out2sea wrote: 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?

I got best trailer last yr and for price nothing really compares,ring in the morning and was ready by afternoon. Everything is adjustable.             https://besttrailers.co.nz/product/105/bst680dr-suits-20-21ft-boats/

I have a 4 year old Figlass trailer, and the galvanising is badly corroding. Obviously the galv standard is terrible. It goes in the sea. Incidentally, I complained to Figlass, and they werent interested. Also - I made a warranty claim for something else, and Figlass has just ignored it. ie 3 communications through the retailer and no reply!! Hows that for terrible service. Pity as otherwise their boats are good.

Best trailers are bolted together.little welding.channeks are open .no end caps.pkenty drains holes to flush out.With my set up.I have to put a rope around winch post too slow boat down or hold winch handles as boat just slides off.Retrieval lights just touch water and winch on.dint have to submerge to axles.bearinf buddies fitted and I grease/check 3 monthly.no sign of rust in 12 months but springs could do with a spray..4k v 6.5k get what you pay for but no waiting on stock

It does make me wonder why more galv trailers aren't made with U section or I section steel to stop the salt water pooling inside.

All box section trailers I have seen have rusted from the inside out which is certainly the case with mine. It makes me think the previous owner never flushed it. It has always been a part of the boats wash down for me.

I see some manufacturers offer flushing ports as standard now but it doesn't seem to do the cross members well.

Alternatively the spitfire trailer is anodised and hardened aluminium which is bolted together so no welds to crack and looks to be I section so easy to rinse and nowhere for salt to build up.

Have to say my Voyager trailer is a bit basic, but all the internals can be flushed out fairly easily. I'm no engineer, but I wonder why trailers aren't made with sealed box sections? 

krow wrote: MB wrote: Have to say my Voyager trailer is a bit basic, but all the internals can be flushed out fairly easily. I'm no engineer, but I wonder why trailers aren't made with sealed box sections?  Can't hot dip if sealed. Could explode blasting hot molten Galv everywhere.  Also without a proper pressure test and positive pressure all the time water may get in and not be able to get out.  I really doubt being supper pedantic with wash down at home extends the life by much. A fair bit of the salt buildup is while it's parked at the ramp and unlikely to be able to remove the semi dried salt from the internals.

Just like flushing motor,1/2hr trip home.The hot motor cooling on way home,doubt on flushing all salt is removed,same for trailers/brakes.Sitting at park bay while fishing,damage occurring?

I have a galv trailer made of ‘C’ section and after nearly 5 years it’s looking good, just some rust on nuts and bolts etc. it gets used a lot and I’m not too fussy when it comes to washing down. The axle is box and I can’t really get much water into the holes to flush it out. I figured if I need to replace the axle eventually, I can live with that.