New Trailer

[jsonova99]

I am in the process of ordering a new EZloader trailer for my boat. The reason is that my old trailer is in very ratty condition, no lights work, it has a lot of rust especially up in the bunk rails, and the registration is screwed up from when I bought it because the dealer coudn't read the vin number on it. Anyway, I'm wondering if this trailer is worth trying to restore or if I should just let the new trailer people haul it off to the dump. I hate throwing away the original trailer, but I just don't have the room to store it and work on it. Any thoughts? It would need a fair amount of work to be brought back from the dead. I am planning on just salvaging anything good off of it. The boat buddy and the new wheels and tires that I put on it. :confused:

[milkmania]

I know that some of the "Old Timers" around here use old boat trailers to build their lawnmower trailers from....

wehn I say old timers, I mean the old guys that don't care what their stuff looks like, as long as it serves the purpose. myself, I buy a "utility trailer" to do utility things with...............some of these guys are pretty resourceful

also, they claim they're easier to back up due to the extra length between the tongue and axle.

[Ryan]

Getting a sand-blast and new paiont job can cost almost as much as a new trailer. I'd hock it on Ebay or sell it to those "old-timers", take the money buy a new ski!

[milkmania]

heck yeah, I'll second that:headbang:

[jsonova99]

Good, that's exactly what I was thinking, just wanted to make sure I wasn't out in left field deciding to scrap the old trailer.

[milkmania]

one man's junk is another man's treasure

[jsonova99]

By the way, does anybody have any experience with EZ Loader trailers? They seem to very nice with a good quality build. I like the fact that I can get away from the painted steel trailer, too. This is going to be galvanized which combined with the fact that I only use the boat in fresh water and store it inside means that this trailer should last indefinitely.

[Jerseydave]

I'VE HAD SEVERAL LOADRITE TRAILERS IN THE PAST.

They were good, most likely the same quality as EZLoader.
For a prostar like yours, I would lean more towards a MC trailer.
I like the idea of the new oil-lube bearings.
I also like the auto-latch at the bow. Great invention. (had one for my 94 prostar).
Mastercraft makes a galv. trailer too.
How do the prices compare between MC and EZLoader?

Also check out EAGLE TRAILERS AND EXTREME TRAILERS.

[whitedog]

I have had several EZload trailers over the years, all have been mostly trouble free.

The galvinized ones are great if you are around salt water. But do not look as nice as a painted steel trailer.

Also take a look at Trailers by Dorsy, They make great inboard trailers for your hull, meaning they will not need modification when you get it.

Mastercraft also makes a high quality trailer, the oil bath bearings are sweet, no more bearings to pack.

[jimmer2880]

I have had several EZload trailers over the years, all have been mostly trouble free.

The galvinized ones are great if you are around salt water. But do not look as nice as a painted steel trailer.

Also take a look at Trailers by Dorsy, They make great inboard trailers for your hull, meaning they will not need modification when you get it.

Mastercraft also makes a high quality trailer, the oil bath bearings are sweet, no more bearings to pack.

does anyone on this board have the new oil bath bearings?

I'm worried about bearing seals getting old, then all the oil leaks out. Or, am I missing something?

[jsonova99]

I thought about a new MC trailer, briefly. I found a few trailers that were about 3 years old and they were selling for $3500. I can imagine that a new one is going to be atleast $4000. The EZloader is $1800 with a swing tongue (major bonus), and also has the oil bath hubs on it. The painted steel trailers are definitley prettier, well for about a year atleast, but I don't want to deal with the rust factor. I want a trailer that I don't have to muck around with, I have plenty of mucking around to do with the boat. :twocents:

[AR Footer]

There are a few trailers listed on this board under marketplace that might work for you. They would fit your boat without modification and the prices look reasonable. Here is one of them: http://www.tmcowners.com/market/showproduct.php?product=229&sort=1&cat=13&page=1

[jsonova99]

There are a few trailers listed on this board under marketplace that might work for you. They would fit your boat without modification and the prices look reasonable. Here is one of them: http://www.tmcowners.com/market/showproduct.php?product=229&sort=1&cat=13&page=1

I saw that, I just kind of like the idea of a brand new galvanized trailer for almost the same price. Plus, the swing tongue is a big plus for me because I have to put the boat in at a 45 degree angle right now to get the trailer to fit. I've measured it, and it will fit straight with the new trailer. This way I can get my Rover back in the garage, too.

