Not trying to open a can of worms here, but I have a few questions regarding a new trailer: Here are my thoughts about what I need; Tandem axle, 5000lb capacity, surge type disc brakes, and bunks. Fresh water use, NY state. Now the hard part, Galvanized or Aluminum. Someone in the archives posted a link for Nextrail, makers of aluminum trailers. Anyone have experience with them or with aluminum trailers in general? I have also seen both Al & Galvanized from Venture trailers in the $2500.00 range. I am forced to do something because my e-z loader (e-z ruster) needs new brakes and axles. I think I would be farther ahead with a new one versus investing 600+ in a 20 year old trailer. In the end, I want a little more peace of mind while hauling my trailer queen to & fro. Any suggestions as to what & where to buy would be appreciated.
New Trailer
- Thread starter pk
- Start date
chesapeake724
Junior Member
My new rig came with a Continental aluminum tandem axle. The PO said he paid only $1500 for it: 5100# capacity, no brakes. The weight savings "feels" significant. A wild arse guess is 500-800lbs. less than a comparable galvanized trailer. Yes, it's rolling weight, but I think your tow vehicle will notice the difference in load and mileage. The ride is stiffer, I think. Because the members are i-beams and because aluminum is stiffer where steel flexes, I think the boat will feel the bumps a little more, even through the springs. I would take care not to make the boat too light. You want to load the springs to get the cushioning. While on that subject, if you're buying new, I'd look into torsion axles instead of leaf-sprung. The boat rides lower on the trailer and care and feeding is less than springs.
All that said, it wouldn't be a priority for me to get rid of a galvanized trailer and buy aluminum, so long as it was safe to use. $600.00 is probably my limit though.
Just my two cents.
All that said, it wouldn't be a priority for me to get rid of a galvanized trailer and buy aluminum, so long as it was safe to use. $600.00 is probably my limit though.
Just my two cents.
macojoe
Administrator
well you have all the spec right, Now as for Steel or Alum, since you are going to be fresh water all the time I think eaither would be good for you.
I saw some Venture trailers at a fishing show last week, they were Alum I beam, but the axle and the cross overs holding the rollers were Galv steel.
So no matter what you do, there will be steel to deal with at some point, and yes you were right on the money with $2500
Being fresh water I think you will be fine no matter what you do.
I saw some Venture trailers at a fishing show last week, they were Alum I beam, but the axle and the cross overs holding the rollers were Galv steel.
So no matter what you do, there will be steel to deal with at some point, and yes you were right on the money with $2500
Being fresh water I think you will be fine no matter what you do.
TheTinMan
God
Even though you will be using in fresh water, I'd go with aluminum. It will be lighter and resale will be better. Check out Nextrail, they deliver to you. I have one and am real happy with it. Just towed boat from FL to NY and it was great. Mine is dual axle (torsion, no leaf springs!) (6000lb) w/disc brakes on one axle. Give em a call.
http://www.nextrailofamerica.com/
http://www.nextrailofamerica.com/