Time for a trailer.
 

In a few months, I'll be moving to Jacksonville, and I don't feel comfortable towing my boat down there on my somewhat crusty (original 1978) trailer. So, I priced out an aluminum Load Rite. 4700 lb capacity, disk brakes on 1 axle (electric), torsion axles. It's a bunk trailer. I much prefer the way bunks support a boat as opposed to rollers. Man, they kept pushing the rollers though. It's just a little more $$$. Told the guy that wasn't the point. a few times. I used a shop that a boardmember (Frank C) recommended, which happened to be 4 blocks from the house I grew up in, and got, what i thought was a pretty good price of $2650. It sounds pretty fair to me. This is just the first trailer I've ever bought, and a little input may make me feel more comfortable.

Oh, and i wasn't thrilled about the "oh, trailer prices go up 5% on Tuesday" line..... Save that for Vinnie's used car lot.....

Oh, boat is a 22' Donzi Criterion....Same hull as a normal 22.

Re: Time for a trailer.
 

That sounds like a pretty good price; BUT...

DON'T SKIMP on the trailer. I know you have a 22' boat, but its an old heavy boat. Add in gear, fuel, tools; etc, and you can easily add 1000+ lbs. The boat spends the majority of its life on the trailer, and its worth creating a safe & sound "home" for it.

When you hit a nice bump where the weight of the whole boat comes down on the suspension of the trailer hard, you will know when you skimped. ALSO, when you are descending and ascending the boat ramp, you will place all of the boat's weight on the front axle which is a short time duration, but its enough to overflex the torsion axles.

You can't have too much trailer, tires, or brakes. I understand the thought behind having one axle free wheeling (no brakes) to avoid a lock-up jackknife scenario, but I have never seen/heard of it actually happening. I replaced my single axle drum brakes with twin axle discs and it made a world of difference.

I'd go up to one higher axle capacity. I'd also purchase two spares. That way if you blow one tire, you don't have to find the next tire shop to get another spare for the rest of your trip.

Re: Time for a trailer.
 

Stay away from the rollers. Too much pressure on too small an area, rollers will roll which can be a pain in the butt when trying to load the boat or stop the trailer in an emergency situation :D

Re: Time for a trailer.
 

Got the LoadRite. Sways, good advice all around. book says my boat is 3300 #s with the 454/330/TRS package which i have, so i think i'm right in the ballpark. Extra spare is a great idea, especially since i'll be towing it from NJ to Jacksonville in October. I get the trailer on the 30th. Just need to set up the bunks right. Some cinder blocks, 2x6s, a bottle jack.....oh yeah, and the backhoe should make that easier...thanks for the help guys.....

Re: Time for a trailer.
 

welcome to jax area ...... your gona love it .....m

Re: Time for a trailer.
 

Buy A Myco If You Can The Trailer Is The Best Hands Down :d

Re: Time for a trailer.
 

Hi Mike....... your now the official Jax representative.

Getting back in the groove here!!!!
BB