[AR Footer]

I have an 85 that will only fit in my garage at an angle so I know what you mean. I was looking at another trailer last year but a good friend of mine that is also my local dealer convinced me to leave my boat on the original trailer. He said that the value of my boat as a "Classic" package would be hurt by changing trailers unless I could afford to keep the old one in storage so I could put the package back together if I ever decided to sell. I barely have enough room to store my boat, I can't imagine trying to store the extra trailer.

[jsonova99]

I have an 85 that will only fit in my garage at an angle so I know what you mean. I was looking at another trailer last year but a good friend of mine that is also my local dealer convinced me to leave my boat on the original trailer. He said that the value of my boat as a "Classic" package would be hurt by changing trailers unless I could afford to keep the old one in storage so I could put the package back together if I ever decided to sell. I barely have enough room to store my boat, I can't imagine trying to store the extra trailer.

I was thinking the same thing. I also have the same problem. Worse is that even if I coul dkeep the trailer I would have no way of working on it with the boat. I don't have anyplace to leave the boat to isolate the trailer. I figure that I plan on keeping the boat for a long time as a small restoration project. I also think that any reasonable person would rather have a good solid trailer that isn't original than the orginal one that you're afraid to take on the road. Believe me, I hate getting rid of it, but it is just not practical for me to keep it.

[ktn_cmu]

I have an 85 that will only fit in my garage at an angle so I know what you mean. I was looking at another trailer last year but a good friend of mine that is also my local dealer convinced me to leave my boat on the original trailer. He said that the value of my boat as a "Classic" package would be hurt by changing trailers unless I could afford to keep the old one in storage so I could put the package back together if I ever decided to sell. I barely have enough room to store my boat, I can't imagine trying to store the extra trailer.

Could you modify your original to make it have a swing away tongue, just a thought? If anyone has any experience with this, I'd be interested.

[jsonova99]

probably could, but I still have the problem of having to do some restoration work to the trailer. The whole thing would need to be sandblasted and painted. I don't have anywhere to do this myself or anywhere to put the boat while it's being done.

[whitedog]

I will be doing the conversion to a swing away tongue in the next couple of weeks, as well as making and installing a new prop guard. I will post pictures and instructions when we are done. It also helps to know someone who is a certified welder to attempt this conversion.

[ktn_cmu]

I will be doing the conversion to a swing away tongue in the next couple of weeks, as well as making and installing a new prop guard. I will post pictures and instructions when we are done. It also helps to know someone who is a certified welder to attempt this conversion.

Sweet...can't wait to see it!

[sbuell]

Whitedog,

I have been looking at doing the same thing for a while. What year is your trailer? Looking forward to the pics.

[jsonova99]

Do you guys think that a 3100lb capacity trailer is safe for a '91 PS190? I also realized that the trailer that they quoted me is only 22' 4", does that sound long enough? I measured the stock trailer to be about 25'. I don't want the propr hanging oover the protective cage. Any thoughts?

[AR Footer]

I was thinking the same thing. I also have the same problem. Worse is that even if I coul dkeep the trailer I would have no way of working on it with the boat. I don't have anyplace to leave the boat to isolate the trailer. I figure that I plan on keeping the boat for a long time as a small restoration project. I also think that any reasonable person would rather have a good solid trailer that isn't original than the orginal one that you're afraid to take on the road. Believe me, I hate getting rid of it, but it is just not practical for me to keep it.

Fortunately for me my trailer is in good to excellent condition. The previous owners really tooke care of the boat and trailer. In fact, my boat still has the original interior. It is cracked in a few places but not torn. The trailer has very little rust on it. I don't think it has been painted because the original VIN sticker is on it and hasn't been painted over. If the trailer wasn't in good shape I would be looking to get another one so that I could have a good reliable trailer to make the 40 mile trek to the lake. If I get to that point I may buy another trailer and then see what it will cost to restore the old one. If I did that I would make it a long term project so that the cost wouldn't sink in until it was finished.

