So I am in the market for a new trailer. I have recieved quotes from karavan double axel and EZ loader double axel. They are about 600$ difference. I cant find any real reviews about the Karavan. I know EZ is a decent brand, but Karavan is a little cheaper. Does anybody have any reviews or experiences either way? Thanks. This is for the galvanized double axel 4100.
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Karavan is the house brand for Bayliner and Boston Whaler- they are a decent trailer. I had one for my last small boat- it did its thing just fine.
I'd be more concerned with the new trailer having disc brakes, oil bath hubs, and perhaps electric over hydraulic brake actuators.....
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Yea. It has hydraulic surge with discs.
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The last two Bayliners I bought had EZ Loader and they are a good trailer. As was said, disk brakes are the way to go. Did you look at King trailers? My current Bayliner is sitting on that now... I like it except it is a roller vice bunk. Love bunk over rollers anytime...
The total weight carrying also includes the trailer so by buying a bunk trailer, you can save an additional 400-800 pounds from the trailer for the boat...
Doug ;}
MMSI: 338068776
"Go Aweigh to" Photos < click on red letters... 2001 Bayliner 2452 w/6.2 HO (paid for)
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I think I am now getting a King. I really like the idea of 4 bunks vs two. AND its cheaper than EZ and better quality than Karavan. IMO. thanks guys. Any other reviews are still appreciated.
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I would look at sure lube trailer bearings for that trailer and would stay away from buddy bearings...Resqme49 wrote:
I think I am now getting a King. I really like the idea of 4 bunks vs two. AND its cheaper than EZ and better quality than Karavan. IMO. thanks guys. Any other reviews are still appreciated.
Doug ;}
MMSI: 338068776
"Go Aweigh to" Photos < click on red letters... 2001 Bayliner 2452 w/6.2 HO (paid for)
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Bunks are a lighter trailer and therefore can hold heavier boats for the same size trailer.johnrupp wrote:
Just wondering Doug, what you like better about bunk trailers?
A roller trailer will weigh 400-800 pounds more than the same trailer with bunks.
Bunks allow a lower CG for the boat. I see you have not had to replace rollers, etc but I have replaced rollers about every 4-5 years and that gets spendy.
If you dunk your boat many times in a season, you will have more repairs of rollers, hog pins, etc.
If you drive your boat onto a roller trailer, you run the risk of hitting between the rollers, hitting those metal supports and can damage the keel (been there, done that when wind caught me). Simple to repair but I dislike seeing gel coat chipped off.
And finally, bunks are less expensive to purchase initially and much cheaper to repair over the life of the trailer...
I have owned roller and bunk trailers... Disc brake and drum... all surge... some had oil bath bearings, others were buddy bearing (they suck), Sure Lube bearings. Oil bath are fine if you never get a flat or have to repair the tire/wheel. They are a pain to get just right so they don't leak. I had one that leaked since new and the dealer took the trailer back a few times during boating season to get it not to leak. Finally replaced the entire bearing set.
My opinion is to go with Sure Lube...
Doug ;}
MMSI: 338068776
"Go Aweigh to" Photos < click on red letters... 2001 Bayliner 2452 w/6.2 HO (paid for)
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I have also heard from many dealerships and mechanics that bunks support the hull better than rollers do and manufacturers recommend bunks over rollers. I think Kings come with sure lubes as do the karavan trailers. The karavan dealer told me about them and was all about them (as I think I am aswell).
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Glad you are doing your homework.Resqme49 wrote:
I have also heard from many dealerships and mechanics that bunks support the hull better than rollers do and manufacturers recommend bunks over rollers. I think Kings come with sure lubes as do the karavan trailers. The karavan dealer told me about them and was all about them (as I think I am aswell).
Please feel free to put your boat info in the signature line so we know what you have for future posts and we won't have to keep asking the same questions before answering the initial question...
Doug ;}
MMSI: 338068776
"Go Aweigh to" Photos < click on red letters... 2001 Bayliner 2452 w/6.2 HO (paid for)
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Excellent. Just updated
I just purchased the boat a few weeks back. And the trailer is starting to be built today!
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I had always liked roller trailers for ease of launching. My last trailer boat (25') came on a roller trailer. The hull had indentations from sitting on the rollers. I had to replace many rollers over the years. When the trailer finally failed, I purchased a bunk trailer. I found it was not that much harder (there are tricks) to launch on bunks than with rollers. Same with retrieval. Sling lauching could be harder on a bunk trailer, but you can modify a bunk to work with slings.
My other suggestion with larger boats is to buy an electic winch. It's enough work retrieving a boat without having to crank like the devil. Definitely keeps the sweat level down. Money well spent.
Ken
Pugetsoundog (woof)
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While we are at it, bunks position your boat closer to the ground and allow you to use ramps that do not have a steep drop. I remember several occasions using a trailer with rollers where I had difficulty with ramps that had a gradual grade.
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