Buying a new trailer - brands? Alloy or galv? - The Fishing Website : Discussion Forums

fritzhu

Silver

Joined: 10 Aug 2015
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Points: 195

Well, unfortunately I find myself in need of a replacement boat trailer - my 20-year-old Hoskings 6.7 is rusted right out, from the inside out! :( Given that everything else on the trailer is also on the way out, it's time to replace it I suspect.

So, I have been looking at options, because unfortunately I can't afford the $8800+GST for a replacement Hoskings!

I'm hoping people here would have had some experience with these. Please do chime in!

Some stats on the current trailer: 100x50x5mm frame, 63x32mm crossbars, 90x90x5mm drawbar. Tandem braked, Duratorque suspension at 1500kg a pair (so, what, 2250kg all up?), Tyres are 165x13 8-ply but need to be at 50psi to look okay... Coupling is rated 2500kg. Total of 40 wobble rollers, no keel rollers.

Spitfire alloy trailer
12-month warranty, 24-month warranty on chassis

This one is the alloy option in the list - but the GVM is 300kg less than my current trailer.

Performance Trailers PBT211

12-month warranty
This one is my favorite so far because of the generous number of rollers (including keel) but it may be too long for the driveway.

Xpress AX740T

5-year warranty, same as Hoskings.
I like this one because the frame is 120x60x5mm.

Ultra Trailers 22 to 24ft Heavy Duty

Warranty not specified.
I like this one again because of the frame being 120x60x5.

Reid Trailers Multi Roller 6.5-7m

Warranty not specified.
Seems like a good option but could be ruled out yet as price is not shown.

jackel

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Joined: 26 Nov 2006
Location: Auckland
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Points: 1238

Only advice is watch out for the trailers made from ultra cheap steel. The five year warranty looks attractive on the Xpress.

edge01

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Joined: 21 Aug 2005
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Points: 1409

The cheapest way is to go 2nd hand if you can find one in good condition. Otherwise you can always get a new frame made and swap all of your running gear over. Re galv everything and reassemble. I would go to Springs over duro tořques. Easier and cheaper to replace

Schampy

Platinum

Joined: 14 Aug 2014
Status: Offline
Points: 1968

Had an xpress tandem trailer a few years ago. The price was a hell of a lot less than a NZ made trailer. It seemed solid and well built, I had no problems with it. In due course I sold the boat to a person down in Wellington. (Im In Auckland) I recieved an Email once he towed the boat home stating the breaks - hydrulic disc, were completely stuffed.

I told the owner to get in touch with xpress as it should of been sorted under warranty. Its the old saying.... you get what you pay for. The breaks were not top of the line and the price reflected that. Yes they should of survived a trip to wellington though.

There seem to be a few of them around and I think they are a good option for an older boat.... or in my case a home build where a $10000 trailer would over capitalize the boat. Just probaly need to keep a closer eye on areas that potentially cause isses.

MacSkipper View Drop Down

Titanium

Joined: 04 Jul 2014
Location: Manukau Harbour
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Points: 4478

I have owned hoskings and some other trailers and rate them pretty good by comparison and 20 years is damn good! I hear you about price but sometimes you have to bite bullet. Sure another brand may be cheaper but will it fit boat properly as well? How long are you intending to keep boat - if more than 5 years probably better to get another hoskings trailer as original lasted pretty well? Also consider resale in a few years as value of boat will depend on condition of trailer then as well. A well built aluminium trailer will cost more but may last longer if really thinking long term?

Good fishing trip nothing breaks, great trip catch fish.

fritzhu

Silver

Joined: 10 Aug 2015
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Points: 195

Thanks guys :-) My other option is to buy a replacement frame from Hoskings - I can't remember the price but it's something like $2800. The only catch is, they don't make them for duratorques anymore so I would have to DIY the suspension (maybe $1k or so if I reuse the brakes, which are brand new), which I've done before...

fritzhu

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Joined: 10 Aug 2015
Status: Offline
Points: 195

The other thought is about the spitfire alloy trailer - they claim to be made in NZ, from the photos that looks to be the case. It's about $1000 over the price of a galv trailer.

fritzhu

Silver

Joined: 10 Aug 2015
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Points: 195

Schampy wrote:

Had an xpress tandem trailer a few years ago. The price was a hell of a lot less than a NZ made trailer. It seemed solid and well built, I had no problems with it. In due course I sold the boat to a person down in Wellington. (Im In Auckland) I recieved an Email once he towed the boat home stating the breaks - hydrulic disc, were completely stuffed.