[jsonova99]

Fortunately for me my trailer is in good to excellent condition. The previous owners really tooke care of the boat and trailer. In fact, my boat still has the original interior. It is cracked in a few places but not torn. The trailer has very little rust on it. I don't think it has been painted because the original VIN sticker is on it and hasn't been painted over. If the trailer wasn't in good shape I would be looking to get another one so that I could have a good reliable trailer to make the 40 mile trek to the lake. If I get to that point I may buy another trailer and then see what it will cost to restore the old one. If I did that I would make it a long term project so that the cost wouldn't sink in until it was finished.

That's a good idea, I just don't know what to do with the old trailer. I know of one place to put it, but I would be storing it outside which would not help slow the corrosion on it. :confused:

[MasterMason]

That's a good idea, I just don't know what to do with the old trailer. I know of one place to put it, but I would be storing it outside which would not help slow the corrosion on it. :confused:


Did you find out how much it would cost just to have a shop sand blast it? One day and it would be ready for paint. Might save you a bunch of money. My little bro just did his with a grinding wheel but it took a few weeks.

[jsonova99]

It's going to need some metal supports welded into it as well in some of the high stress areas. There's enough metal rusted away to worry me a bit. The problem is that I have no where to put the boat while it was worked on. I may try squeezing both into the garage and doing my own restoration to it, atleast to the point of grinding it down and painting it. I really just don't want to put any money into it. If I could do all of the work myself, then it's a different story. If I can squeeze both in the garage I'll keep it. I would still like the new one though for any long trips. We have a place in Maine, and I definitely would feel more comfortable with the new one for that road trip.

[kavants]

Guys I have been looking into a folding tongue also and found this:
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&productId=200312036&R=200312036

This is for a 3 inch tongue, thet also have a 4 inch version.

[whitedog]

I looked at those, not rated for trailer brake applications. The 3" is only rated class 2 3500# and the 4" is rated 5000#. IMO Both a little lite for pulling our boats.

[whitedog]

Whitedog,

I have been looking at doing the same thing for a while. What year is your trailer? Looking forward to the pics.

Trailer is an 88 tandom axel under a Tristar 190 with surge brakes. I am going to use the same general idea that Dorsy does. Plates and pins.

Will keep all posted. I am hoping to do it on Saturday if the shop at work is empty. I will post picts, procedures and materials list when we get done.

I am also installing a bow stop to get rid of that annoying hold down bar on the front of the trailer and a new prop guard to replace the missing one.

If anybody has a trailer of this vintage I could use some help with the dimensions of the prop guard!!!

Will be more than a two beer job i suspect.:toast:

[east tx skier]

I know somebody has posted those dimensions for the prop guard before, although it may have been on the old board.

[MarkP]

Boy, I want a folding tongue so bad I can taste it

[east tx skier]

What happened to "pivot hitch"? Didn't someone take over that company or something? I measured, I don't think it would improve my situation. So I remain a diagonal parker.

[whitedog]

"Pivot Hitch" is now part of Extreme Custom Trailers see http://www.extremetrailers.com (http://www.extremetrailers.com/). Got to home page link is at bottom center. Looked into that option but was way to pricy for what you get.

[Kell]

Here is another web link for a pivit hitch option you might want to consider.

http://pivithitch.com/

Guess I should read the entire thread , as you already posted the link.:o

[Jim]

does anyone on this board have the new oil bath bearings?

I'm worried about bearing seals getting old, then all the oil leaks out. Or, am I missing something?


I've got an 04 trailer with the oil bath bearings and they are God's gift. No problems so far. Less heat and the best part, no grease.

[H20skeefreek]

I've got an 04 trailer with the oil bath bearings and they are God's gift. No problems so far. Less heat and the best part, no grease.

I also have oil bath bearings.....not the best thing for an old trailer with some slightly damaged spindles. can't get it to stop leaking.

[jimmer2880]

I also have oil bath bearings.....not the best thing for an old trailer with some slightly damaged spindles. can't get it to stop leaking.

Thx for the replies - Guess my '95 trailer now falls into that category. I'll just pick up some bras for my bearing buddies to keep the grease in.

[east tx skier]

I guess it would've helped if I'd misspelled pivot in my search. ;)