Thinking of getting a new tandem trailer, suggestions?

[TRDon]

I saw a nice trailer that my local dealer carried called a phoenix. It was well built, color matched, same font lettering, led lighting, mag wheels, prop protector wheels, back up lights and brake lockout and a swing tonge. Problem was that it was anbout 5k before taxes and fees.

What other options does a guy like me have other than spending 5K on that trailer but still get a tandem trailer new? I dont want to get my trailer converted or hassle with that stuff, I just want a new trailer with warranty. What is a quality trailer for cheaper?

[AirTool]

RE: Thinking of getting a new tandem trailer, suggestions?

My single axle drum brake wishbone ramlin for a smaller boat was 3999. option for tandem was 800. Disk brakes probably more....dealer said "no can do" on disc....he was probably WRONG.

Try Boatmate and used.

Why do you need a new trailer?

[bchesley]

RE: Thinking of getting a new tandem trailer, suggestions?

TRDon,

Unfortunately that is the going price for a quality tandem. I did my research for several months before I decided to have mine converted. EZ loader and Trailersbydorsey where 5k+ before tax and license. Both of those manufacturers have good quality and use good materials. My trailer is built out of 5 inch square tube and is super stout. I have seen 4 inch used but it flexes really bad going down the highway. Just be careful to be sure you compare apples to apples. Its a nautique so dont put a moomba trailer under it.

[TRDon]

RE: Thinking of getting a new tandem trailer, suggestions?

My trailer is a single axle, needs brakes, master cylander, e-brake cable. All I do is trailer everywhere so I want something reliable and 4 tires will be nice for safety. My driving is all hiway, so if I had a blowout going 75, I cant imagine what might happen to the boat, me or anyone around me if it happened.

Brad, the way I figured, I need about 1500 in work for my trailer to be showroom functional again. Add that to the price of a conversion and I figured I would be so close to that 5k range. At that point, I would be happier going full on tandem with full warranty. My trailer works, but is a little on the small side. It is 1100lbs by itself and rated for 4400lbs. That makes for a 3300lb boat on there, with a san being 3190 minus gear, minus cooler, minus stereo and so on, that is too close to my comfort zone. I know the axle would add capacity, but I dont have the massive tubing your trailer does. Dang, just typing this out makes me think the new one is the way to go.

BTW, the dealer told me he would give me 700 to trade mine in making the total out the door price just over 4700. It isnt much for mine, but good luck me trying to sell it somewhere else.

[AirTool]

RE: Thinking of getting a new tandem trailer, suggestions?

1. SAN's should get tandem by default but your load and tire situation might not be as bad as you think. Are you sure you're doing the math right on the rating? Some of the weight goes on the tongue and I don't think the axle weight needs to be subtracted from the axle capacity. The obvious limit is probably the two tires.

2. I wouldn't pull a SAN at 75 mph. I'm not sure four tires helps your problem any. Tandem owners can comment on flats and blowouts. I've heard when one blows, the other tire immediatly becomes overloaded and also blows. I've had a flat on a single axle and its not so bad. Also was in a vehicle towing a single axle and one wheel came off. Also not that bad. Heavy car and light boat. Driver went for a few miles before he figured it out.

3. You can sell your trailer for more than 700. There are usually folks out there looking for a beater trailer.

[TRDon]

RE: Thinking of getting a new tandem trailer, suggestions?

I would take 1400 for mine right now. I guess my issue is that when it goes over bumps at freeway speeds, I wince immidiately. The tires mushroom out bad and they are at 50 lbs. I know the math is a little off not subtracting for the tounge weight, but I think the rest is correct. I cant imagine my toung weight is much more than 200lbs. I am not overly strong and it isnt bad for me to lift myself. Beyond the weight thing and the tire thing, there is the brake thing. I would be fine with keeping this trailer if I felt comfortable with doing so but every bump I hit, every stop I make, relying on my truck to stop me in an emergency with all 10000 lbs of truck trailer and boat is a little nerve racking.

I am all for options, by all means let me have them. I really dont know what to do. I bet I put nearly 2000 miles a year on my boat trailer almost all at freeway speeds. I want something I will be comfortable with in the end.

[AirTool]

RE: Thinking of getting a new tandem trailer, suggestions?

Throw some pics of it and put a price on it (new thread). Someone might be interested.

Those tires probably need more air - double check the sidewall text. What size/rating are they?

Your're tongue weight is too low. Take it all to a truck stop during off hours and weigh it all with and without the truck. That will tell you axle and tongue weight. Then you will know what is on your tires/axle. Cost is about 20 bucks.

What type of springs do you have? Torsion or leaf?

Your brakes can likely be easily fixed.

[TRDon]

RE: Thinking of getting a new tandem trailer, suggestions?

Sidewall says 50lbs. The way they flex, I keep them at 50lbs, and I check them often. They are goodyear marathon tires, same as almost every other trailer tire.

I can find out the weight of everything, but it doesnt sway, so I am not to worried about tongue weight. Other than that I dont really know what I would be looking for when it comes to weight.

I have leaf springs.

I can fix the brakes, but I will need a new shoe kit, hardware, master cylinder, maybe wheel cylinders, possibly e-brake setup and actuator since my cable is gone, brake lines to possibly be bled because of possible rust contamination. It is a lot of work and a lot of money. Even if I fix the brakes, I still have the flexy tires over bumps, a limited rating ect. I have had 3 boats, none of them have had the trailers taken care of and none have ever had functioning brakes. I just kinda wish I had something that worked 100% without dumping a bunch of money into it and feeling like I still am needing something else.

[Chattwake]

Call owen at www.boatmatetrailers.com

Tell him Tom from Chattwake recommended you. He'll take care of you and give you a great deal. They ship everywhere. Here are the trailers that they've done for me:

[Rick]

My Trailer was made by DHM in Sacramento, Ca I think alot of boats from WCCC came with DHM trailers. You might try some of the Cal or Arizona dealers. They may have some used tandems hanging around

[Hollywood]

+ Boatmate, and also Trailmaster

[WakeSlayer]

I have a Zieman, also made in NorCal. I had a blow out a couple years ago and did not blow the second tire on that side. I did not know it happened for about a mile. I like having a tandem, but they are a pain to move around the garage or driveway. You definitely want 10% tongue weight for towing as much as you do.

[AirTool]

TRDon,

I'm hearing everything you say and agree. I see the struggle.

I think you have the wrong tires. What are the size and rating?

Those leaf springs bother me. I've seen more leaf spring disasters than tire disasters. My heritage is saltwater though.

[TRDon]

They are a goodyear marathon trailer tire with a size of 225-75-15 and a max load rating of 2150lbs.

I do have a call in to boat mate trailers and have yet to get a call back. I will let you know.

My dealer seemed to think the difference in price is just a few hundred between the Phoenix I am looking at and most other trailers he could order. Not sure if that is the case, I will be asking the owner when he gets back in the store.

[skiinxs]

Heritage bought out Prestige last summer and has made new patterns for most Nautiques. They are built in Southern Illinois, not too terribly far from you. They just finished a redesign on the 200 trailer for me and it is pretty good. I will have pictures this coming Saturday.
Dave