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Random Quote: Most fishing problems are caused by the connection between the boat and the rod.
Has anyone else had the same trouble as I have with their Loadmaster Trailer? My trailer is less than two years old. The following has been replaced:
Safety Chain rusted almost in half.
Side running lights replaced twice
Rear tail lights right side replaced twice
left side replaced once
4 leaf springs broken and replaced
4 tires replaced
both brakes replaced
carpet on bunks replaced
[img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif[/img] [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif[/img] [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img] [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img]
I wash my trailer every time after use, and I am very disappointed in the service I have received from this company. If you would like to hear more please contact me at captainjack@ev1.net
Nope. Mine's 3 years old, the only problem I've has is replaced one tail light bulb. I launch in salt water only and don't wash it off until the end of the day when we bring the boat home.
Garry
Phat Phydeaux Phishing Team
Beta Testing The World, You Design or Build It, We Break It
The problems with the lights on your trailor are to be expected, assuming you're launching in salt water. Springs, tires, and brakes; another story. How much load are you putting on the trailor and what kind of load is it rated for?
Sorry your trailer is giving you trouble. I've had a Loadmaster for one year and in that time have replaced one light bulb on the right side, and the side light on the left. I launch exclusively in salt water and have pulled the boat as far as 800 miles in one day.
The trouble you're having is similar to what happened to me with a way-overloaded galvanized trailer. It came as a package when I bought the boat. It was rated for 4000 lbs, my boat weighs 3500. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img] I bought a 7000# Loadmaster trailer and have never regretted it for a moment. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]
Traveller
Sounds like you've got a lemon, or are very overloaded.
I've got a Magic Tilt under my Scout. It's going on 4 years old, and sometimes I wash it--if I've got time. It is still in great condition, with the exception of the leaf springs. They are gradually deteriorating, but that is to be expected. The leaf springs are nothing more than spring steel, and in saltwater, they don't last. I'm surprised they've made it this long. My trailer is dunked just about every weekend between Memorial Day and Labor day, sometimes twice in a weekend. I've never repacked my bearings (although the last two years of use have involved tows less than 5 miles), or the carpet.
I did replace my side lights, due to corrosion. Using pop rivets and dissimilar metals probably caused the problem. I replaced them with LED's, which may last longer, and through bolted them with stainless bolts. Unfortunately, with marker lights, you depend on the rivets not only for mechanical connection, but also for electrical. The rivets give you the ground to the trailer frame, and as the corrosion builds up, you end up "frying" the bulbs.
I've had my Loadmaster since 1999 and have never replaced 1 bulb or had 1 failure of any kind (Knock on Wood). My use is freshwater so I'm sure that has something to do with it. However, I do UNHOOK my lights whenever I submerge the trailer and hook them back up again while I'm in the parking lot securing everything down.
Todd
safety chain- [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img]Lets see did you drag it on the pavement exposing the bare metal? Then dip it into saltwater.
WELL WELL WELL FINALLY A CHANCE> I HAVE A 2000 MODEL UNDER A 31 FOUNTAIN AFTER ONE YEAR SPRINGS RUSTED AND BROKE BRAKES SHOT> TRIED FOR 3 MONTHS TO GET MY 500 WORTH OF WARRANTY REFUNDED TO LUCK. BEN THE OWNER HAS STALLED ON PAYING ME I FANALLY GAVE UP I JUST BOUGHT NEW TRAILER NOT A LOADMASTER!!!!!!!!
I've ahd mine for 1 year - 7K capacity with torsion axles.
I trailered from FL to NJ (1300 miles) and numerous 120 mile round trips this year with no problems whatsoever. I haven't even replaced a light bulb.
People regularly comment to me that the trailer is very sturdy looking. To me, it appears to be very well built...
We need some specific info on the boat/trailer combo. Somethings fishy.
Sorry to hear about your troubles. Sounds like it was put together late on a Friday afternoon.
I just bought one to sit under a 28 footer. Luckily my boat sits at a slip for most of the season. The trailer seems well built and it rides nicely. If your trailer was not overloaded and has been cared for, I would expect some reasonable response from the manufacturer.
Guys,
I was thinking some more about this. The items listed really shouldn't have much to do with the construction methods of Loadmaster. They use Goodyear Marathon tires for example. The lights blowing out?? Something is wrong there....
All tires worn and leaf springs broken??? Was the trailer overloaded??? How many miles are on the trailer??
Even the brakes are now Kodiak and I have had good experience with them and heard good things from others...
I did a lot of research before buying my trailer, and I couldn't find a bad word said about Loadmaster....
If I had heard of something, I would have asked them about it.
Capn Jack, I was very surprised to read the problems that you are having with your Loadmaster. LM builds trailers for some huge SKA boats and I dont recall of any complaints from those fishermen.
Just wonder if your trailer is too light for your boat. Dealers generally will not give you a heavier trailer than you need to keep the price down.
The experienced trailer buyer will always buy a trailer that is 2000 to 3000 lbs. over what the weight of the boat, gas and engine is.
I have had a LM for 3 years and I know many people who have them and have not had problems. Ben Worthy, the Pres. of LM is one of the finest people in the business and would not be the success he is if he built bad trailers.
Loadmaster is a great trailer.
Have one under a 30' boat now. Great !
Buying another one next week for another 30'
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I was the first pro-staff that Jim and Ben had when they joined forces with the SKA. I purchased a tri-axel for my 25 Hydra Sports in 1994. This trailer is still in use today in the local area.
Since this time I have probably had seven new trailers from them. Side lights and rear lights are always a problem, I don't care who's trailer you have. Voltage and salt water don't mix! Soultion is to go to your local Wally World and buy the new LED lights and solder and shrink wrap the joints and you are good to go.
As far as the rest of your problems, sounds like too small of a trailer. Upgrade next time and you won't be disappointed. As far as LOADMASTER, service to me and others has been great. I have heard of them sending NEXT DAY AIR parts to get some body back on the road, ALL AT NO CHARGE. Will your next trailer manufacture do that?
Nothing but great service and product, sorry your having a problem. I agree it sounds like your trailer is undersize for the load. As an example fo Ben's service, my disk brake locked up today at 2:30 P.M. Arrived at Loadmaters shop at 3:30 and left with a fixed brake, warrenty repair trialer is only 3 months old. I can blame Loadmaster for the brake failure, but I sure can thank them for the repair and service. This is my fourth trailer from them. Looking forward to my fifth.
Loadmaster Trailers 
