Question:
I'm looking at aluminum boat trailer for a 22' Grady White. Anyone out
there with advice? I've talked to Boatmaster, Loadmaster, Tropic
Trailers and Navigator. Also, does anyone have experience with torsion
axles. They sound good (no springs and shackles to rust) but, how do
they pull?
Answer:
- most of the trailers you've mentioned are about the same in quality. Make
sure the bunks are cypress and the axles have posi-lube, rather than the bearing
buddy style.
-One more question... I've always selected galvanized steel trailers over
painted steel trailers for what I hope are obvious reasons. I haven't
bought a new boat and trailer in years so I'm curious about aluminum
trailers. It seems like an aluminum trailer wouldn't be as strong as
one made from galvanized steel. Obviously an aluminum trailer would be
lighter but what are the trade-off between an aluminum and a galvanized
steel trailer?
-I bought a Load Rite aluminum trailer a year ago for a 22' Grady Seafarer. No
problems. I went with aluminum to save weight over galvanized steel given that
I was pushing the max trailering capacity of my Ford Explorer. Aluminum
trailers do squeak, however, when flexed.
I had torsion bar suspension on an EZLoader I bought new for an 18' boat 3
years ago. I'll never have another one. Both tires "scalloped" after about
1000 miles. (I trailer my boat 200 miles each trip.) I checked and
double-checked the axle alignment. I'm guessing the problem was that every
time the trailer bounced, the tires flexed in and out because of the torsion
bar. With springs, I think the tires would maintain their "flat" position on
the road and the springs would absorb the shock. I'm no expert as you can
tell, but I'd advise checking this out before buying a torsion bar-equipped
trailer.
-The alum trailer does not rust when it is
scratched. As far as strength, I dunno. Alum boat trailers are very popular in
Florida.
