thoughts on trailer manufacturers - Page 2

TonyC · 02 June 2011, 15:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Ta-also appreciated. I've never tried dealing with them. If they are like that, it's a damn shame as Dixon-Bate's customer service was exemplary.

Same. Only knew that was where Snipe & Rapide trailers now were (as we have both Snipe & Rapide trailers at the Centre).

I'll also mirror the comment about Dixon-Bate, it's a shame they moved Rapide away and went under the wings of Bradley.

Crusher · 02 June 2011, 18:52

Hi, I have a twin axle De Graaf trailer (5th trailer I have owned, including building my own) and I have been VERY impressed with it. I know we all have a budget to work within, and want to get the most you can for your money, but, IMO, be careful going for the cheapest. A lot to be said about quality.… has anyone you know got one you can try before you buy?

Sent from my iPhone using Rib.net

MustRib · 02 June 2011, 19:57

no... but I did get an email and follow up from Tony at Becktons today to my enquiry. He started talking about type approval and how its coming in the next couple of years.
Seems like a knowledgeable chap.
Shame there arn't any trailer manufacturers on here for their input.
Anyone got an Extreme trailer? They seem to be on par price wise with Becktons.

Boats&Outboards · 02 June 2011, 22:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by MustRib

many of the trailer manufacturers show contact details for email
on their websites, and yet only one I have emailed has bothered to reply.

Great input everyone...please keep the replies coming.

Most of the suggestions are for trailers over the 2K mark at the size I want.

I am specifically interested in feedback from owners of Becktons
£1750 for a 1500kg gvw roller trailer, and Extreme trailers £1749 for the same.
These prices seem to be the best and include VAT.

thanks

Extreme seem to be budget priced with budget parts. I had one a while back, new with no use but could already see signs of corrosion to it's fittings just from storage. Mainly the cheaper parts like jockey wheel, winch and even it's own logo falling off (just foil strip stuck on). That was a small 500kgs model though so I'm sure the quality would improve with the price.

Out of the two I'd go for Becktons.

Peter @ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

Boats&Outboards · 03 June 2011, 08:35

Try this one de graff 1500 roller priced under £1800. Good quality for just bit more than the budgets

eBay item number

270747068114

Peter @ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

Hugh Jardon · 03 June 2011, 13:17

Have had 3 trailers, two were indespension and one was sbs. all very good and roller coaster trailers. If you call SBS direct you may be able to get a good deal that fits your budget, I did.
I would say that it does not pay to scrimp too much on a trailer, I have seen people struggeling with bunk trailers and cheap trailers and old knackered trailers and ones that are just not set up for the boat correctly, that just add a lot of stress and agro and wasted time to the launch and recovery.

My trailers were simple winch on push off items that were always very simple to use with minimal effort. the guiding posts that some people have at the rear seem to work well as well and would consider them if i ever got another trailer.

depending on where you launch and recover it can be a tricky exercise with waves and wash and people queueing and it is sometimes just really nice to get the boat near the trailer, and then on it simply, and away.

I think a good easy to use trailer enhances the boating experience and leads to a less stressful start and finish to the day.

MustRib · 03 June 2011, 23:53

thanks everyone...

What are peeps thoughts about swing beam trailers as opposed to fixed?

Which is the lowest riding trailer on the market?

Nos4r2 · 04 June 2011, 00:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by MustRib

thanks everyone...

What are peeps thoughts about swing beam trailers as opposed to fixed?

Which is the lowest riding trailer on the market?

I wouldn't be without a swing beam if at all possible.

Hightower · 04 June 2011, 09:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt h

ive just bought a new trailor from Vandercraft which is Admiral, I have to say, its really well built and very pleased with it. 400 cheaper than equilvilant SBS or Dixon.

Admiral Trailers
Unit 28 Flightway
Dunkeswell Business Park
Dunkeswell
HONITON EX14 4RJ
t 01404 891 913
m 07971 404 617

I hope the quality of their materials and design of the trailers has improved. I wasn't impressed with the quality of mine when the draw bar bent on launch and recovery

The combination of wafer thin box section and long draw bar was a disaster. I didn't have the trailer for long so can't comment on the rest of it. The price was cheap, but you get what you pay for I guess.

Hightower · 04 June 2011, 09:38

I bought a De Graff and was very impressed with the value for money I got.

Tapered bearings are a must for ease of maintenance and everything is easily obtainable should replacement be needed. What I have really benefited from are bearing savers and a hole though the wheel and wheel hub that gives easy access to flushing the brakes. In three years, I have never needed to service the brakes or bearings. I do however check their operation regularly.

The other thing I would say is that Arthur will custom fit a trailer with just about anything you want (within reason

). After my experience with the Admiral I had him fit an uprated drawbar as I was paranoid I didn't want the same thing happening again, he did it and didn't charge for it.

Rogue Wave · 08 June 2011, 00:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boats&Outboards

Extreme seem to be budget priced with budget parts. I had one a while back, new with no use but could already see signs of corrosion to it's fittings just from storage. Mainly the cheaper parts like jockey wheel, winch and even it's own logo falling off (just foil strip stuck on). That was a small 500kgs model though so I'm sure the quality would improve with the price.

Out of the two I'd go for Becktons.

The one (CatJasp) 750 kg roller just bought came with good quality parts, he bought it in componeent form and we bolted it together 10% cheaper and there was nothing on that trailer that was inferior quality. We checked out the galanising and thought it good and the tubing was thicked walled, roller arms were a really good casting and I felt it was good value. The winch and post was very sturdy and way stronger than need be

Like you he is in the Boat Trade, he fits out and retubes ribs for a company in Southampton and been around ribs and trailers for 20 years and wouldn't buy crap. I agree about the sticker

I'd still buy an SBS given a free reign but if budget was an issue then I'd give the Extreme good consideration.

teh trailer gets dipped regularly so maybe an update in 6 months might be appropriate

MustRib · 09 June 2011, 21:36

Anyone own a Snipe braked swing beam?
thoughts?

Downhilldai · 09 June 2011, 22:23

CLH

Rogue Wave · 10 June 2011, 00:06

yes I own a 2600kg swing beam snipe and it's a good trailer, srtongly built

spartacus · 10 June 2011, 21:02

I had an Indespension Roller-coaster 750kg when I had the Zodiac Pro. Great trailer. I added a Indespension triple-hitch lock and LED marker lights on the galvanised wheel arches. The RIBcraft came on a Rapide trailer. Although good, it's not a patch on the Indespension. The boat sits far higher, comes with plastic mudguards as standard and a pressed steel hitch instead of Indespension's cast one.

MustRib · 10 July 2011, 22:51

I ordered the Indespension RollerCoaster 7
Job done
bloomin expensive, but wise words on here convinced me it will prove its worth.
thanks all