Where Do I Get A Trailer?

mark1190 · **Posted:** Fri Aug 21, 2015 8:55 pm

My 1996 Sundowner 205 (single axle) is down for the count. Took it to my shop for some brake work and they called back to say the back strut is rusted and in danger of giving way. I could weld a new piece there, but since it's rusted there it's probably systemic. (I see signs in other places, too). So it must be retired?

Where do I get a used trailer? Craigslist? Anyone have any experience?

I've been offered a new one (galvanized EZLoader) for $3400. But I have to think there is a secondary market for trailers, isn't there?

Or, should I wait until winter when the market is slow and marine shops might be more willing to make a better deal?[/list]

Fun facts: It's been dipped into salt water twice a year for the last 20 years. But is mostly a fresh water trailer. Brakes are shot. New brakes would be about $1300. New strut would be another 400 welded in. Doesn't guarantee that another critical part doesn't fail in the future.

Wish I could just leave it in the water.

DougT01 · **Joined:** Wed May 20, 2015 6:44 pm **Posts:** 121

I've seen a lot of trailers on Craigslist.
Once you have an idea of what a new one costs, you can recognize a good deal.

Best regards,
Doug

LouC · **Posted:** Sat Aug 22, 2015 9:32 am

There aren't that many used trailers for sale because usually they get sold with the boat. However you do see used ones for sale from time to time. You have to be careful about buying them because the cost of fixing what needs to be fixed can be substantial unless you can do your own work. As an example, if the trailer needs an axle, those can run $400 for a galvanized axle heavy enough for that boat. Brakes, to re-do drum brakes is not too bad because usually all you have to do is replace the complete backing plates. With discs if you are replacing the whole set up and want it to last in salt water its going to cost more.
For that boat, you need a heavy duty single axle (if staying with a single) with a 5200 lb axle, 6 lug hubs and 12" brakes. I don't think your typical 3500 lb axle, 5 lug hubs and 10" brakes would be adequate for the weight of it. And those are harder to find in singles. Galvanized for sure. I use a galvanized roller with 24 rollers, it loads the boat pretty well, here the ramps and the tides require a roller trailer.
On mine I've added up grades to make the trailer work with boat over the years. Because it was too short, I put a much longer tongue and longer rear roller bars so the rear rollers go all the way to the transom and the long tongue helps not getting the Jeep tires in salt water. I replaced the axle about 10 years ago with a custom built one from Champion Trailers and added a set of surge drum brakes. I just added a set of LED lights because I was tired of fooling around with the old style ones and added ground straps from the tongue, to the frame rails to all the light mounts. Now all the lights work all the time.

mark1190 · **Posted:** Sat Aug 22, 2015 8:06 pm

Here's a shot of the rust on the back strut...from the right angle you can look straight through to the ground. Not good. Been checking out trailers on Craigslist -- no luck after looking through the first 500, only 700 more to go!

230 Mike · **Posted:** Sun Aug 23, 2015 6:17 am

IMO, if you're talking about spending much at all on a used trailer, just bite the bullet and get a new aluminum one made. It'll be easier to fit your boat to it, you can start out with LED's, disk brakes, etc., and specify upgraded components from the start.

Easy for me to say, I know.

mark1190 · **Posted:** Sun Aug 23, 2015 8:17 am

I was told EZLoader would be a good choice. Bunk style. I will check with my local Four Winns dealer (we have one in Portland) to see if they have any in their yard.

I can say this -- the price adds up. There is a bit of sticker shock involved.

LouC · **Posted:** Sun Aug 23, 2015 9:09 am

I've had good luck with a Load Rite galvanized trailer; the frame is still solid and its a 1994; used in salt for over 10 years.
As I said before the problems you run into with used trailers is the repair cost can be substantial.
If you can do the work yourself that's one thing but if not then costs can get out of control. I rebuilt this trailer with a new axle, springs added brakes, new rollers etc. The parts cost total was probably close to 1/3 the cost of a new trailer.

DougT01 · **Joined:** Wed May 20, 2015 6:44 pm **Posts:** 121

I also have a 2005 Load-rite used in salt water for 10 years.
Very happy with the galvanized build quality.

Doug

captkevin · **Posted:** Mon Aug 24, 2015 7:32 pm

Came across this place

http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/bod/5147938657.html

mark1190 · **Posted:** Tue Aug 25, 2015 1:00 am

Kev, that is just awesome. My only hesitation is "aluminum." Can't say if that's good or bad, because I don't know. But I will call them in the morning.

Mark

captkevin · **Posted:** Tue Aug 25, 2015 6:55 am

There is a section of the traderonline for trailers. Might be worth a look to find dealers in your area.

http://www.boattrader.com/browse/parts-trailers

If i was buying a trailer aluminum would be high on my list. Have several friends with them & they love. No rust, light weight & decent prices.

LouC · **Posted:** Tue Aug 25, 2015 10:43 am

You should have no issues with an aluminum trailer, other than mixing dissimilar metals which can cause corrosion. Find out what metal was used for the bunk mounts and other hardware. Aluminum can be insulated from dissimilar metals by coatings and sealers (tef-gel being one) and that will stop corrosion. Just like using OMC/Bombardier gasket sealer on stainless bolts that thread into an aluminum outdrive.

jontmiller · **Joined:** Thu Jul 26, 2012 8:16 am **Posts:** 296

I had the same issues with my original trailer...it got so bad that it bent pulling the boat out one day.

I searched high and low....EVERYTHING I found on craigslist in my price point was junk....I looked at about 5 over the course of 2 years. Got lucky and found a direct replacement galvanized at a boat yard that was clearing out old stock. I did the bearings and it will get tires before any long trips but its the perfect trailer for me. That said it took 2 years of looking and I was lucky enough to have the boat in a slip and only trailered it twice a year......good luck

bradsimpson301 · **Posted:** Wed Sep 09, 2015 12:39 am

http://venturetrailers.com/

I purchased a tandem axle 2016 Venture VBT 4225 for right around $2500 to haul my 2010 H210. It's a nice aluminum trailer that I got through my dealer. I'm sure you could find a dealer close to you. I need to add LED lights and get a spare tire kit. It's a great trailer.

Jdpber · **Posted:** Wed Sep 09, 2015 7:07 am

get a parallel bunk easy load aluminum trailer.. in my parts one for a 20 foot boat can be had for 1200-1800 bucks depending on leaf or portion axel. and go up for brakes. You can find them used all day long on CL for dirt cheap

www.iFourWinns.com

Where Do I Get A Trailer?

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