EZ Loader Trailer Ready for Play & Work
When buying a boat, many people treat the companion trailer purchase as though any trailer will do for hauling the boat. But as explained here, there are a few things you should think about before deciding what trailer to put under your boat. Most of the time boat dealers will mate boats to the right size and type of trailer, but don’t assume it. They might have packaged your dreamboat with a trailer that is good for them to sell, but not for you to buy. For readers who already have a boat and trailer, you might discover a reason or two here for improving your launching game by getting a new trailer. Read on.
Before we look at trailer features and functions, first consider the trailer components that normally need attention in the life of a boat trailer.
Trailer Bearings - The bearings give more headaches on boat trailers than everything else combined. The regular dunking in the water can threaten bearings that have poor seals, and irregular use can mean poor lubrication of bearings under heavy use. A cool plunge on hot bearings that have heated up on the trip to the lake takes its toll. Too many boaters forget to fuss over good bearing lube and care. Fried bearings have ruined many-a-trip to the water. Getting a trailer with easy maintenance features like good grease fittings is a big plus.
Trailer Lights – Number two in the boat trailering headache department are the trailer lights. Poor connections with cheap wires, along with bulbs that corrode or burn-out from the water-baths are the usual culprits. When you hook up your boat trailer, the last thing you want to see are “no lights” or weak and dim lights. Many manufacturers now offer LED lights that simply won’t leave you in the dark.
Tires – This one needs no explanation. But don’t cheap out on this option. You might not put many miles on, but run with quality rubber & watch for UV deterioration. Even with lots of tread remaining, you might have a tire cracked and worn out from the sun.
Winch Cable – Anyone who has winched in a boat only to have the old rope break will know what I mean. Watching your boat slide out of control back into the water leaves an impression on a boat owner, and sometimes on the boat. Every new boating season, check the full length of your cable, strap, or rope on the winch to make sure all your launches and retrievals will have no surprises for you.
Rollers – If you have any rollers on your boat trailer, they need to be replaced any time they quit rolling.
When buying a trailer, start with the right length and weight capacity for your boat. Every manufacturer lists these details in their model descriptions. Remember that you have to allow for not only your boat’s weight, but also the motors, equipment, and fuel. This is where you will also determine if you should go with one or two axles.
Next consider if you want a bunk model or a roller trailer. Bunks work for deepwater boat landings that allow submerging the trailer so the boat can float into position on the trailer. Roller trailers are essential for places that won’t permit “floating on”. If you can use a bunk trailer, they are nice for good distribution of the boat weight across a larger surface area. If you get a roller trailer, a rule of thumb is to figure no more than 160# per wheel to support the boat. Non-marring wheels are preferred.
For boaters with old boat trailers, one advantage to upgrading is that the cross-members and designs of new generation trailers accommodate the v-shape design of boats. The benefit is that boats sit lower in the trailer, trailer better, and are easier to access.
Trailers are made of painted steel, aluminum, and galvanized steel. Saltwater boaters are best off with aluminum – and even then they are smart to rinse off the trailer with freshwater. Freshwater boaters can choose among the three, and will likely find that painted steel is the least expensive – yet very satisfactory.
Check with your state and dealer on the need for brakes in your state. It is typically dictated by weight capacity on the trailer. As far as accessories go, consider bunk guides for ease of launching and landing, gangways on the trailer to walk-out for hook-ups, electric winches for bigger boats, and even small ladders for accessing the bow on taller boats. Get quality straps for easy and secure tie-downs. Travel covers can save big messes from rain and dusty roads, and offer a little bit of security. A newer trailer feature appreciated by many is the swing-away tongue. It can save several feet of storage space distance, and is simple to use.
So who should you buy from? There are many quality trailer manufacturers around the country – many of them that serve regional markets. To give you a sample of trailers to consider, look at these offerings:
Shorelandr with the launch job completed
Load Rite Boat Trailers Look on the Load-Rite site for some good trailering video tips.
Happy hunting - and trailering!
