Lifespan of a "M" Trailer

[Matt19020]

I Have the steel 2008 Mac trailer built at the end of 2007. I know everyone comments on how poor they are. I would like to try and budget for a new trailer (non Macgregor).
I am in fresh water... I use it to store boat on for 6 months (Oct. to April)
I Put boat in at ramp 3 miles from home and pull boat out at end of season (same 3 miles)
and maybe a service call mid season at 45 miles
The stock Macgregor trailer looks in good shape other then faulty lights but I know they are built relativly cheap

So how soon until I am looking for a new dual axle and what should I expect to pay?
$2000-$2500 or more? Should I go with bunks or rollers?

[Catigale]

Matt

My 2002 steel trailer has been used mostly fresh and always rinsed after salt

Still going strong. You can assess rust visually...the trailer tongue area is a weak spot an d one you should watch

[davidbagnall]

I have a 97 Mac on its original trailer and I have to say if it is looked after it will last just as long as any other trailer. I must admit I have replaced the brakes so something more suitable for immersion in a marine environment. I have my boat in the water almost every other week and always in salt water and only have some very minor rust.
In my opinion it all comes down to regular maintenance (something I would also do for any trailer). In my case as well as the regular washing every time I launch I also spray the trailer with fish oil every 3rd launch. Having a nice C section beams mean you can protect and inspect all sides of the beam (something you can't do with regular box section beams).
One observation on the new Mac aluminum trailer I have noticed. Yes the beams are alloy but the bunk brackets are not. I have been watching 2 x 2009 trailers I see down at the marina and one of them is already showing significant rust blistering so this comes back to the regular maintenance thing....
That is my 2 cents worth (now that the aussie dollar is around parity with the US dollar I think it might be worth something now )

[Macless Pete]

I called a venture dealer in Maryland and it came at $3100 for a VATB-5925 with bunkers, they said that if the boat is going to live on the trailer bunks are better.
http://www.venturetrailers.com/aluminum.html

[Rick Westlake]

Last year I bought a Sea Lion trailer - a dual-axle rig with disc brakes, torsion-bar suspension, LED lights, bunks with slicks - from Dave's Boat Trailers in Glen Burnie, MD. About $3600, if I recall correctly. But it's very solid and it took my Florida trip (last week) in stride.

I don't doubt that a MacGregor-built trailer, if it's well cared for, will hold up quite well. Bossa Nova's original trailer, though, had been neglected; I did what I could for it, but when it started having its major brake problems I decided that I would be better off with an all-new trailer.

[Divecoz]

Matt : It ALL...... comes down to Maintenance and Abuse ...
Numerous fellows here , have had issues with the Mac Trailer after just a couple years and .....Numerous fellows after 2 to 4 times as many years ..
have NO Issues..
What Kind of guy are you? Its easy to tell. Look at your toys.. I live in Northern Ill. Lots of Cold and Snow and SALT.. My truck ( 2005) sits right now Spotless.. In my driveway .. she just had a Bath and a Blow Dry... ..My Road bike ( 2003 ) is pristine as well.. You would probably guess her to be two to three years old at the oldest.. Same goes for the boat.. I have two Guitars ... 1 is a Hofner, Limited Edition, Very Thin, and the other is a Washburn Delta King.. I have two grandsons who play guitar.... Neither would ever even ask.......to play the Hofner.. They know the Delta King will become Off Limits Too, if they ever so much as forget to wipe it down after playing..If you ask to borrow any of my tools Carpentry or Mechanics.. I expect you to return them "clean!" and not broken or abused..You Break it? You Just Bought it ..My Trailer is an 05, it looks better than new.... with the addition of 2 custom made by me Aluminum Diamond Plate...... Lights and Licence Plate Brackets..

[Matt19020]

Well after reading these post it seems more like I just need to watch the condition more then anything..I have replaced the trailer bunks already and valve stems replaced on all tires after some dry rot was discovered. Trailer LED lights are going to be done in the spring. Over all there is little to no rust visable and wheels spin freely and brakes were tested over the summer and appear to be working properly.

Catigale- I have modified profile...thanks

Divecoz- I do not think I am as meticulous as you but I do not think I neglect it .... there is no doubt I can try to spend a day pulling the wheels and giving it a once over each season.

Thanks Guys

[dennisneal]

I have a 2007 MacGregor aluminum trailer. I think its a great improvement over the steel trailer, since its less susceptible to rust. It also weighs less than the steel trailer. However, the tongue is still made from steel. I understand there is a US Federal law that mandates a steel tongue. I can't guess why.

[Phillip]

Maintenance is the secret, and if you do maintain it correctly, you won't need to worry about a replacement.

David B, I have a question, but don't want to high-jack this thread, so I will start a new one on 'replacing brakes'.
Cheers
Phillip

[Québec 1]

This is my 2003 trailer and boat. I check, sand and spot paint the trailer on a regular basis. This year I replaced some of the bunks with treated wood and re carpeted them. I took out the grinder to check the rust under the bunks, sanded , and rust painted the whole trailer. Everything thing seemed okay visually although I found a weakness in the brake fluid line, so I replaced it and rechecked and bled the brakes. I also replaced the lights and the wiring on the trailer. My trailer pretty much looks like new.




Q1