What features options, and specs am I looking for in a new trailer?

[fraserjr]

All,

I didn't want to hijack Mikey's boat thread so I figure I would post the question here. For those unaware, I am interested in Mikey's boat but would need a trailer. What features and specs should I be looking for? The only thing I know I would want are guide posts, led lights, folding tongue and disc brakes, but I am sure there are other bells and whistles that many of you talk about. My trailer education isn't quite as on par with my boating level of knowledge.

Thanks,

John

 

[Bill D]

Aluminum I-beam trailer with torsion axles, electric over hydraulic brakes, LED lights, radial tires on aluminum rims, 60" guide posts with LED's, Fulton F2 winch, stoltz roller, and LED landing strips. Not that I've thought about this at all...

 

[fraserjr]

Aluminum I-beam trailer with torsion axles, electric over hydraulic brakes, LED lights, radial tires on aluminum rims, 60" guide posts with LED's, Fulton F2 winch, stoltz roller, and LED landing strips. Not that I've thought about this at all...

Wow, concise yet thorough response. I like it. Any particular brands that are better than others?

 

[Bruce]

Where will you boat at?

How far will you tow?

We go to the ocean most years so galvanized is necessary and aluminum i-beam would be even better for us.

Torsion axles are nice but not necessary.

The electric over hydraulic brakes give additional control but add $500 plus to the cost.

LED lights are inexpensive and avoid blown bulbs.

Landing strip lights are a $20 DIY project.

If I were buying a new trailer I would opt for the Fulton F2 winch and jack.

 

[Bill D]

It looks like there are a lot of custom shops out there that make trailers. I'm not sure of a "name-brand" trailer that is widely available.

@Big Shasta's post was the first I saw that got me interested, then @bronze_10 bought a shiny new one not too long ago. I believe they were both custom builds.

I would also add a welded aluminum tool box somewhere above the waterline would be awesome. But now I might just be dreaming...

 

[fraserjr]

Where will you boat at?

How far will you tow?

We go to the ocean most years so galvanized is necessary and aluminum i-beam would be even better for us.

Torsion axles are nice but not necessary.

The electric over hydraulic brakes give additional control but add $500 plus to the cost.

LED lights are inexpensive and avoid blown bulbs.

Landing strip lights are a $20 DIY project.

If I were buying a new trailer I would opt for the Fulton F2 winch and jack.

I had a galvanized trailer for my 2006 AR210 and that worked well. I am in DC and do most of my boating on the Potomac River but we also took our old boat to Deleware and would likely take it to the brackish Chesapeake.

Our boat would typically stay in the water for the season for some haul out for cleaning a couple of times a year. Otherwise our trailer usage is pretty minimal.

 

[Bill D]

Our boat would typically stay in the water for the season for some haul out for cleaning a couple of times a year. Otherwise our trailer usage is pretty minimal.

Oh, then you definitely don't need all that fancy stuff. Lol. You may be able to find a used galvanized trailer.

 

[Bruce]

This $2700 new aluminum I-Beam trailer seems like a good option with free delivery to Baltimore http://www.ebay.com/itm/2017-Ventur...ats-Delivery-Possible-Export-OK-/322221355462

 

[bronze_10]

I looked at a lot of the trailers on the internet and decided I could get a name bran for just a few hundred dollars more with a warranty and someone to yell at if something broke... also they normally will set the trailer up for you boat and place your boat on it for u... the Internet ones just drop it off and u set them up. I figured for 3 grand and will all the new stuff on it I couldn't go wrong...

If u trailer everywhere like I do then I can't recommend torsion axels and radial tires enough.. after pulling my boat on that mfi pos this trailer makes my boat float over the road ... so much more stable. .. and the led lights are perfect for a lot of towing .... I could have had brakes put on both axels but I chose to just do the one . Our boats are not that heavy. The tounge on mine is kinda long to accept the swing tounge and I wasn't sure how I would like it but it adds to the wheel base which adds comfort to the ride... all in all it is the single best mod I have done.. and yes I consider it a mod!.. lol

 

[bronze_10]

Another thing about a torsion axel on a tandem axel trailer is if for some odd reason u have a flat and no spare the up won't tough the ground.. u can ease along on one tire un till u reach somewhere.. of course u have to be very careful with the one remaining tire on that aide.