Vanclaes Trailers, Any Views?

mhill · 21 February 2022, 08:57

Probably one of the more useful things at Boat Life in Birmingham yesterday, has anyone used one or had one of these trailers?

https://vanclaes.com/en/standard-boa...ers/c-384.html

Love the idea of the Gyro system but not sure I can justify the cost vs there roller system and the fact there is no light board to remove on launching really sells it to me on its own!

Why are the likes of Extreme and other uk manufactures not competing though?

Ajsimp · 21 February 2022, 09:25

I had one for a few years, without a shadow of a doubt the best trailer I ever had.

Orwell boy · 21 February 2022, 10:31

I think they are very good ,but be aware they are 304 stainless ,not 316 ,imho this is like buying a2 nuts and bolts from screwfix for your boat ,not a4 ,
many do it but not for the perfectionist ,you will be told it will stain not rust ! however i dont know the chemistry but it spoils the look .
After all that i have looked at them and spoke to them ,and yes i would buy one !

Pikey Dave · 21 February 2022, 13:28

Yup I have one & love it. Tows like a dream & is a doddle to launch & recover with the gyro system. It does stain, but “Stainless Steel” is a misnomer, ANY “stainless” will stain under the right circumstances, even 316L. The staining is light & easy to clean off with a scouter. The big selling point for me were the oil immersed bearings & disc brakes. I’d have happily gone for a non-stainless version with the bearings/brakes. The fact that it was stainless was a bonus. Paradoxically, stainless is much easier to repair (weld) than galvanised.
I’ve no idea what the pricing is like now, but I was an early adopter & had one of the first to be imported into the UK, our outfit is on the VanClaes website, so we got a good deal.

https://vanclaes.com/en/

Jeff · 21 February 2022, 14:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Yup I have one & love it. Tows like a dream & is a doddle to launch & recover with the gyro system. It does stain, but “Stainless Steel” is a misnomer, ANY “stainless” will stain under the right circumstances, even 316L. The staining is light & easy to clean off with a scouter. The big selling point for me were the oil immersed bearings & disc brakes. I’d have happily gone for a non-stainless version with the bearings/brakes. The fact that it was stainless was a bonus. Paradoxically, stainless is much easier to repair (weld) than galvanised.
I’ve no idea what the pricing is like now, but I was an early adopter & had one of the first to be imported into the UK, our outfit is on the VanClaes website, so we got a good deal.

https://vanclaes.com/en/

... and I remain envious .... the prices are phenomenal now to get anywhere your spec. I had a trial build on their website and gave up when I saw the price increase at each option. I would agree with what you say about disc brakes ,,, if only !!!

mick · 21 February 2022, 17:26

I can echo Pikeys thoughts go full giro and oil filled hubs other wise stick to the normal trailers

Maximus · 21 February 2022, 17:41

Mick and Daves trailers do look the Dog's.....and I'm sure they are excellent

For the cost so they should be
Just to say I've had 3 Dixon Bate indespension over the years on different Boats...the last and present 4 wheeler is 2012 has bearings savers which I REALLY LIKE ...and pack with waterproof grease.
I've done many 1000's of miles all over with Many Many Dunks locally and MUCH further affield....with no issues at all.
With NO bearing changes! (All original) ....(I have and use flushing kits) and just one set of brake cables being replaced to now with Stainless

Erin · 02 March 2022, 16:47

As said above the biggest asset is the axle with disc brakes and oil filled bearings. I have a 14 year old galvanised trailer and have recently fitted the same disc brake axle that Vanclaes use. Far superior and I’m sure will give me less maintenance trouble.

beamishken · 02 March 2022, 17:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

As said above the biggest asset is the axle with disc brakes and oil filled bearings. I have a 14 year old galvanised trailer and have recently fitted the same disc brake axle that Vanclaes use. Far superior and I’m sure will give me less maintenance trouble.

How does the oil filled bearings work? Do they have a top up reservoir?

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mick · 02 March 2022, 19:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by beamishken

How does the oil filled bearings work? Do they have a top up reservoir?

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Yes there’s a screw plug to fill them from and a clear cap to see the level. I use the oil they put in the rear axel and Hydrolics of tractors

beamishken · 02 March 2022, 22:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by mick

Yes there’s a screw plug to fill them from and a clear cap to see the level. I use the oil they put in the rear axel and Hydrolics of tractors

Wonder how much better they can be than greased bearings with bearing buddies, presumably just as susceptible to failed seals as any other bearings

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Pikey Dave · 03 March 2022, 07:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by beamishken

Wonder how much better they can be than greased bearings with bearing buddies, presumably just as susceptible to failed seals as any other bearings

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There’s only one oil seal/hub & it runs on a stainless journal pressed onto the stub axle. I’ve had 1 out of 4 fail in 7 years, and when I say “fail” I mean it developed a weep. I changed it out of caution. Not changed any bearings. You can see the outer bearing through the clear hub cap, so checking for water ingress is simples. The trailer has done some mileage, Croatia/Portugal twice/ France numerous times + all the usual UK stuff.

beamishken · 03 March 2022, 11:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

There’s only one oil seal/hub & it runs on a stainless journal pressed onto the stub axle. I’ve had 1 out of 4 fail in 7 years, and when I say “fail” I mean it developed a weep. I changed it out of caution. Not changed any bearings. You can see the outer bearing through the clear hub cap, so checking for water ingress is simples. The trailer has done some mileage, Croatia/Portugal twice/ France numerous times + all the usual UK stuff.

Ahh that makes sense the stainless journal is the lifesaver I susspect the problem with most trailers is the shaft starts to rust & expand outside the seal eventually tearing the seal & allowing water ingress which probably goes unnoticed & just sits there doing its worst, most owners probably wont notice the grease coming out as it wont run & puddle like oil & probably only comes out when moving & warm
The clear visual viewing capacity will also make monitoring easier & addressing issues before they develop
The stainless sleeve is such a simple idea makes you wonder why more manufacturers dont do it

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jwalker · 03 March 2022, 17:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

There’s only one oil seal/hub & it runs on a stainless journal pressed onto the stub axle. I’ve had 1 out of 4 fail in 7 years, and when I say “fail” I mean it developed a weep. I changed it out of caution. Not changed any bearings. You can see the outer bearing through the clear hub cap, so checking for water ingress is simples. The trailer has done some mileage, Croatia/Portugal twice/ France numerous times + all the usual UK stuff.

PD, do you submerge your axle when launching and recovering?

Pikey Dave · 03 March 2022, 17:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwalker

PD, do you submerge your axle when launching and recovering?

Depends on the slip. If we’re at our “local” launch, Whitby, the rear axle is up to the mudguards & the front axle half way up the wheels. This means that all 4 brake assemblies are submerged & all 4 stub axles. I have no worries dunking the hubs.