Boat Buckle Installation

[njmr2fan]

I did buy the stainless Reese version so they would survive salt water use. I chose Reese for a lower price and stronger product. I launched in salt water on the 5th the retrieved on the 17th. I did not apply any kind of protectant or try to clean them in any way. They still look and work just like new.

@Bruce
How long have you used the Reese buckles and how are they working. I had a long talk with the guy from Cabelas today and he told me they've had a lot of those returned because they would seize up, or just plain break. He recommended the boat buckles even though he said the price difference does make lots of folks buy the reese first. Just hoping that some people can chime in on both.

 

[Bruce]

@Bruce
How long have you used the Reese buckles and how are they working. I had a long talk with the guy from Cabelas today and he told me they've had a lot of those returned because they would seize up, or just plain break. He recommended the boat buckles even though he said the price difference does make lots of folks buy the reese first. Just hoping that some people can chime in on both.

I have had them a little over a month. They have more than 2,000 miles and 2 salt water exposures so far. They are very strongly constructed. I expect a long life from them.

 

[njmr2fan]

So I bought the boat buckles G2 today. Their appearance sold me in the side by side with the Reese unit. Well and that the old guy in the boat section in Cabelas. He told me to get the Reese and try em', he said you'll probably them back like the others. Maybe you'll like em. Hard to argue with old timers who are usually more right than wrong. I tapped back the ears on my 190 trailer with a mallet, installed the boat buckles with a perfect angle and WaLa I love them. Used them tonight and the wife said "Well that's way better, and you'll keep all your fingers"

 

[David D]

@njmr2fan can you post pics?

 

[njmr2fan]

@njmr2fan can you post pics?

Sure will, as soon as I get home.

 

[Geiger41]

Bought a pair today. Probably put them on Thursday

 

[njmr2fan]

Here it is. The were straight back at first with the dog eared corner with the hole already drilled. I tapped them toward the leading edge of the trailer and then bolted on the boat buckles.

 

[Geiger41]

I read somewhere that someone used different hardware due to the quality, but I cant find it. Does anyone have issues with the nuts/bolts provided?

 

[njmr2fan]

Yes the provided bolts don't thread. I called them before I bought and they sent me 2 stainless bolts overnight. Sure enough the ones that came with the buckles were duds.