Location
 

Where are located so that all here can direct you to a trailer dealer or a used trailer?

I am in Illinois. I guess I am going to look in the 10K range. I want to have excess ability and not be limited. Thanks for all the great insight guys especially to a new member, I wasn't expecting that.

Keep in mind that 10-15% of the gross vehicle weight should be on the tongue, so 3500 axles do not mean you are limited to 7000 lbs. However, what does the title say as far as th GVWR? That would be your legal issue. Some companie will rate the trailer by the axles, some by the axles plus 20% on the tongue.

Changing axles is no big deal, we do it all the time. If the trailer is in good shape, no reason not to put 2 5000 lbs, 6 lug axles on it.

^^

It is an aluminum trailer that is in great shape, if I could post a pic I would, need more posts I guess?..but I am not afraid of mechanical as I work on projects all the time. I guess it just depends what happens first. I will definitley have something decided by boating season though, I MISS BOATING! I have a bunk right now but those rollers sure are nice. First, I am looking at a new one though as my drives hang way too far off I think. I like that extended frame I've seen. The back of my boat sits right at the edge of the bunks...is that right? Sorry I have dumb questions but I just bought it in April and I'm new to the ownership side of a boating.

Ok, I feel like I stepped into a time machine.... Back in 1987 I bought a used (1985 formula 272 T-small blocks). And I bought a new full size 1988 blazer 5.7 FI. I kept for about 10 years and towed back/forth Fla (1100 miles) most every winter. The trailer had 2 5 lug axles. t We were way loaded on trips (fishing/diving/furniture/etc.u name it). The axles have 3 reasons to upgrade. 1 the axle/spindle is bending 2. the bearings are wearing prematurly 3. The tires are giving up. You cant fix 1 & 2 without new axle, but you can beef up tires (which is what we did). You probably got 3500 axles (they do make 4000 w/5lug) so 7000 lb boat and 1500 lb trailer = 8500 lb with about 1000 on tounge. U are a bit over but not much. If your axles aint bent and bearings are nt overheated, get some good tires and get all axles adjusted to proper setting, keep everything maintained and u can go a long time. I only state what I know from experience and do not suggest that you dont listen to others. My experience was 20 yr ago! BTW I still tow to and from Fla with big boat 20,000lbs and we are always on the edge with the junk we be hauling, but I been hauling this boat 15 + years and it can be done. You just gotta be cautious, careful, and have some luck.

I would go with a newer trailer before I do anymore white-knuckle driving..it's just not worth risking an accident. I'm not doubting my driving skills, it's the idiots on the road we have to look out for.

X2- That last point is the real reason. I can't tell you the number of times some a-hole passes me then pulls in font of me, slams on the brakes to make an exit on the highway....

People are idiots the way they drive and we pay for it.


Wannabe

where in illinois are you ,a buddy of mine just bought a 25 foot boat that has a crappy trailer,he wants to update to something better,if you decide to buy a different trailer,im sure he would be interested in yours.he is in the wilmington,illinois area.