Trailer Input Please

[FossilMan]

Going to take a look at this trailer. Having a hard time finding something to compare it to. I've used float on types before and they are easy, but I like not having to dunk the trailer in the salt all of the time. A quick walk through the local boat ramp shows how rusty everything can get. I've been going back and forth on that issue, but bucking the trend, I keep going back to a roller trailer. My current roller trailer is 38 years old and in good condition, but with a bracket on the boat, it's not going to be long enough. They are asking $1600. Is that a fair number for these? Thanks in advance.....

[Bushwacker]

I favor roller trailers also for the same reason! That's a steal if those cross members pivot like those on an EZ Loader. I paid about $1800 for mine brand new about 25 years ago! Some of those rollers look like they've aged, so I'd question how long it's been sitting out in the sun. The EZ Loader roller system with aluminum spindles and nylon bushings is by far the best, but I prefer the yellow plastic rollers. The black rollers can leave tracks on your boat, although they clean off easily.

[FossilMan]

I wasn't sure how many rollers would be adequate, but it seems like it has more than enough. Not sure if they pivot, though. I'm afraid this one might not be long enough, but I'll take a look to confirm. Thanks for the input.

[RUSTYNTABATHA]

never ownd one till now and love it... but i have the black rollers and they gotta go !!

[Bushwacker]

Originally Posted by FossilMan

I wasn't sure how many rollers would be adequate, but it seems like it has more than enough. Not sure if they pivot, though. I'm afraid this one might not be long enough, but I'll take a look to confirm. Thanks for the input.

I'm guessing that you've got a 23? If you divide the weight of the boat by the number of rollers, I think you'll find that the average load/roller is something like 100-150 lbs. I can wiggle the individual rollers with boat sitting on them, so I think that's an acceptably low level of load!

It looks like that trailer is an exact copy of an EZ Loader roller setup. The cross members are attached to a bracket that's bolted to the frame rail above the cross member and they pivot about that bolt. The pivoting rear cross member is important . . . when the CG of the boat gets aft of the cross member, it and the entire bank of rollers tilts. You'd better have a good brake on the winch at that point to keep it from screaming off the trailer! There is very little friction in that roller system!