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Aluminum Tandem Axle Bunk Trailer
Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 11:50 am
by Fxwg80hd
I'm pricing out a Load Rite Elite series's and 5 Starr series trailer for my 26m. I am getting a pretty good price for a 6200 pound Aluminum Tandem Axle trailer. Both the Elite and the 5 Starr have the same frame and suspension. The Elite series has upgraded bunks that rotate slightly to conform to the hull better, LED lights, plus a couple other upgrades. The 5 Starr has standard wood bunks and incandescent lights.
I did inquire if he would reduce the price even more if given a bulk order. Currently he is quoting a price of $3,450 for the Elite and $2,900 for the 5 Starr.
You can see the brochure at:
http://www.loadrite.com/loadrite-brochures.php
The dealer is in Baltimore, MD.
Wondering if anyone else in the area is interested? If there is enough interest, I'll see what more he may be willing to discount.
Chris
Re: Aluminum Tandem Axle Bunk Trailer
Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 11:52 am
by Fxwg80hd
Also, if anyone knows of a better price/trailer, please let me know.
Chris
Re: Aluminum Tandem Axle Bunk Trailer
Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 2:01 pm
by parrothead
Hi Chris,
Coincidentally, I'm planning a visit to the Baltimore Boat Show in 2 weeks to check out the offerings [and any "show special" pricing] on a tandem-axle aluminum trailer for our

-- I noticed that Dave's Boat Trailers of Glen Burnie is listed as an exhibitor, and they handle both Load RIte and Venture trailers [there's a fellow on the west coast who's modified a Venture trailer specifically for the Mac -- so I figure that someone local ought to be able to do the same]. Thanks for providing a price comparison for the Load Rite.
There weren't really any technical specs on the brochure you attached. Does one really need to go up to 6200 lb capacity for an

?
So, to answer your question, I am definitely in the market and would be pleased to be part of a "group" purchase if the equipment and price are right.
Doug
Re: Aluminum Tandem Axle Bunk Trailer
Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 2:29 pm
by c130king
About 95% sure that I am also interested if you can get a good "bulk" deal. I am 65 miles away. And I would want the "Elite" version.
Have some trailering trips in mind...Jacksonville over Labor Day...John, Mark, Phil...you guys reading this?
Jim
Re: Aluminum Tandem Axle Bunk Trailer
Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 2:49 pm
by Highlander
! For about $400. you can buy an axle for your Mac trl & convert it to a tandem axle giving you a 8600# capacity thats the route I'm working on
J
Re: Aluminum Tandem Axle Bunk Trailer
Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 4:19 pm
by Fxwg80hd
Dave's trailers is one of the places I'm got prices from. Dave's adds freight and processing to the sale, but even with that they still have a decent price.
I looked at the Venture trailer, but they are leaf spring suspension so they sit higher and the bunks can not be modified they way I wanted because the axle floats.
No, you don't have to go up to 6200 pound trailer. Basically it boils down to overall length. In the Load Rite series you can get a 6,000 pound trailer that will work (5200 if looking at the Venture), but the distance from the Angle support to the back of the trailer frame is 17 feet 9 inches. That means the Mac will extend about 6 feet past the end of the trailer frame (and taillights), plus the max length for this trailer is 23' 6" so the Mac will hang at least a foot past the bunks. Though this will work for towing the Mac, the trailer is only about $200 less in price. The 6200 pound trailer is 20 feet 2 inches from angle support to back of trailer frame (which puts the taillights much closer to the back of the boat) and handles boats 24' 10" to 26' 4" which means the bunks will support the boat all the way to the transom.
Anyway, spending that much money might as well spend the extra 200 for the extra length.
Still researching though. I have also heard the Easy Loader trailers are real nice as well. Easy loader does not appear to have as many dealers in the area though.
Chris
Re: Aluminum Tandem Axle Bunk Trailer
Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 8:48 am
by Macless Pete
Do they come with disc brakes?
What is the difference between modifying one of these stock trailers for a

