Cheap trailer

[Jeep Man]

Finally got a pontoon boat after 5 years of wishing. Really looking forward to next season on the lake. I didn't realize finding a cheap trailer would be so tough. I only need to take it out of the water each fall and transport it 1 mile. A friend suggested making a trailer out of a stripped down RV camper frame. I can pick one up for less than 200 dollars with 3500 lb. tandem axels. Modification seems pretty simple.Has anyone done this and how well does it work?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Cheap trailer

where are you? size boat, there is a nice sizzor trailer on craiglist gainesville.

http://gainesville.craigslist.org/boa/873506040.html

 

[VaGent]

Re: Cheap trailer

Finally got a pontoon boat after 5 years of wishing. Really looking forward to next season on the lake. I didn't realize finding a cheap trailer would be so tough. I only need to take it out of the water each fall and transport it 1 mile. A friend suggested making a trailer out of a stripped down RV camper frame. I can pick one up for less than 200 dollars with 3500 lb. tandem axels. Modification seems pretty simple.Has anyone done this and how well does it work?

I did it by using a nice used Loadrite boat trailer & it turned out just fine. I have less then $900.00 in the whole project. I couldn't find a good used one anywhere for less then $1200.00 that was worth having or driving more then 300 miles one way to pick up. I'd be willing to put mine up against those used ones any day. I have a 3500# rated axle, surge brakes & new tires too. I copied the design of by buddy's Tracker trailer hs uses on his 21' Tracker pontoon. It turned out very nice. Total cost of the modification including the price for the used trialer is $900.00 which includes all new brake system, steel, welder & new guides & those plastic strips on the bunks.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Cheap trailer

You can buy pontoon trailers brand new for around $1200 give or take a little depending on size. Why spend $900 on a cobble job.

http://www.pontoonstuff.com/pontoon-boat/71-pontoon-boat-trailers.asp

I've dealt with these folks as well and they have very competetive pricing.

http://www.nivimfg.com/page36.html

 

[mthieme]

Re: Cheap trailer

My brother-in-law bought a new one for a 24' two years ago - $3K and he's cheap, this was the first new thing I've seen him buy in 15 years! Around here it's much cheaper to pick up a used trailer and make the minor mods.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Cheap trailer

I'm in Ontario Canada. Pontoon trailers here are expensive and hard to find, without going new.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Cheap trailer

Well, I decided to give it a go. Last week I sourced a frame from a 28 ft. RV camper which means a bed length of 23 ft. I spent Saturday building bunks and Sunday morning rewiring. I then towed it 3 hrs. to the lake. After loading the boat, I hauled it 2 miles to our cottage for winter storage. Everything went flawlessly. I now have a very workable mode of transport that is safe, heavy duty (2 3500 lb. axels with electric brakes) for less than $350.
Sometimes, not often, things go as planned.

 

[VaGent]

Re: Cheap trailer

Way to go Jeepman. I am doing the same thing for my pontoon boat. All galvanized heavy duty (3500# axles) with steps on the front & hydraulic surge brakes. Purchasing a "new" trailer just didn't fit into my budget. Plus I like to restore/rebuild things & usually they turn even better then the new ones or at least as good as new one. It all depends on how skilled & how much detail you put into the project. Mine is only a single axles for now as that is all I need but I have another axle sitting in the shop I can add very easily if I dicide to go to a large pontoon boat later on.