Advice please! Trailer for a 22 Cruiser

dblloyd

New member
How do I select a trailer for a 22 cruiser? Is there a list of manufacterers, models etc. Are there key measurements to tell the manufacturer? Salesmen tend to sell a larger trailer as they are unaccustomed to the lighter weight of a dory. Thanks for any and all comments. Dave
 
I think it depends on the part of the country you are in. Out here it is EZLoader and King that are the main brands. Mine is a 4 wheel trailer 4600 # capacity. I would check with other brats in your area. You might find some by using the brat map on the home page. I would really encourage a 4 wheel rather than 2 wheel trailer.
 
The best reply I can give is a blowout just outside of Spokane, Washington. At 60MPH I noticed dust and debris showed in the passenger side mirror. After stopping, one of the tires on that side had completely disintegrated. There was plenty of tread, the villain was UV deterioration. I put the spare on, drove to Coeur d'Alene and got new tires. Had the tire that blew been the only one on that side what was a scary annoyance would likely have destroyed the boat and maybe our lives.
 
I vote for a tandem axle (4 wheel) trailer too. Aside from the safety factor, it will give your boat a softer, smoother ride. It will track straighter when towing. Boat may ride lower to the road, being more laterally stable.

Two drawbacks for a tandem. Having to buy 4 tires, and that they will scuff some when turning to the sides.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

January_2010_181.thumb.jpg
 
Although I also favor a 4 wheel (tandem) trailer, The 22 I have now has a 2 wheel trailer with capacity of 4600 to 5000 lbs. We have towed the boat about 7,000 miles so far this year, with no problems. First you have to have high capacity tires, and rims. Next you have to replace the tires every 4 to 5 years. We check the pressure daily, and do temp checks every two hours on the brakes, tires and hubs.

The single axle trailer is easier to maneuver but with 15" wheels, the boat is higher out of the water.

Some favor a long tongue to avoid getting the truck in the water.

The boats tend to weight about 4000 to 4500 lbs loaded.

The Pacific brand also has a good reputation. But in reality all trailers are variations on the same theme. Some are better built--heavier frames, SS fittings torsion axels, disc (Kodiac) brakes--even some with electric over hydraulic brakes.

Back East most trailers are aluminum (as is mine)--and they are lighter. They also seem to wear as well or better than galvanized.

I favor bunks over rollers--but again there is a choice with arguments on both sides.
 
Go to a dealer and let him know what boat you have. It's his responsibility to set it up properly and make adjustments if it's not right. If you tell him what to do, you'll have to pay for adjustments. Let him earn his money. :thup

Charlie
 
dblloyd-

You will undoubtably have many more questions that will go on and on about trailers.

One way of exploring all the alternatives is to go to the Trailer Forum, which features eight pages of topics about boat trailers, some 370+ topics in all. Lots of information there! :lol:

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
dblloyd-

You will undoubtably have many more questions that will go on and on about trailers.

One way of exploring all the alternatives is to go to the Trailer Forum, which features eight pages of topics about boat trailers, some 370+ topics in all. Lots of information there! :lol:

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
Single axle- 3700 pound capacity (not to be confused with the trailer's gross weight rating). Some manufacturers identify their models by the gross, but most use the capacity, as that's what the trailer can carry.

Tandem Axle- 4000 pound capacity.

Many manufactures use the same frame for the single and tandem trailers of this size.

Bunk length will be determined by the manufacturer. Dual bunks are bext for loads this heavy so order the second set of bunks if they are not standard.

Side load guides are invaluable in loading a C-Dory so get the 5' (single axle) or 8' (tandem axle) side load guides.

Critical dimension is the measurement from the transom to the bow eye, as that determines where the winch stand needs to be and whether a particular frame will fit your boat.


EZ Loader models would be:

Single Axle: EZB 19-22 3700
Tandem Axle: TEZB 17-20/22 4000
or: TEZB 19-22/24 4700

Hope this helps.
 
Matt, Thank you very much! This is the type on information that I needed to get started. Much appreciated. Wished I lived on the same coast as Kitsap Marina. Dave
 
OR:

You buy it,
Matt build it and
Cory haul it, (especially if he has a delivery to do that does not include a trailer.

Problems fixed :hot :D :thup

By the way, the Pacific is a nice, well built trailer, too.

Harvey
SleepyC
 
Matt might "billed" it. :lol:

And there are many well built trailer lines across the country- EZ Loader is probably the best known nationally. Venture has a decent reputation as well and are east of the rockies market-wise.

Talk with your local dealer, and compare specs. Your local dealer should be able to fit the right trailer to your boat, and offer service and support after the sale as well.
 
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