Trailer question for 280 DA

R

racerx

New Member
May 4, 2010
10
Rumson, NJ
Boat Info
Sundancer 280
Engines
twin 4.3l mercruiser w/alpha ones
:smt100Hello. I have a 2004 280 DA. I am looking for a trailer. Anybody selling a used one? Is a 12500 GVWR enough. If I was to go with a new... any suggestions on what kind works best. Thanks in advance
 
You don't see many of the larger trailers out there on the used market. But, you can try looking around to see what you can find.

I would recommend going with these guys. http://www.boatwheels.biz/

They make an awesome trailer for an awesome price. I would recommend a tri-axle trailer for that size boat. A tandem axle might work, but if you plan to make some longer trips you would like the piece of mind having the tri-axle....

You might get more replies if you post in the trailering section of the forum....
 
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Fresh water . . . seriously consider a painted steel model with custom bunks over an aluminum with vertical bunks. A friend uses an aluminum Venture for his 250 and its nothing but junk. Its literally falling apart after 2 years and minimal use. The boat is really hard to load straight because there's no self centering bunks. It also flexed at the tongue so much that it had to be reenforced with steel.

Loadmaster out of port Clinton Ohio makes a great trailer. I couldn't be happier with mine. I can load and trailer my 290 as easy as my previous bowrider.
 
12500 GVW rating is a good number for the 280. With a 12500 GVW, the capacity is likely at least 10000 -- just about right for a loaded down 280. I suggest a tri-axle with 15" wheels/tires. A well-built aluminum trailer is nice because it weighs at least 1000 lbs less than the same size steel trailer. This means less total weight for your tow vehicle.

The models with many custom flat bunks are very nice, and your boat will fit perfectly with the best support. This is probably the best choice for regular towing all season long. Steel trailers with just rollers are available, and are great for shallow boat ramps when you cant float the boat on/off. My 290 came with one of the cheaper tri-axle aluminum trailers with just 2 huge vertical bunks. It works well for me, but I only tow a few times a season for short distances.
 
EricW said:
12500 GVW rating is a good number for the 280. With a 12500 GVW, the capacity is likely at least 10000 -- just about right for a loaded down 280......
Click to expand...

For what it’s worth…..a couple of years ago on a scale, from memory, with our 2003 280 Sundancer was 15,500 lbs including the boat, loaded with fuel + water, empty holding tank, full of provisions, including the tri-axle trailer.

I do not know how much the trailer weighed but I would not think it was 5,000 lbs. Probably more like 2,800 - 3,000 lbs.

We added the generator AFTER this.
 
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Presentation said:
our 2003 280 Sundancer was 15,500 lbs including the boat, loaded with fuel + water, empty holding tank, full of provisions, including the tri-axle trailer.
Click to expand...

Are you sure the rear tow vehicle wheels weren't on the scale? :wow:

Wow. I agree that even the heaviest trailer certainly would not weigh more than 3500lbs, so that puts your loaded down 280 at at least 12,000 lbs. Based on that number, 12,500 trailer GVW ain't gonna cut it. Seems high for a 280, but maybe racerx ought to bump up to a 15000 GVW trailer. Good real world info.......
 
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EricW said:
Are you sure the rear tow vehicle wheels weren't on the scale? :wow:

Wow. I agree that even the heaviest trailer certainly would not weigh more than 3500lbs, so that puts your loaded down 280 at at least 12,000 lbs. Based on that number, 12,500 trailer GVW ain't gonna cut it. Seems high for a 280, but maybe racerx ought to bump up to a 15000 GVW trailer. Good real world info.......
Click to expand...

I’m hoping some others with real world experience will chime in.
 
I pull my boat 2-3 times a year. Ive got a painted steel tri-axle zieman. Its a stout SOB, but a very nice tow. http://zieman.com/

I hope you got a diesel dually with something other than the factory hitch on it.
 
My 2008 280 DA came with a 15,000 GVW trailer.

Manufactured by Williamson Ocean-Trailers, Model BT31TR15 Elite
 
Thanks for all the info. I have been wrestling whether to buy a trailer and winterize it myself or have the marina do it and get banged out. :smt021

Looks like I may just pay the $3k and make it easy. Seems towing at boat this size may be harder than anticipated. NJDOT requires a permit on anything over 9' beam. :wow:
 
A friend of mine is selling an almost brand new one. He sold his 280 , and the new buyer didn't want the trailer. It is in Portland ,Ct. Let me know if your interested, I can get you his info,and pics
 
Great question and great info. Whenever we pop on a 280DA, a trailer won't be far behind. I do all the maintenance work on the boat myself and want to be able to do it all at my house whenever I want. It's only a few miles tow for me.

In Maryland, you have to display oversize load signs and pay $50.00 per one-way trip to tow it from one point to another....crazy.
 
Here's what I used for my 290. Plug in your own numbers:

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