building a trailer for a 2007 240DA. Need advice

E

emckissack@hotmail.com

Member
May 21, 2016
134
Pensacola
Boat Info
240 Sundancer 2007
Engines
5.0 Bravo 3
I am having an aluminum trailer built and would like to know if I can go with a 5 1/2 x 3 1/2" I beam with 2 3500# axles for a total GVW of 7000# V/S the 6 1/2 x 4 1/2" I beam with 2 5000# axles. for a total of 10,000# GVW. The builder recommended the smaller one but I would like to know what is typically placed under this size of boat. The price difference is approx $1,400.00 and I would love to stick with the less expense if possible. What do you guys think? It currently sits on an old Prestige painted trailer and the info decal is weather away so I cant tell what the original trailer was built to hold.
Thank You
 
Add up the total weight of your boat - the stated "dry weight"... any optional equipment (like the B3 drive, for example)... full gas/water/waste... battery(ies)... items/things you normally carry... and then add some more "for good measure" - maybe 300lbs. Add this "wet weight" to the weight of the trailer and you'll know exactly what axles would work for you.
 
I'd stay away from 3 axles, if you can. That boat absolutely doesn't need 3 axles, it's not that big. In my opinion, the only thing that the 3rd axle does is cost you more money in the long run with the expense of another set of tires and brakes... along with another set of bearings to possibly strand you in the middle of a highway somewhere.

Any reason that you're not buying from a trailer dealer and getting something already set-up for your boat (or from a place that knows what to do to begin with), rather than having it "made"? I would expect a decent trailer from a reputable company to be somewhere in the $3,500 range for your boat. Maybe you're getting it for much less? Just make sure you're getting something reliable and that has a good warranty. Saving a few bucks now isn't worth dealing with problems later. You're in the land of year-round boating - I'm sure there must be plenty of trailer dealers down there. The biggest thing though, is make sure you're getting a quality trailer with quality components - there are definitely differences out there.

I do agree that it's safer to go bigger, than smaller. But I would caution on going too big - the ride will be rougher on the boat. Ever ride in an older, 1-ton pickup truck when it's not loaded? Bone jarring ride. Once you put a decent amount of weight in the bed, the ride smooths out nicely.
 
Last edited:
Lazy Daze said:
I'd stay away from 3 axles, if you can. That boat absolutely doesn't need 3 axles, it's not that big. In my opinion, the only thing that the 3rd axle does is cost you more money in the long run with the expense of another set of tires and brakes... along with another set of bearings to possibly strand you in the middle of a highway somewhere.

Any reason that you're not buying from a trailer dealer and getting something already set-up for your boat (or from a place that knows what to do to begin with), rather than having it "made"? I would expect a decent trailer from a reputable company to be somewhere in the $3,500 range for your boat. Maybe you're getting it for much less? Just make sure you're getting something reliable and that has a good warranty. Saving a few bucks now isn't worth dealing with problems later. You're in the land of year-round boating - I'm sure there must be plenty of trailer dealers down there. The biggest thing though, is make sure you're getting a quality trailer with quality components - there are definitely differences out there.

I do agree that it's safer to go bigger, than smaller. But I would caution on going too big - the ride will be rougher on the boat. Ever ride in an older, 1-ton pickup truck when it's not loaded? Bone jarring ride. Once you put a decent amount of weight in the bed, the ride smooths out nicely.
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Current price for the dual 5k# axles is running $5k from a builder. I feel that is way to high and am looking to see if I really need that grade of trailer, the one w/ 2 3.5k# axles is running $3k but has the smaller I beam construction. $300.00 to add a 3rd axle. both have 4 wheel disc brakes
 
I've never dealt with a "builder" (only with trailer manufacturer's) so I can't comment on their build quality/craftsmanship or quality of materials. You'll obviously have to make that decision. But I can tell you that trailer prices (retail from a trailer manufacturer) can vary quite a bit. Aside from a fully custom trailer, I could see prices anywhere from maybe $3,000/$3,500 to about $5,500 for your boat (as much as $10K if we look at high-end stuff, customization and lot's of options/upgrades). Much of that comes down to the things I mentioned above as even things like springs can vary in quality. A couple other variables that come in to play are things like access to components and volume.

What I'm getting at, is that there's a lot more that goes into a trailer than simply what it's rated to carry. The 10,000lb trailer you're referring to probable has a carrying capacity somewhere around 8,500+lbs (since it's aluminum). If the components are quality and the trailer comes with a good reputation, then $5K is actually a pretty good price. IF, however, the components are bargain-shelf level, then it's overpriced.
 
emckissack@hotmail.com said:
Yes...He is one that I am dealing with.. He is coming in a bit lower than a local builder
Click to expand...

I bought my trailer for my 310 from NexTrail. They are also in FL. They are on the web. Call them and compare their price.
 
emckissack@hotmail.com said:
I am having an aluminum trailer built and would like to know if I can go with a 5 1/2 x 3 1/2" I beam with 2 3500# axles for a total GVW of 7000# V/S the 6 1/2 x 4 1/2" I beam with 2 5000# axles. for a total of 10,000# GVW. The builder recommended the smaller one but I would like to know what is typically placed under this size of boat. The price difference is approx $1,400.00 and I would love to stick with the less expense if possible. What do you guys think? It currently sits on an old Prestige painted trailer and the info decal is weather away so I cant tell what the original trailer was built to hold.
Thank You
Click to expand...
Can't say much on I-beam size. That engineering is part of what you pay for from a good trailer builder. In the end it'll be the tires that dictate your load capacity. If you go with the 7,000# trailer you'll be overloaded. You'll probably be posting here in the future wondering why your tires wear funny and blow out. 10,000# would be a good fit for that boat.

How much towing you going to do? I ask this because I had a 270 Sundeck(only a couple hundred pounds heavier) and I towed it on a tri-axle. If you go with 3 axles put brakes on it too. Talk about some smooth towing, hardly knew it was back there.
 
i trailer mine 240 with a twin axle which is rated for 7700 lbs. ( 3500 kgs) . i once had my boat on a crane to adjust the axles for correct weight on the tow eye and found out the boat alone is 6500lbs with a little fuel and some gear in it ( when the crane load display was correct... )

with a 7000 lbs trailer you are undersized, but no need fpr a triple axle or a 10000 lbs trailer.

one yuestion : what is the tow limit in USA for a standard car coupler ? in europe 7700 lbs ( 3500kg ) regardless what the trailer or the car could do - beyond 7700 lbs you need a full size truck toweye and pneumatic brakes.
 
There are tons of "builders" near me that get standard size trailers in stock from big name manufacturers but with no axles, no suspension, no coupler, no bunks or rollers and no wiring done. You go and "build" your trailer for your boat since every boat is different. Almost went this route until I found out for mine it would be just a tick over $7,000. And need #15,000 capacity tri-axle. Towing it wouldn't be a problem but paying for it would be.
These "builders" do nothing more than accessorize the trailer you are looking for. It still carries any and all warranties that came from trailer manufacturers they just do the final locally for less money than ordering from the factory. It's like a "dealer add-on" from any car dealer. No different.
 
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