trailer upgrade time for a 1986 268weekender

[lime4x4]

My current painted steele trailer needs around 1300 bucks worth of rollers and hardware replaced. I think i would prefer to just replace the trailer with a newer alum bunk setup. Which alum trailer and how many bunks should i have? Most of the new alum trailers i've seen only come with 2 bunks

 

[270win]

Venture is up your way and their prices look good. They also use the two bunk setup you mentioned above. I had a two bunk setup on a Contenental trailer that I hauled a 220cuddy on. It was a great setup.

 

[Lazy Daze]

John, I have no concerns at all about a 2 bunk set-up. No problems. I rebuilt my trailer from a roller to a bunk and use only two bunks.

What do you think about just rebuilding yours to a bunk set-up?

 

[lime4x4]

I thought about that. My support members are 14 feet apart to long of a span i think for bunk supports. Plus then i'm still left with a painted steele trailer that needs to be painted again. I found a nice alum venture trailer rated for my boat for 3300 bucks brand new. Last year i converted my trailer over to electric over hydrulics with disk brakes. I'll just take that stuff off install it on the new trailer. then maybe i can sell the old trailer for a couple of bucks

John, I have no concerns at all about a 2 bunk set-up. No problems. I rebuilt my trailer from a roller to a bunk and use only two bunks.

What do you think about just rebuilding yours to a bunk set-up?

 

[Lazy Daze]

Good idea. Especially if it's starting to show it's age. The bottom side of those crossmembers (the lower "V" part) tend to rust out well before the rest of the trailer starts to show it... then the crossmember collapses on itself.

Venture is fine. It's a "price point" trailer. They sometimes take quite a bit of messing with to get them to fit decent, but they're OK. BE SURE to check the axle/tire alignment on these and monitor your treadwear very closely for the first few thousand miles.

 

[lime4x4]

I just finalized the deal tonight. the trailer is a vatb-8025 it comes with polly coated bunks along with guides and surge brakes with disks on both axles for 3300 bucks. I'll keep the disk brakes on and just install my electric over hydrulic pump setup onto the new trailer. Then put the surge coupler on my old trailer and list it on craig's list or ebay

 

[270win]

Your old one should bring $2000+\-...that's the exact model I was looking into buying.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Sounds good, John. Good luck with it. Trust me on the tire thing - monitor them closely.

 

[270win]

Speaking of tires, does that trailer come with D or E load range tires? I always use the E load tires on boat and travel trailers.

 

[MonacoMike]

I think a keel bunk is the best way to load and support a boat your size. This is my journey: http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/45490-Anchor-hits-bow-roller-and-winch

MM

 

[lime4x4]

load range E. and i will keep a eye on the tires

 

[lime4x4]

Here are some pics of the new trailer and tow vechile. The trailer has disk on both axles. The crew cab duramax i also just picked up which will tow the boat fine.

 

[270win]

That looks like a great tow rig!

 

[Lazy Daze]

Looks nice, John. Basically the same setup I have.

 

[lv2bunderwater]

lime4X4,

What is on the top of the two bunks? I heard nylon strips could not be used for our boat as they are two heavy.

lv2bunderwater

 

[JerryS]

Deleted

 

[lime4x4]

I'm not sure. The dealer said it was poly something. All i know is he said it was 95 dollar option. Which i didn't pay for.. The story i got was someone ordered this trailer then canceled after it was shipped. That's why i got a pretty good deal on it

lime4X4,

What is on the top of the two bunks? I heard nylon strips could not be used for our boat as they are two heavy.

lv2bunderwater

 

[Lazy Daze]

You should be fine, John. I use them on my trailer. There almost as slick as rollers - be sure to leave the winch strap and safety chain attached until the boat hits the water.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Oh, just check how well Venture attached the slicks. Are they just stapled in? I'd add some stainless screws w/washers.

By the way, I also have slicks on my forward bunks, but my forward bunks are designed to take a fair amount of the total weight.

 

[lime4x4]

Dave do u have pics of your boat on the trailer? Trying to get a general idea on how to set mine up. I'm hoping to swap trailers the first week of april. I have to install my boat guides yet and the electric over hydrulic pump setup.