Given the recent concerns, I’m wondering which alternative boat trailer brand that builders would consider?
It depends. The teardrop is kind of tied to the particular Trailex trailer, though I suppose one could figure out how to make something else work.
For my Pocketship I looked for a used trailer. You need to look around and ask. I found a nice trailer that took little modification to work with my boat. Much cheaper than new.
I’ve also built a trailer for my Hobie 12 monohull. Bought an axle set and wheels from Tractor Supply, and welded the trailer up out of square metal tubing. So much better than a cheap trailer.
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I have some limitations. My trailer must be light and must fit through a six foot gate. I’ll be honest, I’m probably still going to get a trailex.
Is there any alternative to how to buy a trailex that shifts all this (was it damaged in shipment or what was shipped was not what was supposed to be shipped) risk to a dealer or other representative?
In looking at the matter, we are only seeing one side of the story. I just find it hard to understand what’s going on with trailex given my past history with them.
H
One of my clients has one of these…
One other option are the Yakima trailers. Very nice and very pricey.
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Couple of thoughts here.
First, I have been on this forum for a ~15 years and this is the first issue that I can remember regarding Trailex. They certainly messed up with the way they have handled this, but overall they have a good reputation so would not be afraid to buy one if that is what is best for your boat.
Second, aluminum trailers in general and Trailex trailers in particular are quite expensive. The two benefits usually cited for aluminum over galvanized is reduced weight and corrosion resistance. While the reduced weight may be important for large trailers, it won’t really matter much for the small trailers we are talking about. Secondly, the corrosion resistance is largely overblown. For 17 years I owned a maxi-trailerable sailboat on an aluminum trailer. While it is true that the frame didn’t rust, everything else (brackets, bunks, fasteners, axles, etc) did, and required periodic repair or replacement. For reference, an aluminum trailer that size is +500# lighter than galvanized.
About ten years ago I considered the SUT-250 for my Goat Island Skiff but went with the JB1612 from Continental Trailers. The Continental is galvanized so weighs about 60# more than the Trailex, but it has 5 times the payload capacity and cost 50% less. Continental is a Florida company with good reputation that sells in the SE USA.
As suggested by Dan, another alternative is to look at the “rolling roof rack” type trailers sold by Yakima and Malone. They are very versatile and can be used to carry a wide variety of boats. I have had a Malone Microsport for 12 years and have been very happy with it. It will accept any of the standard kayak carriers and can carry the GIS upside down on bare rails. We also have bike racks that fit for multisport trips. Mine has the removable tongue option so it will store in compact spaces.
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