I told the owner to get in touch with xpress as it should of been sorted under warranty. Its the old saying.... you get what you pay for. The breaks were not top of the line and the price reflected that. Yes they should of survived a trip to wellington though.

There seem to be a few of them around and I think they are a good option for an older boat.... or in my case a home build where a $10000 trailer would over capitalize the boat. Just probaly need to keep a closer eye on areas that potentially cause isses.

Thanks mate - that's some awesome feedback right there. I wonder if an Xpress would be okay if I swapped my current brakes over?

Schampy

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Joined: 14 Aug 2014
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Points: 1968

Cant see why not. If my memory serves me right it was the thick end of 2k to upgrade to ss discs etc. Definitely worth asking.

MikeAqua

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Joined: 29 Jul 2008
Location: Nelson
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Points: 2278

As others have said, you get what you pay for. The first Hosking trailer for my boat lasted for over 25 years and I still got good money (hotly contested trade-me auction) when I sold it.

When I replaced it with a new Hosking trailer they still had the 1987 patterns/plans for the boat.

I think a new Hosking frame would be the way to go. ?They may be able to accommodate your dura-torques?

Otherwise can your brake and hub assemblies be fitted onto stubs axles with springs? The springs and stubs are reasonably cheap.

fritzhu

Silver

Joined: 10 Aug 2015
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Points: 195

Okay, I think I have an answer... not sure...

So, we towed the trailer down to Hoskings this morning, and I was told a couple of things:

1. The trailer really is buggered;

2. A replacement frame, with me DIY'ing everything else, would be $3500

3. A new trailer would be just under $8500+gst ($9500 or so inc)

However, I was also told by the fellow at Hoskings that the galvanising on the modern trailers is not as good as it was back in 1997, and it was only likely to last between 12 and 15 years.

So, the options are:

1. Have the holes patched - not feasible because the entire side of the frame is shot, and no warranty or guarantee.

2. Buy a whole new Hosking trailer for $9500 and sell the old one; assuming it gets $1k, this sets me back $8500. Unsure of warranty as I didn't ask; I'd expect 5 years?

3. Buy a replacement frame and DIY swap everything over from the old trailer - everything I need to build it up comes to $5403, which includes the new Hosking frame. Warranty would be tricky, I presume.

4. Buy a new trailer from Xpress and sell my trailer - if it goes for $1k as most people seem to think it would, this would cost me a total of $5400, and I get a 5-year warranty and a trailer that would hopefully last at least 10 years.

I'm starting to lean towards #4, especially after what the fellow said today re galvanising...

Schampy

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Joined: 14 Aug 2014
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Points: 1968

Yep its easy to sit here and recommend NZ built brands etc. We not the ones having to shell out the hard earned $$$. Seen plenty of Surtees trailers looking pretty rough after way less than 10 years....

Its a tricky one..... I told myself I wouldnt get an express again after what happened to the breaks on mine ....(that could of seriously got messy if new boat owner was in an emergency stopping situation)

But if you are going to alleviate that problem buy fitting your own discs/calipers etc then you are at least minimizing potential issues.

5k for a 25 ft Tandem with a 5 year warrenty. Cheap mate.

I would pay to have the winch upgraded to an AL-KO while you were at it. Never been 100% with those open style winchs..... Americans seem to love em though... Maybe its just me....

Gappy

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Joined: 20 Oct 2002
Location: New Zealand
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What type of boat i have a friend with a near new glav tandem for sale had a 7m alloy boat on it hes gone to an alloy trailer.

It has keel rollers and skids on it.

He wants 5k for it locally built and built strong.

MikeAqua

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Joined: 29 Jul 2008
Location: Nelson
Status: Offline
Points: 2278

Schampy wrote:

Yep its easy to sit here and recommend NZ built brands etc. We not the ones having to shell out the hard earned $$$.

I'm recommending after having recently shelled out the $$$. Worth every cent.

If a customer did encounter issues, I have a high level of confidence Hosking will stand behind their product.

