Replacement for Mac Trailer

[Semper Fi]

These are my experiences with the Mac built trailer (2006 aluminum version). I realize that others who use their boat only in fresh water and do little trailering may have not had these troubles. I share them only to show my rational for replacing the trailer rather than trying to modify/update or fix the Mac design. We use our 26M in fresh and salt water and trailer many miles every year. We have come to love our 26M and its versatility and to loath the OEM Mac built trailer it was delivered on. After extensive reading on this forum I see that many others have had similar troubles. I have reached the conclusion that the Mac trailer is really a delivery dolly sized to fit the boat into delivery vans for overseas delivery and railcars/trucks for domestic delivery. This is the only reasonable explanation for its design. Living in bayou country and being around boats all of my life the first impression was that this was too much boat for this trailer. I was not alone in this opinion. The Mac dolly also uses painted steel components. This alone is bound to cause trouble. The Mac dolly has been a constant source of maintenance, hull/boat damage and irritation. Since 2006 the Mac dolly has failed winches (2), jack stands (2), multiple bunk boards (and the bunk carpet several times), brake lines (broken in fittings) tires (5) rims (2) and an axle. With the exception of the brake lines and rusted out rims this is all due to an overloaded design. Our Mac was delivered in overloaded condition and with bowed (off camber) wheels and damaged gel coat. The gel coat was damaged by the wheel fenders rubbing on the hull. The wheels are off camber because the boat rests upon the axle bunk causing it to bow the axle downward and change the wheel camber. Aside from axle overloading other major design troubles exist that make trailer replacement a good idea over trying to “fix” the Mac design. One is the amount of unsupported hull extending past the rear bunk. This is known to cause the bottom of the boat to permanently hook. Another is that the existing bunks support the hull poorly with all of the boats weight resting on mere square inches of bunk. You can tell where the weight rests because of the constant wear of the bunk carpet (and corresponding wear on the hull) in the same places. Yet another design issue: When recovering the boat with the Mac dolly the front of the boat must be lifted clear of the trailer frames by the winch onto the front v-bunk. Since the bow eye ends up higher than the winch in this position it cannot be “lifted” into place and you must exercise the famed “Mac Bump”. When launching the reverse occurs when the boat literally falls out of the front V-bunk and drags on the trailer frame and overloads the winch. The last straw for us was the failure of the painted steel light duty RV axle (broke in half and left us on the highway). The search for a replacement trailer began.

One thing for certain is that this boat belongs on a dual axle trailer. My second and equally important consideration was hull support. There are many excellent trailer manufactures out there. I looked at ten or more universal units and two custom built units. There is another post on this forum where the owner decided on the Loadrite after looking at how other universal trailer bunks did not fit the bottom of the Mac well. He has good pictures of the Mac 26M and Loadrite and his input influenced our decision. We purchased the LoadRite “Elite” model LR-AB27T6000102LTB2 aluminum frame tandem axle trailer. It fits the 26M well. Trailer GVW is 7200 pounds. The carrying capacity 6000 pounds so you can leave extra gear on the boat instead of unloading it every time (you can even recover the boat with full ballast tanks). It is perhaps the most adjustable trailer I have seen due to the articulating bunk design. The articulating bunks conform perfectly the contour of the 26M bottom. The main bunks extend all the way from the transom almost to the dagger board trunk. The target bunks start where the main bunks stop and extend approximately to the V-berth. Rough square footage of bunk supporting boat is nearly four times that of the OEM Mac trailer/dolly. The target bunks make launch and recovery much easier in current and windy conditions. The boat sits about one foot higher than with Mac unit however I do not have to back further into the water to launch/recover. A nice side effect of the higher boat is you won’t drag your motor should you forget to raise it. Loadrite’s extensive bunking and nice dual speed winch on an adjustable winch stand make launch and recovery much easier. Once you set the tongue weight correctly the boat tows well at all speeds. If you have been considering a replacement trailer I highly recommend looking at this unit. The base trailer is reasonably priced and upgrades and options are available. We purchased our Loadrite from Pirate Marine (330) 547-0005. A comparison picture is posted in the "mods" section under "trailer"

[Fxwg80hd]

Semper Fi:

Great trailer. I just sent you a PM. I have the same trailer and I'm getting ready for a 350 mile oneway tow. Wanted to compare how you have yours setup and how it is handling for you. I have not towed mine far yet, longest distance so far has been 30 miles.

[c130king]

I got my LoadRite about 3 weeks ago based on a recommendation by Chris (aka fxwg80hd). But I got the 25' trailer instead of the 27' trailer.

Amazing how much "beefier" the new trailer is. Nice LED lights. Definite upgrade in bunks and their adjustability. Nice big winch...and it along with the entire front post is very adjustable.

Very happy with the new trailer. I haven't taken my boat further than about 100 yards yet so still haven't given it a loaded road test. Just the empty drive of about 25 miles from dealer to marina.

Concerned about tongue weight...I think I may be slightly light.

