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Although I am leaning towards a bunk trailer based on my last post I have found a Load-Rite roller trailer that is perfect. It's used in fresh water only and I know the owner who is meticulous about maintenance. I've never owned a Load-Rite although I know they are fairly common. Is a Load Rite a good trailer? If not, what are the best brands for the buck? thanks.
I have a Load-Rite under my Scout 175SF/115 Yamaha and have been extremely pleased with it!
I think it is rated at 2,800# capacity (my boat & motor weigh about 1,425# or so). With 34gal. of gas and all the "stuff" we all carry, it's probably about 2,000# riding on there. It's a bunk-style which is what (I think?) Scout recommends?
The trailer is VERY sturdy and tows like a dream! It is a galvanized, single-axle, bunk-style (didn't want to spring for aluminum!). Has the "Sur-Lube"(?) bearing system and I haven't had any problems with it at all.
I don't tow very far (usually not more than 70mi., one way), although I towed it about 375-400mi. during a week's vacation in July - again, with no problems. No wiring problems at all. Only a little MINOR corrosion on some of the exposed bolt threads (no big deal). Boat is used about 90% saltwater and 10% inland freshwater rivers.
All-in-all, an excellent trailer! There ARE better ones but at a higher price. I would consider Load-Rite's AT LEAST mid-range in quality!
My Scout/Grady dealer uses them on the ALL their boats and hardly ever sees one come back for anything!
I had a 7000 pound Load Rite for 13 years and it had the original rollers on it when I sold it 2 years ago.
Mine was galvanized and had no rust on it except on the spring brackets.
It came through with some kind of coating on the springs when I got it and I used to touch them up with galvanzed paint once in awhile.
If the trailer your looking at is not galvanized or aluminum, I would look elsewhere.
I have a 4700lbs pound rated Load Rite bunk trailer under my 21 ft. Conquest.The trailer is dual axel. I installed Tie Down disc brake kits on both axels this spring.Also Stoltz keel rollers had problems with black rubber rollers. Two sets first season they crushed flat.I think disc brakes are much better than drum and would order new trailer with disc brakes.Two seasons of use on trailer I have no rust or spring problems.The trailer I had before this one was a Load Rite also, it was under a 23ft. Penn Yan for twelve years. :
I have a 2002 Load Rite. It is for a pontoon boat, and I have been happy with the trailer and more importantly, the company. I have had to call them three times for help and the were quick and helpfully.
The first time, I needed a spare tire and could not find one. I was being cheap and did not want to buy it from my dealer. I figured I could find it at BoatUS etc. No luck. I called them to see where I could buy one, they sold it to me directly, at about 1/2 the cost the dealer qouted me.
The second time, I screwed up loading the boat swift current and inexperince driver, long day. I bent the guides, called for new ones, shipped that day. Fair price also.
Third time, I sheared a pin in the tounge jack, I called them again shipped same day, no cost.
Based on my experince with them so far, I think it is fair to say they run a good shop, and stand behind thier product. Most companies can only do that if they have a good product to start.
Mako
What kind of boat do you have and where are you located? I have a 21-23 ft aluminum bunk style trailer with center rollers, tandem torsion axles posi-lube hubs and its in great shape. Its a 1999 year model and its just sitting in my yard. Why by new or galvanized when you can get a quality used one for $1100.00. I'll even deliver it in the state of Florida as long as its south of Gainsville.
Hey Blackwater, you still have that trailer forsale? I'm in the market for one. I have a Pursuit 2460 Denali. 24'9" length 8'6" beam 4250# dry weight. Think it will fit?
Just finishing up my 3rd season with a LoadRite 3600lb galvanized bunk with surge drum brakes. Had a problem with the right wheel freezing up after standing any amount of time. It's at the shop now getting stainless disc brakes, stainless brake lines and a new coupler (the coupler was my fault, gotta look for wider streets to pull those u-turns [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img] ). Actually the coupler wasn't too bad. I've been using it the last 18 months with a slight squew. Found a guy local that only repairs and builds trailers so I figured he'd know what he's talking about. He said if he replaced the brakes with OEM that I'd probably have the same problem (total rot) in a year or so because of the saltwater use and the difficulty of rinsing inside the drums. Also said the grease ran out like oil when he pulled the bearing cap. Hard to believe since it only has about 620 miles on it since the dealers repacked the bearings (or at least he CHARGED me for repacking the bearings)Frame, springs, lights and wiring have been fine.
Still have the trailer. I don't know about your boat. If you don't tow very far or if you keep you boat on a lift and only would use the trailer when it is out of the water it would probably be ok.
Load-Rite Trailer Okay? 
