5 starr / karavan opinions

hertzad · 10-29-2009, 12:08 PM

Does anybody have any opinions of 5 starr or Karavan trailers. I'm considering purchasing one mainly for winter storage for my 22' Robalo. Very little trailering, just storage.

Any recommendations or warnings?

Thanks.

capt_matt · 10-29-2009, 01:17 PM

I have a single axle 5 starr trailer, 3500 gross weight.

It is a budget-minded trailer. The hubs and brakes have held up well. The original tires were bias and wore poorly. The lights and wiring were lousy and I ripped out and replaced all of it after 2 years. After five years, I had to replace all of the brake lines (all the originals were automotive stuff with steel fittings).

For a trailer that is not going to be used much, you will be fine. For a trailer that sees some miles and is used in saltwater regularly, you can do better (although it will cost more).

castalot · 10-31-2009, 02:58 PM

on my second 5 star first was a 9600lb all roller something like 64 rollers now i have a 7600lb 5400lb capacity all roller love them for the money!!!!!! had a long didn't care to much for it
5 star is made by load rite to get around dealer franchise agreements to have more dealers in the same general area

Dr1532 · 11-01-2009, 01:23 PM

I would not buy the 5 star or at least not there bunk trailer , in three yrs time all the rims have to be changed , dealer said it is normal, the unions on the break lines are rotting, brakes froze ,not a surprise as they are not ss. the nuts on all the u bolts are rusty, one of the bunks snapped when i pulled the boat onto to it, probally because there was a nice giant knot in the wood they used there. my opinon, i would buy the karavan

fishingfun · 11-02-2009, 02:35 PM

I see its a 22' boat but if you just tow it a few miles I'd avoid brakes if you can.

hemi ram · 11-02-2009, 07:42 PM

i owned a karavan , and know on a 5 starr, the karavan was made poorly and would not buy another one, the 5 starr i have had 4 full seasons and only replaced brake pads, and i do lots of maintance on lites and bearings which means greasing ever other trip and checking grounds, i trailer 250 miles round trip from ludlow mass to point judith ri 15 to 20 trips per year 23 ft parker sport cabin on her, my opion its a good trailer for the money, i would buy another one, if you do the maitance i should hold up, some guys think you just put the boat on it and thats it, you need to keep ahead of the problems before they become a issue shawn from ludlow ma

hertzad · 11-04-2009, 11:46 AM

Sounds like Karavan is definitely out. I'll take a closer look at the 5 Starr. Thanks for the advice and opinions.

jbg108 · 11-04-2009, 12:52 PM

I've had a single axle 5starr for three years and it has been perfect. I replaced only one light. You will have brake problems with any trailer within 4 years. It's the nature of the beast.

Nipper · 11-04-2009, 02:39 PM

I have had a 5 Starr double axle bunk trailer with a 20' Wellcraft V20 on it and have not had problem one with it in 6 years. I have trailed it from Indiana to Massachusetts and back twice. Everything is holding up very well. Note, however, it has only been in the salt about 4 times with a good freshwater hose down thereafter.

nanrickray · 11-05-2009, 06:01 PM

I have a 2009 6000#cap 5 starr aluminum I beam w/rollers,torsion axles and although I only put about 30 miles on it the ride is great.I since sold the boat and now looking to sell the trailer.It wont fit my new boat.