Cheers,
Jim

[Semper Fi]

Fxwg80hd
The difference in model number denotes two axle brakes otherwise it is the identical trailer you have. Regarding tongue weight I think we are "heavy" also. I repositioned the bunks to the lowest and most rearward position. I also moved the winch stand as far as it will go rearward while still stradling the "Y" frame. It will go all the way back to the cross member. This will leave some boat hanging off the end of the bunks. If you have moved your axles up to the cross member you can move the boat back to lighten tongue weight. Be careful though. A little to much may be better than not enough tongue weight. Too light on the tongue is undrivable and dangerous. I tow with a Ford F150. I installed the proper hitch to maintain a level trailer.I have towed the boat at 70 mph for about 250 miles and it behaves well. It feels "stiffer" than the flimsy Mac trailer. I am satisfied with the current adjustments. The trailer is so easy to adjust though I will likely continue to monkey with it seeking perfection. I have never put our setup on scales to determine true weight. It seems that is the most accurate way instead of estimating. I plan to leave it a little heavy on the tongue to offset 24 gallens of fuel and 30 gallons of potable water (bladder under the rear berths) that we are now capable of carrying.

[Fxwg80hd]

Fxwg80hd
The difference in model number denotes two axle brakes otherwise it is the identical trailer you have. Regarding tongue weight I think we are "heavy" also. I repositioned the bunks to the lowest and most rearward position. I also moved the winch stand as far as it will go rearward while still stradling the "Y" frame. It will go all the way back to the cross member. This will leave some boat hanging off the end of the bunks. If you have moved your axles up to the cross member you can move the boat back to lighten tongue weight.

Semper Fi:

Sounds like you have your trailer setup the same as mine and I do have my axle moved up to the cross member. I will be towing with a Ram 1500, so basically the same tow vehicle. I'm happy to hear that you have towed 250 miles at speeds up to 70. This information will help me relax during my trip this weekend. Knowing that I can pack the back of the boat with extra weight and not be concerned with taking to much weight off the tongue is a bonus as well.

Think I might need to install a 120hp motor to even out the weight.

Thanks; Chris

[c130king]

Think I might need to install a 120hp motor to even out the weight.

Now that's thinking like a true Power-Sailor...

[Phil M]

Is the purchase price of a Loadrite trailer in the range of $3100 or so?

Phil M

[K9Kampers]

Phil-

I've got on order a Sea Lion trailer, galv. dual axle for $3100.

[Fxwg80hd]

Is the purchase price of a Loadrite trailer in the range of $3100 or so?

Phil M

Depends on which size trailer you get. I paid just under $3,400 for the AB27T6000102LTB1. I believe the AB25T6000102LTB1 is at least $200 less and will work just fine. If comparing the Loadrite Elite trailers to other trailers, make sure you look at all that comes standard on the Loadrite but are options on other MFG trailers. Loadrite website is http://www.loadrite.com/. Loadrite also makes a 5Starr trailer that has all the options stripped off. It runs about $400 or $500 less than the Loadrite Elite series. Biggest loss on the 5Starr and other trailers are the bunks that will conform to the hull.

[c130king]

The LoadRite 25' Aluminum dual-axle with bunks (AB25T6000102LTB1) was $3109.

Much bigger/stronger than the stock Mac steel trailer. Big/strong winch (much bigger than stock mac trailer) and has 2 speeds and is reversible. LED lights. Brakes on front axle. 14" wheels. Very nice and easily adjustable bunks and front post/winch. 2 5/16" hitch. Swing-up jack wheel. Bow-eye safety chain. Has plastic coated safety/breakaway cables instead of raw steel chains. PVC guide posts.

I was able to take my spare tire carrier off my old trailer but I had to buy a new spare as my old one was 15". And since these pics were taken I have raised the winch and put the spare below it instead of above it. Now I can step from the tongue to the spare to the top of the winch post to the boat.







Cheers,
Jim

[Semper Fi]

The 27' model LR-AB27T6000102LTB2 Loadrite Elite with options
Dual Axle brakes
Stainless hardware
Stainless Brakes
Spare Radial Tire
Spare Tire mount

$4,350.00

Semper Fi

[Phil M]

The LoadRite 25' Aluminum dual-axle with bunks (AB25T6000102LTB1) was $3109.



Jim

That's a great looking, dual axle, sturdy, rustproof, aluminum trailer. Those bunks do look more supportive than the Mac trailer.

Are the brakes similar to the Mac trailer? (actuator, discs and not shoes)

Phil M

[Fxwg80hd]

Phil - The Loadrite Elite has a really nice Marine grade disc brake setup. I think Jim and I both got trailers with disc brakes on the front axles. Semper fi has disc brakes on both axles.

[Fxwg80hd]

Went out today and got lucky, a parade blocked access to the boat ramp so I had it pretty much to myself. Had a scale with me and just kept backing the trailer into the river and moving the boat back on the bunks till I had the ideal tongue weight. Final is now 365 pounds on the tongue. I think that is the ideal weight for my setup. The long tongue on the LoadRite trailer worked out great as well. I was at a shallow ramp, but did not have to back the truck anywhere near as far as I would have with the old Mac Trailer.

[c130king]

Chris,

How did the trailer work out on your trip to Smith Mountain Lake?

What kind of scale do you have?

Cheers,
Jim