What's the best bunk trailer?

[Captcastafly]

I'm in the thinking process of up-grading boat trailers this winter. If one could choose any brand of commercial trailer available, what brand would it be? Please no complaints about bad history.

I'm thinking along the lines of finest materials, workmanship, guarantees, and low maintenance. The cost is secondary. I’m more concerned with a dependable trailer that will last year after year in saltwater.

Some specifics:
Boat length – 21’-23’
Construction – aluminum “I”-beam bunk
Submerged at least 100 trips
Good handling on highways

I think we all agree about torsion axles, disc brakes, stainless hardware, LED lighting, etc. is the way to go today. If you know something better, please expand.

So what brand would it be? How much safety factor would you go above overall gross weight of boat, trailer, motor, fuel, and gear?

[CaptSuperfly]

I've had a loadmaster trailer for 3.5 seasons and I keep the boat on it all the time, so I dunk it each time.

It's aluminum I-beam.
Stainless hardware.
Kodiak stainless steel disc brakes on both axles.
I also put front bunks on it, instead of the "V" shaped PVC guide - more support and easier to load and get it on straight the first time.
Torsion axles and posi-lube spindles (different from bearing buddies!)
you can get mag wheels as a sharp option (I didn't)

So, after 3.5 seasons, I'll do my first big service on it - upgrading to LED lights (now standard), and I plan on replacing the bearings (preventative - they haven't failed). In fact, I carry a laser thermometer and the bearings have always stayed pretty cool. I've put lots of miles on this trailer (back and forth to Gloucester from LI) frequent trips to Montauk. I am very, very impressed. Brakes have worked perfectly. Replaced the pads with ceramic upgrade.

I bought it from a guy named Steve at East Coast Trailers. I think he's still in business - you can find him online. He shipped the trailer to Mass and it was much cheaper than buying from a Mass dealer.

here's his site. His name is Steve. Tell him Mike Riley referred you. The BEST customer service I've ever gotten.
http://www.newboattrailer.com/

good luck.

[FireFly]

I've had a loadmaster trailer for 3.5 seasons and I keep the boat on it all the time, so I dunk it each time.

It's aluminum I-beam.
Stainless hardware.
Kodiak stainless steel disc brakes on both axles.
I also put front bunks on it, instead of the "V" shaped PVC guide - more support and easier to load and get it on straight the first time.
Torsion axles and posi-lube spindles (different from bearing buddies!)
you can get mag wheels as a sharp option (I didn't)

So, after 3.5 seasons, I'll do my first big service on it - upgrading to LED lights (now standard), and I plan on replacing the bearings (preventative - they haven't failed). In fact, I carry a laser thermometer and the bearings have always stayed pretty cool. I've put lots of miles on this trailer (back and forth to Gloucester from LI) frequent trips to Montauk. I am very, very impressed. Brakes have worked perfectly. Replaced the pads with ceramic upgrade.

I bought it from a guy named Steve at East Coast Trailers. I think he's still in business - you can find him online. He shipped the trailer to Mass and it was much cheaper than buying from a Mass dealer.

here's his site. His name is Steve. Tell him Mike Riley referred you. The BEST customer service I've ever gotten.
http://www.newboattrailer.com/

good luck.

Ditto on everything Mike said. Steve helped me build the exact same trailer for my boat and I have had identical results. Steve even helped me get LED upgrade lights under warranty 2 years ago for free ;)

Mike when Jim Varney transported your boat south and picked my boat up in Tampa the dealer was 20 minutes away from Loadmaster so it worked out well. They put my new boat on the new trailer and Jim transported it back up here, saving me the shipping fee's for the trailer.

[Lucky]

I've had a Continental for three years now and its been absolutely trouble free. Don't know who is a dealer up here but the website might be able to help

http://www.continentaltrailers.com/

Mine is I Bean construction
Breaks on all 4 tires
Stainless hardward
Waterproof lights
heavy duty bunks
Torsion Axles
Galvanized Rims & Radial Tires

I trailer my 23 with twins at 65-70 mph and dont have any sway at all...tracks beautifully but i think that has more to do with set up and weight distribution.

Check them out...I'm happy. I also know that Loadmaster is a premium trailer as well so you can't go wrong with that one either.

[HatTrick]

I shopped around two years ago and ended up with an aluminum slide on trailer from Owens and sons. Very, very nice. I would never go back to rollers, but I am lucky to have a nice ramp nearby. Their website was www.slideon.com but I'm sure you can find them through Google. The trailer was made in Florida to fit my 20' SeaCraft and the fit was perfect. Pm me with your email address and I will send you some pictures if it would be helpful.

[HatTrick]

Never mind the PM, here are a few shots of the Aluminum Slide On:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/hat-trick/Trailer010.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/hat-trick/Trailer004.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/hat-trick/Trailer003.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y158/hat-trick/Trailer002.jpg

[Captcastafly]

Nice design!

Especially like the full keel bunks.
Must make centering easier?
Also allows for more even weight distribution.
Thanks for the photos.

I'm thinking LoadMaster right now.