or

?
I am on the market for an

and most likely I will be driving ~1000 miles to pick up the boat. I am seriously considering upgrading the trailer now instead of spending money on reconditioning the steel trailer for the drive back.
FYI on the classified section there was someone selling a venture VATB-5925 for $3950 in the West Coast about a year ago.
Re: Aluminum Tandem Axle Bunk Trailer
Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 7:23 pm
by Fxwg80hd
Marine Grade Disc brakes are standard on the Load Rite trailers. I found out that the dealers are cutting it to close to offer much more in discounts. The 3 places I talked to are Dave's Trailers in Glenn Burnie, Md, Portside Marine in Essex, and All Star Marine also in Essex, Md. Give any of them a call, they are all about the same price.
The trailers will fit both

or

Re: Aluminum Tandem Axle Bunk Trailer
Posted: Wed Feb 02, 2011 11:10 pm
by jcasale
Don't worry Jim, I'm already putting the plans together for this years JMGT. Being in Atlanta has given me way too much free time for scouring the internet and Google Earth for intel.
We are seven months out from Labor day, start planning. I'm also looking at a Memorial day event if anyone is interested.
John
Atlantic Beach, Fl (marooned in Atlanta, Ga)
2000

Re: Aluminum Tandem Axle Bunk Trailer
Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 6:37 am
by raycarlson
never seen a steel trailor, but have the 08 aluminum one, which for less than 1000$ can be up gradeed to dual axles and lengthwise bunk supports.UFP will sell the axle they sell to macgregor for 285 plus shipping.(add more for brakes if you think you need them).the bunks can be fabed up any number of ways.naturally if your not handy with a tool then you have to pay out the arse to have someone do it for you..
Re: Aluminum Tandem Axle Bunk Trailer
Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 1:42 pm
by davemurray47
hi there Ihave been concidering moving up to a 4 wheel trailer since I got my Mac x in 2003 .
please keep me informed as to the deal you can swing. i really like the idea of going to disc breaks over the drums on my original.
How are the brakes activated on the new trailer, i do prefer serge over electrically activated.
regards
dave murray
Re: Aluminum Tandem Axle Bunk Trailer
Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 3:14 pm
by tek
Dave, I have the 2010 year aluminum trailer, and they are surge.
I've been following this thread as I'm considering whether to go to tandem axle and adding a second axle to match the original seems the ideal solution.
If going that route, does anyone have an opinion on using a plain second axle vs plumbing in extra brakes?
Re: Aluminum Tandem Axle Bunk Trailer
Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 3:35 pm
by FAAbaddog
so.....just got my 26m delivered from the factory yesterday from CA to FL on single aluminum.....why the tandem......confused?
BADDOG
Re: Aluminum Tandem Axle Bunk Trailer
Posted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 6:06 pm
by tek
While some want capability for more weight in gear, I think you'll find the more common reasoning to be improving the tracking behind the tow vehicle as well as consideration for what happens to the trailer if one of those tires on a single axle should go flat.
Re: Aluminum Tandem Axle Bunk Trailer
Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 6:32 am
by raycarlson
i added the second axle w/o brakes. put it in the rear position so no mods to the brake lines had to be done,rolls,stops,and tracks true.the reason for the second axle being added in my case was for safety.like anything on the mac the trailer was built to the bare minimum to keep cost down.the trailer in stock trim has a capacity for 4200 pounds. when i load my boat with full fuel water food gear for a week in the sea of cortez mx i am exceding that 4200 pounds. visualize a blowout at 65mph with an already overloaded trailer.even behind my 7000 pound dodge diesel i don't want to experience that. i can't imagine what the results would be to some of the guys on this board who tow with little 3500 pound cars and mini-suv's. with 4 tires on your trailer you can have one blowout and still remain stable until you can safely exit the roadway.