Would this trailer suffice for a fully loaded 26X?

[vitger]

Dear forumdwellers,
I have been in the market to upgrade my 1999 OEM trailer for a double axle trailer to allow safer long distance trailering my 2000 26X. I have read many discussions about cross running bunks versus longitudinal ones and would probably consider adding some cross running bunks, if not too hard (challenged handyman here). I haven't seen the below trailer yet, but was wondering if anyone sees something that cries out against making a couple hours drive to view this self-made trailer. The owner claims he remembers a 4000-5000 lbs capacity. All comments would be greatly appreciated.

http://classifieds.castanet.net/showpro ... 75/cat/313

Thanks in advance,
Balazs in sunny Okanagan

[captronr]

Offhand, I don't think an X would fit on that trailer without a lot of modification. The X has a flatter bottom, where this trailer looks like it fits more a "V" shaped boat. There are several places you can see aftermarket X or M trailer pics.

The frame of this trailer looks as heavy as the OEM trailer. I doubt that each axle is rated at less than 3,000 lbs, so assuming the running gear is solid, the trailer should handle the weight.

Would it work, probably. Would it take a lot of bunk mods, probably.

Hope this helps.
Ron

[DaveB]

Update your profile. Location, type of boat etc.
We can offer opions if we know this and the cruiseing grounds you go to.
For one, steel trailers don't hold up in salt water,that includes original Mac.X and early M trailers.
Dave

Dear forumdwellers,
I have been in the market to upgrade my 1999 OEM trailer for a double axle trailer to allow safer long distance trailering my 2000 26X. I have read many discussions about cross running bunks versus longitudinal ones and would probably consider adding some cross running bunks, if not too hard (challenged handyman here). I haven't seen the below trailer yet, but was wondering if anyone sees something that cries out against making a couple hours drive to view this self-made trailer. The owner claims he remembers a 4000-5000 lbs capacity. All comments would be greatly appreciated.

http://classifieds.castanet.net/showpro ... 75/cat/313

Thanks in advance,
Balazs in sunny Okanagan

[vitger]

Done, thanks!

[Divecoz]

You Have I assume the old trailer at hand.. Make a Bazillion measurements for The Bunks.. See if it looks like you or someone can add weld or bolt.. what you need to the trailer.. Yep steel trailers in salt water require more care..Not a Big Issue BUT .. would you do it and do it properly? If not they can rust quickly and badly.. Are you willing to Take The Time to Properly Prep that trailer and " Paint it " with a brush and roller and Truck bed liner material? Would you be willing to pay and have it Rhino Sprayed?

[Highlander]

That trl looks like it just had a fresh coat of paint to cover up alot of defects & rust if ur goinf to be spending that kinda money , then theirs bearings & seals tires look old rims rusted cost of modifing ud be cheaper buying new as some guy's have reasently done here & the brake back plates are all rusted too so u could be into a lot of brake work on what looks like old drum brakes

J

[Terry]

more years out of

You Have I assume the old trailer at hand.. Make a Bazillion measurements for The Bunks.. See if it looks like you or someone can add weld or bolt.. what you need to the trailer.. Yep steel trailers in salt water require more care..Not a Big Issue BUT .. would you do it and do it properly? If not they can rust quickly and badly.. Are you willing to Take The Time to Properly Prep that trailer and " Paint it " with a brush and roller and Truck bed liner material? Would you be willing to pay and have it Rhino Sprayed?

Balazs,The price looks good but you will need to be able to make the neccessary modifications to make it fit your X. You might try doing what I am doing below. By the way we met at Sucia, I was the boat beside you with my 10 yr old niece and boat named "Kermie" Hope to see you again this season.

