Best pontoon boat trailer/Rollers?

[sealarks]

Hello, I just purchased a pontoon boat that did not come with a trailer. I have it on a borrowed trailer that I lose access to in a few weeks so I need to order one fairly quickly. Since some of the ramps where I will put the boat in are a bit steep, I'm favoring a trailer that has rollers for the pontoons in case a bit of cranking is required as it is with the current trailer with rollers. The only issue is that I can't find any pontoon manufacturers that sell a pontoon boat trailer with rollers rather than the slide on bunks. It would be great to get everyones opinion on the best pontoon trailer as well as the best manufacturer that I could by from in the Delaware/Maryland area near Newark DE. I've attached a picture of the current borrowed trailer that has rollers. Only issue I've had with potentially matching it is that I've been all over it and it's not marked with a model or manufacturer and the owner does not know. Appreciate your opinions on the best way to go. Open to being talked out of the rollers as well if there is some down side to them.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Best pontoon boat trailer/Rollers?

Not saying they don't exist, but I don't recall ever seeing a roller trailer for a barge. If that's what you want you may end up having to modify a bunk trailer. I may be way off base, but I think I'd be nervous about all having all those pressure points on my toons. Another option is the scissor lift style trailer, which can be raised and lowered when necessary to accomodate different situations. I have zero experience with those, but I know at least a couple of iboaters use them. That might work for you.

 

[sealarks]

Re: Best pontoon boat trailer/Rollers?

Thanks for your help in this area as well. Don't know what I'd do withouth this forum since I'm under some time pressure. Have seen the scissors trailers, but discounted them because of what I've read about road stability when going any distance,and could not imagine ever having to change a trailer tire with one of these. Would be great to here experience from those who have actually used them. I will occassionally hall for 100 miles and wouldn't want to do any rocking and rolling on the highway.

 

[sealarks]

Re: Best pontoon boat trailer/Rollers?

...not sure if you saw the picture I posted, but you'll see that somebody made one at some time. Just wish the trailer was marked. Had not thought that the pressure points would be a bad thing, but now you have me thinking. Are pontoons made of light enough gauge aluminum that you think they could possibly buckle over time especially in the off season or if you have a few people on the boat working on it while its on the trailer?

 

[lncoop]

Re: Best pontoon boat trailer/Rollers?

...not sure if you saw the picture I posted, but you'll see that somebody made one at some time. Just wish the trailer was marked. Had not thought that the pressure points would be a bad thing, but now you have me thinking. Are pontoons made of light enough gauge aluminum that you think they could possibly buckle over time especially in the off season or if you have a few people on the boat working on it while its on the trailer?

1. Like I said, just because I've never seen one doesn't mean they don't exist, but are you sure it wasn't custom made or modified? Who was kind enough to lend it to you? Maybe they can clue you in as to its origin.
2. Your toons are made of substantial aluminum and are designed to withstand the beating we give them as we enjoy them on a regular basis. They won't buckle, but they might develop pock marks (think hail damage) as a result of the repetitive impact in the same place from the rollers. I can speculate that over time this might lead to leaks or at least a couple of ugly toons. Again, this is only speculation. Might not be a problem at all.
3. One long time iboater I know uses a scissor trailer is Silvertip. If you PM (private message) him and ask him to take a look at your thread he'll be happy to give you his .02. He will any way eventually, but it may be a while before he sees it on his own.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Best pontoon boat trailer/Rollers?

Not sure where you are, but I ran across a place once in Texas, Richardson I think, that makes pontoon trailers for a reasonable price. Someone like that may be able to accomodate you. Also, pontoon manufacturers might be able to give you some guidance. Just look them up and start calling. Nothing to lose.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Best pontoon boat trailer/Rollers?

Hello, I just purchased a pontoon boat that did not come with a trailer. I have it on a borrowed trailer that I lose access to in a few weeks so I need to order one fairly quickly. Since some of the ramps where I will put the boat in are a bit steep, I'm favoring a trailer that has rollers for the pontoons in case a bit of cranking is required as it is with the current trailer with rollers. The only issue is that I can't find any pontoon manufacturers that sell a pontoon boat trailer with rollers rather than the slide on bunks. It would be great to get everyones opinion on the best pontoon trailer as well as the best manufacturer that I could by from in the Delaware/Maryland area near Newark DE. I've attached a picture of the current borrowed trailer that has rollers. Only issue I've had with potentially matching it is that I've been all over it and it's not marked with a model or manufacturer and the owner does not know. Appreciate your opinions on the best way to go. Open to being talked out of the rollers as well if there is some down side to them.

Generally roller trailers are desired when the ramp is shallow, not because it is steep.
If it is steep you should be able to float right up to the bow stop.
What brand is your pontoon?
I would ask the manufacturer if rollers (as pictured) are good bad or it is up to you. If it is okay, they might even recommend where and how many rollers there should be.

I think the possibility of damage might occur more due to harsh road bumps being hammered up thru the trailer at a few pressure points (the rollers) versus being spread out over the bunks.