Trailers......?

[Cloud 9]

I need to buy a 2 place PWC trailer.........I don't plan on using it very often(these mchines will mostly be at the cabin for the summer).....but I will have them on the trailer in the garage for 6 months over the winter.

Any thoughts.....aluminum? steel? poundage?


Thanks,

Cloud 9

 

[kustomkarl]

If your in salt water Never buy a steel trailer ... It will rust big time. Aluminum is a great way to go but a little pricey. Galvanized is a real good solution, and it's easy to maintain with a rinse from fresh water or salt. I have owned 3 New steel trailers and they never lasted more than 4- 5 years and I'm a maintenance bug on keeping them clean. Be sure to keep the bearings greased and re-pack them at least once a year from being submerged under the water. I let my trailer cool down before I drop my watercraft or boats in the water, that way it has less chance of the seals allowing water in from a warm soft wheel bearing seal. Always unplug the lights before the plunge too, to keep the bulbs from blowing.

Karl

 

[lrc]

Trailers

With trailers, you get what you pay for.

I just changed to an all aluminum trailer with spindle axles. After years of dealing with galvanized trailers, rusted springs, rusted axles even rusted galvanized wheels on my boat trailers I wanted something with less maintenance. Also, I plan on a 2400 mile round trip to the keys with this trailer.

The galvanized trailer I traded after only one year (single to double) had only been in the water 4 times last summer. The springs were already rusting. Of course if you're handy, you won't mind using a torch to bust the springs hardware rust and changing them out when due. With minimum use, the springs and axle could last for years. Just depends on how much time you want to spend on maintenance and how many dollars you want to invest.

I saw about a $600 difference in price between galvanized and aluminum and that included the aluminum wheels + spare (double trailer). Worth it too me. You be the judge for your own criteria.

This trailer only gets dipped twice a year and is stored in the garage for winter.

Cost a little more but if you plan on having the trailer for long term, might be worthwhile.

By the way, a wash down with salt away (4oz) goes a long ways toward keeping the trailer in good condition.

LRC

 

[kustomkarl]

:agree: That's great advice LRC.