Buying a new Trailer

[Mac26Mpaul]

Those that have had a new trailer made for their boats, PLEASE help the rest of us, by using this thread to give us the details.
As in:
Where did you have it made?
When did you have it made?
How much did it cost?
What is it rated to?
and any other relevant info, photos would be nice too

Or if you have "successfully" upgraded the factory trailer to have it certified for at least 2.5ton, please give us the details of that.

[Oskar 26M]

Mac26Mpaul:
Being a glutton for punishment, I've done both.

In 2008, I got a local trailer manufacturer to upgrade the capacity of the original Mac (steel) trailer to 2.8 tonne (see my optimistic report here).. At the time a new trailer matching the load capacity specifications was likely to cost around $15k so the original quote of $6k seemed like a good way to go. However, it ended up costing around $9k by the time it crossed the compliance-plate finishing line.

The upgrade turned out to be an expensive disaster. Although the trailer towed okay and survived a couple of long distance trips (including Perth-Shark Bay), launching and retrieval was horrible, it gave the boat a very hard and bouncy ride and I had ongoing problems with the winch, mudguards, lights, and finally failure of the beefed up suspension.

In 2010 I gave up on the upgraded steel trailer and bought a new aluminium tandem axle trailer with an Aussie compliance plate rating of 3.2 tonnes. It has alloy rims, 4 wheel disk brakes, electric over hydraulic actuator, spare wheel, longitudinal bunks, and an excellent winch. The trailer was designed and manufactured in the US by Venture Trailers, but assembled by their local WA agent. Thanks to the strong AU$ it cost a little less than $9k.

It tows very well, giving the boat a much softer, smoother ride and launching and retrieval is easy. I used this trailer for my recent 8,000 km Perth Lake Argyle trip and was happy with its performance overall. However, it has not been without problems: lot-lock, excessive tyre wear and light brackets sheared off.

Hope this helps. PM me if you want to know more.

[denisesjoy]

I have just replaced my trailer.
I bought one from Felk Trailers at Warners Bay NSW (Lake Macquarie)
When I say bought one it was made for the boat at their premises.
The trailer is a dual axle and I specified 13" wheels. It is multi roller type (40 plus rollers). To this point I have not required the fitment of side guides as she comes on nice and square.
The trailer is rated to 2600KG
Cost......$7300 registered

[Oskar 26M]

denisesjoy:
It's amazing what a bit of pressure from low-cost imports can do to Aussie prices.
Sounds like you did very well. Congratulations!

[bartmac]

Certainly a better price than was discussed here a few years ago but its still an insane amount of money.....shame that the requirement for breakaway systems etc start at 2000 kg....lots of jurisdictions other than Australia have higher weight cut offs for those sort of systems.I imagine many a Mac owner has had this rude shock ie the fact that once you put a motor on and your cut lunch....you're over weight on the standard trailer.I have purchased a 2nd hand Knott trailer which was made for a Imexus 28....rated at 2700kg by the factory...sliding torsion suspension axle group,adjustable bunks similarly spaced to mac trailer fully galvanised.No one as far as I know represents Knott in Australia but certainly got new brake shoe kits ie one axles worth from Germany for under $100 and took just a 10days over Xmas...not bad have a look on thier website.Also saw US trailers advertised on Ebay made to Aussie spec....aluminum dual axle etc etc

[Boblee]

I don't know why there appears to be much of a problem with uprating the trailer or at least the variation in prices, as for the original trailer ours is still going ok but the a frame is beefed up and from the pull back is beefed up to help with the stiff suspension of the new tow vehicle, the springs are alco heavier and longer 2.5 ton rated and of course it has new tyres on.
Unless we pull almost everything out (PITA) we are overweight but the trailer works beautifully at the speeds we travel at and on probably worse roads with longer trips than any other mac here, I am going to research upgrading to a better single axle (preffered) but more likely a dual and will possibly gal dip the trailer and will definitely put a new winch on as the old (original) strap is getting too short .
I don't like aluminium and can't see anything wrong with the basic frame of the original, it just needs some touching up in fact it's a far better trailer than many commercial trailers around aus but for saltwater it should be gal dipped even though ours has absolutely no rust and it is absolutely inconceivable why they didn't use a higher rating or at least have it as an option.

[Mac26Mpaul]

Thanks for the great replies so far. Dennis, that price is deffinately better than what I have heard. When I finally bring the missus around, I will be asking some local trailer places if they can beat that

[bartmac]

I agree Bob the basic frame is fine and an upgrade axle and springs would get it to the 2500kgs or there abouts.Thought a sliding frame to mount the springs to ie heavyish angle would do away with the weld to the channel fixture and lend strength to the overall frame and make it adjustable....that then just leaves the breakaway setup and if going with electric brakes thats easy and cheap

[Boblee]

Yep thats what my mate suggested, I did see an set up like that once before we bought, really don't want to go to tandem but for resale it will make it better, might go and see an engineer and see what he actually thinks as some can be difficult to work with and it will probably be better to get it registered in Vic as it's a bit easier in many ways as well as being cheaper.
But first got to finish this trip down the Murray, should be launching next weekend.

[Boblee]

Bought this back to the last trailer thread as the other one was getting off topic.
Am doing what Bartmac suggested above but just waiting on final prices for gear, will be either electric drum brakes and rated at 3.2 t or disc brakes with an actuator for hydrualics also rated at 3.2 t but galvanised.
Don't think I need the gal as the present trailer is perfect after 7 years with no rust but usually gal everything I make so why not.
As for rerating and registering my enquiries show that if I revamp the existing trailer it needs a certification but if making a new one just need to get a vin number from registry, take reciepts and they inspect and register, can get it done where I will be buying bits or at our local registry (vic).
Won't be using drop axles so it will be a bit higher as will still be using 15" rims but 6 stud l/cruiser pattern as they have heavier studs also going to put a removable electric winch on.
Will keep posted on how it goes and costings as it is a worry point and needed obviously.

[Mac26Mpaul]

Looking forward to hearing how it goes Bob.