Trailer for R23

cwalden

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 14, 2019
Messages
94
Fluid Motion Model
C-242 C
Recommendations for trailer purchase for R23. Will be used frequently for both storage and interstate transportation to various cruising grounds. Brands, type (roller or bunk) and price ranges would be helpful. Located in New England. Thanks very much. Need to acquire and take possession prior to end of October (2019)


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The previous owner of our R-23 chose the LOAD RITE ALUMINUM AB BUNK MODEL #LR-AB26T6700102LTB. Purchased at Middletown Trailer Supply in Belford, NJ 07718 (732) 787-6502.

The Galvanized Steel Bunk-Tube Supports are unique to this manufacturer and add strength to this critical area while still automatically adjusting the bunk to the boat as she settles on. The target bunks up front and PVC Side Guides truly help "catch and hold" the boat during recovery at the ramp.

We live in Arizona and there are no dealers out west but we have found the factory service department at LOAD RITE and the part support on the factory website to be excellent. We added two additional bunks under the stern (inboard of the factory bunks). We also lowered all bunks 2-1/2" using the adjustable brackets; I'm not sure why our trailer was set up to hold the boat so high but it was fairly easy to lower and the boat seems more secure with a lower center of gravity while going going down the road.

We have pulled this trailer (loaded with the boat) for over 3000 miles and have had no problems but, if we were choosing a trailer from LOAD RITE we would consider the 8400# MODEL #LR-AB26T8400102LTB2. Our 6700# model is likely at the load limit when fully loaded for a trip (likely overweight when fully fueled and watered).

Another piece of advice: Torque your torsion-axle-to-frame attachment bolts/nuts regularly. Early on, we noticed that the axles seemed not to be aligned with each other; after we measured, we discovered the rear axle moved back and starboard due to loosing attachment bolts. After re-aligning and torquing, we do check the torque setting before long trips and are often surprised to discover that they do loosen regularly. Perhaps, some manufacturers weld the torsion system to the frame but in LOAD RITE's system they are bolted...something to consider.

Let us know if you have questions.

George

 
This is so incredible helpful George. I am considering between EZ Loader and Float on. Both specs nearly equal and pricing is similar. Have heard some issues on corrosion in stainless fasteners directly on aluminum, for Float On, but don’t know if EZ loader has same issues. Your remarks about torsion axles very important!! I’ll keep you advised and grateful for your detailed information!


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Whoops, I meant Load Rite not EZ Loader.


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The only stainless fasteners on our LOAD RITE are lag screws that attach the wooden bunks to galvanized brackets; all others are galvanized.
 
I believe Load Rite and EZ Loader make bunk trailers in both galvanized and aluminum. If you are doing salt water launches and retrieves I’d recommend going with aluminum with all stainless hardware and electric over hydraulic brakes. The aluminum doesn’t save much (if any) weight, it’s just more durable long term for use in salt water.
 
Thank you. Very helpful. I appreciate it!


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Do you still think electric over hydraulic is the way to go. Adds about $1k to cost of trailer. Boat is the R23.



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My prior boat had an aluminum tandem axle trailer with surge type drum brakes. After hauling it around Colorado for two summers I had the brakes changed out to electric disc brakes. Gross weight on trailer was 6,000 pounds. Huge improvement in braking capabilities with disc brakes compared to surge drum brakes.
The electric over hydraulic disc brakes in my RT 25 Classic’s trailer are as much an improvement over electric disc as moving from the drum brakes to the electric disc. Personally, I would never trailer any boat needing tandem or triple axles again without it having electric over hydraulic disc brakes. But that’s just my opinion...
 
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