Replacement Trailer

[Dell Anne]

Well, I have had it with the less than marginal Mac trailer . I can not keep a set of tires on the trailer. I have 225 - 15s and with the weight of the boat and the flex in the trailer I get about 1500 miles on a set of tires. Three different trailer shops tell me the trailer is just not adequate for the boat. I am going to look at a replacement trailer this week. Can you guys provide any suggestions on what to consider.

The trailer I am considering fits 26 - 29 foot boats and has dual torsion bar axles, galvanized 15" wheels, disc brakes on all 4 wheels, 8400 lb load limit, all alluminum frame, guide posts, and toungue brake. The trailer is fully adjustable, meaning the bunks will raise and lower and the bow attachment is moveable forwards and backwards, as well as, and up and down.

My concerns are the missing ladder, which I can easlily fix and the rear bunks on this trailer run parallel to the frame, which id my biggest concern.

I know you can buy alot of replacement tires for the price of a new trailer but, I hope to get a trailer I can travel with in confidence.

Thanks, Ron

[csm]

Dell Anne,
I agree the factory trailer is MARGINAL; many have upgraded their Mac trailers by adding a second axel. I upgraded mine recently and I'm very pleased. The mod ran me a little over $1200 for parts and welding . I also replaced the master cylinder and upgraded to stainless disc brakes, on one axel. That ran me an additional $300. Search the trailer/towing forum and see if that may be an option for you.
good luck,
Chris

[Dell Anne]

Well, I looked at the trailer today and I must say it is a beast compared to the Mac trailer. A little over-whelming at first. The challenge I see is organizing the bunks to fit the Mac. Currently the bunks run length wise with the boat. Does anyone know if this presents an issue with the Mac's?

The boat would also sit atleast 10"s higher on the trailer but, the overall length of the trailer is 42"s longer so I assume no real differences will be noticed at the ramp.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Ron

[BK]

I just bought the new M trailer for my X and Mac did the mod. Its an alumium frame with a galvanized axel, 15" tires, f/g fenders and disc brakes.
Is yours an iron trailer? I don't know when Macgregor changed over to alumium frames but I hope i don't burn through tires.
Macgregor will ship trailers. I paid $3000 with no shipping as I picked it up at the factory.

[Erik Hardtle]

From the Website of Knot Shore... (me) http://www.always-online.com/hardtlefam ... tshore.htm

~ Added a second axle and wheels for safer trailering and weight management




**** Added Note: I added the second axle behind the existing axle, this however added more weight
to the tongue (about 410lbs) and my hitch was rated at 350lbs.... so I had both axles moved
forward to help reduce tongue weight.
Also added pvc piping with a roller in the middle to the existing metal support.

*** New Note: replaced trailer when axle snapped... see replacement trailer below ***



~ My factory trailer rusted itself to death (axle snapped) so I have purchased a new Galvanized Trailer ( http://www.magictilt.com ) from a local dealer.. Had to have some slight (yea, right) modifications done to it.



Changed to a straight post for the winch stand, added 2 Mast Steps to the winch stand to replace the original macgregor trailer ladder... magic tilt didn't have anything that would work.

Added goal posts too in front of the wheels, and kept the heavy duty guides that came with the new trailer in the back. Dropped all bunks down to the frame and had them add a V-Bunk up front similar to the original on the macgregor trailer.

I moved the trailer wheels and axles so the center point between the two axles lined up with where the jib winches are on the boat... help bring down the tongue weight. (used the trailer picture from the sales brochure)


Check out my website mods for more pictures.

[Dell Anne]

Thanks for the feedback. I see that Erik's new railer has the bunks that run parallel with the frame. This was a big peice of information for me. I have decided (for now) against the used trailer I mentioned earlier. As I said, the trailer is a beast. The side frames are 7.5" aluminum beams and the overall weight was 1260 lbs. I am looking at another option tomorrow. This listing was on Craig's List and the dealer will give me trade in for the Mac Trailer plus set the new trailer up for the MAC for $75. This will take some of the unceartainty I have out of the decision. Here is the link to the ad. He has blue, red and gray in stock. The manufacture is closing out excess inventory.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/boa/1208700045.html

I will post more later.

Thanks,

Ron

[Dell Anne]

Here is the resolution to my number one safety concern with the Mac.

[Win]

Ron
You have a great looking trailer. Which one is it, your initial post or the craigslist? It appears not to be the ones shown on craigslist. Please post the the trailer specs and the price. Thanks.

Win

[Dell Anne]

It is a trailer from the posting on craigslist, they just dont show the gray color. These are liquidation trailers by Karavan being sold through Lanier Marine in Dawsonville, Ga.

btw.... They have a 2004 MacGregor trailer on their lot for sale or for parts.

Happy Trails, I meant trailering....

Ron

[Dell Anne]

Win,

ooops..... forgot the specs and price.

GVWR = 6570 lbs
Capacity = 5400 lbs
Weight = 1070 lbs
OAL = 25 feet
Steel frame
Tires - 205/75D14
Drum brakes on both axles
Sure Lube wheel bearing system
Spring suspension
2000 lb 2 speed winch
LED Submersible Lights

Price = $2150.00
Tax = $150.00
Trade In on Mac Trailer = $300.00 - Saved me the fee to take it to the dump
Drive away = $2050.00

I used the trailer guides off the Mac trailer and added an additional set ($80.00) like Erik Hardtle shows on his trailer. I also kept my spare tire mount.

Let me know if you need anything else.

Ron

[Kelly Hanson East]

My concerns are the missing ladder,

WM had a boarding ladder on sale for 30 USD last month,,,I have used that one to get on the boat on trailer just fine..

[Dell Anne]

I miss the ladder also. The Admiral was with me last weekend so it was not a big deal but, I single hand the boat quite often and the ladder will make things easier. I have looked at quite a few ladders and ladder options. Can you provide a link to one you mention.

Thanks,

Ron

[Rick Westlake]

~ My factory trailer rusted itself to death (axle snapped) so I have purchased a new Galvanized Trailer ( http://www.magictilt.com ) from a local dealer.. Had to have some slight (yea, right) modifications done to it.



Changed to a straight post for the winch stand, added 2 Mast Steps to the winch stand to replace the original macgregor trailer ladder... magic tilt didn't have anything that would work.

Added goal posts too in front of the wheels, and kept the heavy duty guides that came with the new trailer in the back. Dropped all bunks down to the frame and had them add a V-Bunk up front similar to the original on the macgregor trailer.

I moved the trailer wheels and axles so the center point between the two axles lined up with where the jib winches are on the boat... help bring down the tongue weight.

Erik, your mods on your new trailer are well-taken ... I have a new tandem-axle Sea Lion trailer on order for Bossa Nova, and I'll have to see if they can put a straight post on it for the sake of those mast steps. (The dealer knows about the bow V-bunk, and will add that as well.)

[Dell Anne]

Ladder problem solved......