Which trailer is better?

[sti1471]

I am buying a 17' open bow boat tomorrow and it comes with a trailer that has rollers, and a shock on the ball hitch part of the trailer to absorb breaking weight on it. However I have a trailer that is galvanized, but it is just 2 carpeted flat rails the boat sits on. I am going to be selling one of the trailers so i am just curious as to what trailer is better. I like the galvanized trailer because it is light weight, and rust free.

However I have never used a trailer with rollers. Which trailer should I keep? Is there a benefit to rollers on a trailer that makes up for selling my galvanized trailer?

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Which trailer is better?

The trailer that is coming with the boat is probably, not definately, but probably already set up properly for that particular boat. However, roller verses bunk trailer is self preference. I prefer a well set-up roller trailer, but many like bunks. I wouldn't worry about the galvanized if you are not around salt water. But if the other trailer is rusted badly, keep the galvanized or repair/repaint the roller trailer.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Which trailer is better?

I really doubt you have

" a shock on the ball hitch part of the trailer to absorb breaking weight ".

If so, it will soon be breaking, as opposed to braking.

More likely, the trailer has surge brakes, and the unit on the trailer tongue is the brake actuator.

When you apply the brakes on the tow vehicle, the weight of the trailer compresses the actuator, which activates the trailer brakes.

So, if the boat comes on a trailer with brakes, it is probably heavy enough to require brakes, or at least need them.

So keep the boat on the trailer it comes with, and have the brakes serviced so they work properly.

 

[Volphin]

Re: Which trailer is better?

I prefer galvanized over anything. Just my .02

V

 

[fibersport]

Re: Which trailer is better?

I had an EZ-Loader roller trailer under my 1966 Century inboard. What i started noticing was the rollers were causing dimples in the hull. This boat has a flat bottom at the stern, not a deep vee so the hull is not as stiff as a deep vee. Launching and retrieving were a piece of cake, come in at anything up to about 45 degrees and she would drive right up. The only problem was if you didn't hook the winch up, she would roll right off when you put it in neutral! I then bought a bass boat trailer with bunks and brakes, modified it to fit and have never been happier. The hull is supported much better, driving up the trailer is fantastic, although you have to be a little closer to being lined up with the bunks. I spray the bunk carpet with silicone spray once or twice a season which really helps too. Since my hull is flat at the transom, I had to install side guides to make sure it all lined up. When I modified the trailer, the bunks are now directly under my stingers and are about 10' long, great support and have never scraped the bow on the crossmembers, yours may be different with a different hull. A lighter boat would work great on a roller trailer, why not try both and see what is better at your usual ramp?

 

[sti1471]

Re: Which trailer is better?

I towed my new boat home today. So far I noticed that the trailer with the rollers handles a bit better. the wheel width is about 5-8" wider than my current trailer. Also when the trailers hits bumps in the road, the rollers seem to be spring loaded so in the rear view mirror I can see the boat is "bouncing" side to side instead of sending the boat movement to the truck. It seems to be more gental on the boat since the springs are taking the bumps and vibration off the boat.

maybe it was in my head, but the boat seemed to be on springs, and I never felt a thing when the trailer hit bumps in the road.

 

[Lakes84]

Re: Which trailer is better?

I towed my new boat home today. So far I noticed that the trailer with the rollers handles a bit better. the wheel width is about 5-8" wider than my current trailer. Also when the trailers hits bumps in the road, the rollers seem to be spring loaded so in the rear view mirror I can see the boat is "bouncing" side to side instead of sending the boat movement to the truck. It seems to be more gental on the boat since the springs are taking the bumps and vibration off the boat.

maybe it was in my head, but the boat seemed to be on springs, and I never felt a thing when the trailer hit bumps in the road.

Torsion axle or springs on your roller trailer? My spring trailer rides much nicer than my torsion one does. Although the
torsion isn't bad either, but I prefer my spring trailer my Sportcraft is on (both bunk trailers). Might just be the extra
weight on it though.... 21ft vs 17ft on my torsion.

See you on the lake

Joe

 

[bnicov]

Re: Which trailer is better?

Keep the trailer that the boat came on. If it is significantly different in size and or setup from the other trailer, you have your answer. The bunks may not be in the right place for your new boat and you may end up damaging the hull if the bunks aren't supporting it in the right places. Make sure you service the brakes on the new trailer, this involves cleaning and adjusting them and while you are at it, repack the wheel bearings.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Which trailer is better?

It's all a matter of personal preferance. Seriously!

I have used all 3 types of trailers. Roller, Roller/Bunk and Bunk. The only one I do not like is the bunk w/o any rollers. Doesn't make it right or wrong just one persons preferance.

A trailers primary function is to move a load from point to point. My opinion is that any design will do it safely as long as it is set up properly and fits the size and weight of the load it is carrying. Some designs will fit different hulls better. How it is used is were the debate begins!