As I said, they built my trailer using patterns from 1987 when the boat was built. The wobble rollers weren't quite the right width for the boat's chine spacing.

After a phone call and an email with some measurements, Hosking supplied new, slightly wider wobble roller frames. They didn't charge me, just asked me to send the old frames back.

pompey

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Joined: 02 Sep 2011
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Points: 1364

MikeAqua wrote:

[QUOTE=Schampy]Yep its easy to sit here and recommend NZ built brands etc. We not the ones having to shell out the hard earned $$$.

I'm recommending after having recently shelled out the $$$. Worth every cent.

If a customer did encounter issues, I have a high level of confidence Hosking will stand behind their product.

As I said, they built my trailer using patterns from 1987 when the boat was built. The wobble rollers weren't quite the right width for the boat's chine spacing.

After a phone call and an email with some measurements, Hosking supplied new, slightly wider wobble roller frames. They didn't charge me, just asked me to send the old frames back.

I agree, I have had these guys build me a trailer and they are very reliable and customer focused and they stand by their trailers. If you are going to keep you boat for a few years, I think it is well worth to spend the extra couple of grand and have a quality trailer backed by the manufacturer. If you compared the trailers side by side you would notice the difference in quality I'm sure.

fritzhu

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Joined: 10 Aug 2015
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Points: 195

I should probably mention that I only have around $6.5k to spend - if I had 9, I would be going with the Hosking hands down :) not necessarily because of the quality (Xpress seem pretty good too, I visited their shop in Warkworth today and they do build them there on-site and have them galv'd in Hamilton) but because of everything I've heard about their customer service. They really just seem a cut above the rest.

fritzhu

Silver

Joined: 10 Aug 2015
Status: Offline
Points: 195

Schampy wrote:

Yep its easy to sit here and recommend NZ built brands etc. We not the ones having to shell out the hard earned $$$. Seen plenty of Surtees trailers looking pretty rough after way less than 10 years....

Its a tricky one..... I told myself I wouldnt get an express again after what happened to the breaks on mine ....(that could of seriously got messy if new boat owner was in an emergency stopping situation)

But if you are going to alleviate that problem buy fitting your own discs/calipers etc then you are at least minimizing potential issues.

5k for a 25 ft Tandem with a 5 year warrenty. Cheap mate.

I would pay to have the winch upgraded to an AL-KO while you were at it. Never been 100% with those open style winchs..... Americans seem to love em though... Maybe its just me....

That does sound like a good plan. Wonder if I can upgrade the winch, then use the old one to build some sort of an axle lift system for maneuvering it in the driveway ...

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Titanium

Joined: 10 Sep 2010
Location: The Dawn
Status: Offline
Points: 7951

I'll make an offer of opinions.

Cm trailers make ok gear in alloy, and there back up,service is excellent.

If you chase second hand gear, I do have some 1759 kg axles with durotorque suspension 10 years old that have plenty of life that I will happily sell at a good price.

Your call.

Still cruising in my now sweetas pimped out Southern 755 HT0!

out2sea

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Joined: 01 Feb 2015
Location: Auckland
Status: Offline
Points: 279

Resurrecting an old thread. I'm in the same situation as the original poster. I have a 20 year old trailer that I suspect is beyond economical and safe repair.

The question is; What has changed other than prices since 2017 in regards to galv. vs Alloy?

Trailer is for a 6.5m Rayglass 2150. So sitting on its original Hoskings trailer.

The $8800 quote for a new Hoskings by OP is looking incredibly good now, thanks inflation..

Current Approx. Prices:

Galv. $13k base + $750 for SS rotor upgrade for NZ made. Waiting on other quotes.

Alloy: Spitfire: $13.5k Any Experience? I don't see to many around in NZ

Ally Trailers: $18.5k

Given its unlikely a new Galv trailer will last 20 years again given the quality of galvanising has dropped is the additional cost of alloy worth it?

MB

Titanium

Joined: 08 Jan 2016
Location: Northland
Status: Offline
Points: 6005

I can't answer your question, but I would be interested to know how much of a wash down people give their alloy trailers after a trip. Although I'm fastidious with the wash down of my galvanised trailer, it's a job that I particularly hate doing for some reason!

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