I know that did have problems with one of his but, I suspect because he abuses and neglects his stuff so bad, the lack of the TLC most likely caused the problems....

John

[Billybob]

I know this was a freak accident, but I'll share it with you.Years ago, I was trailing a 17' bowrider through town slowly.All of a sudden a leaf spring snapped, that side of the axle swept under the trailer, the straps broke,the boat skidded down the road and came to rest against the curb right in front of this VFW hall just as if you had driven it down the road and parked it.
I can only imagine what would have happened if I had been on the Highway.
I went to call a flatbed and when I returned there was a paper plate on the boat that said "High tide 2 o' clock"
Not my day.

[timd]

Hammer,
I went back and checked after we talked last week. My Loadmaster is rated 6000#. It has the Kodiak disks, turbo lube hubs, stainless kit, and 6" wide Cypress bunks. It tows so well behind the Suburban I can (almost) forget it's back there. As you know, the nearest salt is 200 miles, and I'll make this trip every othe week this summer. Let us know what you decide.
Tim

[Hammer]

Well....I got it!!
A 2003 Loadmaster 19-21 6000# with torsion axles and turbo lube quick release hubs. I'm going to load the boat tonight! Pictures soon............

[timd]

Jack,
One thing I forgot to mention, I had to cut about six inches off of the rear of the bunk after the trailer was adjusted fore and aft. Although it didn't touch the trim tab when it was fully retracted, I was afraid I might forget to retract the tab prior to loading.
Tim

[FELLOW-SHIP]

GREAT CHOICE HAMMER
FELLOW-SHIP

[timd]

Jack,
Sorry it took me so lomg to get back to you, I've been swamped at work. I measured my trailer, and it is 7" exactly from the front of the crossmember to the back of the winch stand. But now you've got me thinking I may have too much tongue weight. I'm not sure what the correct amount of tongue weight is, whether it is a % of total weight or a specific weight. Hopefully somebody can answer that. All I know is I need to find a scale and weigh both my total weight and the tongue weight.
Tim

[ocuyler]

I like Trayder's configuration. Quite frankly, after all this work and effort to create a classic SeaCraft masterpiece, the LEAST you can do is partner it with the best you can afford.

When we trailer to the islands, the trailer gets 300 miles a weekend and maybe 5 to 10 hours on the boat. It's as important to me to have a GREAT trailer as it is to have a great tow vehicle .

Otto