Divecoz, you sound like you know what you are talking about. I am currently in the process of re-conditioning my early 2003 26M steel trailer (5000# rating, 6 bolt/stud wheel pattern) to squeeze a few more years out of. I am doing it by guess and by golly. Can you provide some of your wisdom for guidance. I have the bunks off, wheels off rotars and hub off and am using naval gell on the rusted spots. I have some other corroseal rust converter & copolymer solution to use as a primer, hope I have enough. It is a DIY project that I have never done before but am giving it a try. It seems like the only option for now. I was thinking of using Rustoleum paint. You mention truck bed liner and Rhino spray, what are they and how should they be used. You can pm if you like and I can send you my e-mail adress if you can spare the time and wisdom for direction. I would love to get this right the first time out but I really don't know what I am doing, just doing it anyway. Thanks in advance

[vitger]

Hi Terry,

Of course I remember you. The only reason I am looking for a newer double axle trailer is driving comfort/safety plus trying to be under the the weight limit with my fully loaded Currently I measured myself at 1920 kgs/4230 lbs on a highway scale and that puts me above the Macgregor trailers specs (I think the trailer weighs around 500 lbs). I have a short axle distance GMC Safari van for towing and it has a tendecny to start swinging, fishtailing. Interestingly it is not the trailer that does it, rather the vehicle. I am assuming that by adding a heavier, double axle trailer, the fishtailing would ease.
Cheers!

P.S. I already made reservations for the Gibsons outing and probably will join some more.

[Divecoz]

Hi Terry: Rhino Skin was maybe the first Popular Sprayed On Truck Bed Liner.. ( Pick Up Trucks) Lots of copy cats out there now..
I have done this myself a couple times.. Once sprayed.. NEVER Again ! The Clean up of my HVLP gun was very time consuming..
I have since rollered it on twice.. It takes several ( 2 or 3) coats to get a good job.. Roller comes with the kit from any auto parts and most big box stores .. ? Duraliner??? I used it for sound deaden on the wife MGB Uni-body.. Under / the Pan and inside on the floor and inside the doors and fenders ..
( Wings.. Kevin will kill me for calling them fenders hahaha) Prep is IMPORTANT.. Clean Rust Free Primed NO LOOSE Paint! CLEAN!!
But even roller-ed on That stuff is NOT coming off... Body Shops hate to see it when their doing repairs .. Put on thick enough about 3/16ths you cannot nick it scratch it wire brush it off.. We had a brief discussion about this in the Repair section of this board..

more years out of

You Have I assume the old trailer at hand.. Make a Bazillion measurements for The Bunks.. See if it looks like you or someone can add weld or bolt.. what you need to the trailer.. Yep steel trailers in salt water require more care..Not a Big Issue BUT .. would you do it and do it properly? If not they can rust quickly and badly.. Are you willing to Take The Time to Properly Prep that trailer and " Paint it " with a brush and roller and Truck bed liner material? Would you be willing to pay and have it Rhino Sprayed?

Balazs,The price looks good but you will need to be able to make the neccessary modifications to make it fit your X. You might try doing what I am doing below. By the way we met at Sucia, I was the boat beside you with my 10 yr old niece and boat named "Kermie" Hope to see you again this season.

Divecoz, you sound like you know what you are talking about. I am currently in the process of re-conditioning my early 2003 26M steel trailer (5000# rating, 6 bolt/stud wheel pattern) to squeeze a few more years out of. I am doing it by guess and by golly. Can you provide some of your wisdom for guidance. I have the bunks off, wheels off rotars and hub off and am using naval gell on the rusted spots. I have some other corroseal rust converter & copolymer solution to use as a primer, hope I have enough. It is a DIY project that I have never done before but am giving it a try. It seems like the only option for now. I was thinking of using Rustoleum paint. You mention truck bed liner and Rhino spray, what are they and how should they be used. You can pm if you like and I can send you my e-mail adress if you can spare the time and wisdom for direction. I would love to get this right the first time out but I really don't know what I am doing, just doing it anyway. Thanks in advance

[DaveB]

So you sail in Salt water? If so Galvinized or Aluminum Trailer will do, Stainless Steel attachments for bunk boards and areas thats may rust even tho they may be galvinized will cause Rust in under 2 years, complete wash down with fresh water is required after any launch.
Dave

Done, thanks!

[vitger]

Well I made the trip and it is not worth it form the looks of it. It is too short and the aft overhang would be too much, not to mention the amount of work needed to adjust the bunks, brakes, bearing etc.
The fenders would need to be lowered/extended sideways to allow for the bilge/bottom of the boat, as it is currently too narrow. I guess I will have to fork out $4500 for a new Roadrunner trailer. Thanks for everyone's input.