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Author Topic:   E-Z-Loader Broken Axle After 30-years

1985supersport15 posted 07-21-2015 08:09 AM ET (US)
I have a 30 year old 1985 EZ Loader roller trailer that was used in fresh water for about 10 years and saltwater ever since. However, it wasn't until the last 8 years that I trailered the boat to and from saltwater every outing. The other 10 years the trailer was only used to put the boat in and out of saltwater a few times a season. Trailer was and is always rinsed thoroughly with fresh water and high pressure.
Last fall I had my rear cross member go likely due to no drain hole and collection of salt water that caused corrosion. Ordered replacment from EZ Loader and was back in business for this season.
This past weekend my axle broke and looks like the axle cross member also broke where the leaf spring ubolts connect.
I contacted E-Z-Loader. It looks like a minumum of $200 in parts for axle cross member, U-bolts, and plate kit. They also quoted me at $75 each for a hub kit, if I wanted to replace those, and $37 each for bearing kit, if I wanted to replace those at this time as well.
A $200 minimum doesn't sound too bad, but I am also looking at labor cost and the possibility of having to replace hubs and bearings. The rest of the trailer frame seems sound and I did the hammer test to is last fall and did not hear metal chips inside the tubes. However, I can see this repair cost adding up quickly.
I question if it would be worth just replacing the axle and getting the tralier functional again, or if I am just putting a band aid on a trailer that likely needs new hubs and bearings also since it is 30-years old. I am not even sure if the leaf springs need replacing.
If [the value of the trailer] is not worth the repairs, can anyone recommend a good trailer for a 1985 Super Sport 15'3"? I would prefer not to go all float-on. If there is a company that makes a keel roller trailer still with side bunks that would be ideal, but, if not, I am curious about the newer trailers with bunks and forward rollers.
Thank you in advance for any recommendations!

jimh posted 07-21-2015 08:21 AM ET (US)
Re-building a 30-year-old trailer by buying all OEM parts from the manufacturer at their repair-part list price will be expensive. If you also plan to hire the labor to make the repairs, the total cost of repair will probably be close to the cost of buying a new trailer.
Jefecinco posted 07-21-2015 09:16 AM ET (US)
If you have had a cross member and axle failure due hidden interior corrosion you have to suspect the main frame also has a good deal off hidden corrosion and is weakened.
You've enjoyed thirty years of service from the trailer. It's time for a replacement.
Butch
1985supersport15 posted 07-21-2015 10:15 AM ET (US)
Thank you for the replies. I agree with your logic. At this point I will just be chasing problems. I read the trailer reference section of the website which was very helpful.
Has anyone been able to find a manufacturer that makes a keel roller with 2 bunks for lateral support for a 15'3" SuperSport? I live in southern New Hampshire. I would prefer to stay away from a float on bunk trailer. If I can't find a keel roller the hybrid style with bunks and forward rollers sounds best. Anyone bought either of these trailer types fairly recently for a 15ft supersport (1985 ballpark)?
I want a trailer that provides fairly easy launch and retrieval and that is also a good fit for a Boston Whaler hull. This boat was my grandfather's and I plan to keep it in the family a long time.
Thanks,
AC
contender posted 07-21-2015 11:22 AM ET (US)
There are trailer dealers that make this type of trailer, problem is they may not be in your neck of the woods, down in south fla, most everyone has some type of alum float on type trailer, Rocket, Continental, Boat Master, to name a few...
tedious posted 07-21-2015 08:24 PM ET (US)
I trailer my 15 with a Magic Tilt Trailer model CDV16WT, with bunks and keel rollers. I do not see that exact model on Magic Tilt's website but I do see the CDV16. I think it's a matter of getting the basic trailer and putting the bunks and keel rollers to fit your application. My trailer was built in 2007. It tows very well and is quite easy to launch and load,
I can get pics in a few days if that would help.
Tim
1985supersport15 posted 07-21-2015 08:35 PM ET (US)
Thanks Contender and Tedious! I will do a bit of research and see what is available in my area. Tedious any pics of your rig would be appreciated, or anyones rig for a Supersport 15ft.
Since my trailer is so old and a ticking time bomb makes sense to look into a replacement and I will probably be back on the water faster than waiting for a repair.
NewportMe posted 07-22-2015 07:24 AM ET (US)
Try the trailer outlet in Tilton NH. 1-888-350-6500
Bruce
1985supersport15 posted 07-24-2015 09:00 AM ET (US)
Can anyone comment on Karavan trailers? The outfitter my boat was towed to sells them and quoted me $1300 on a galvanized model with 1500lb rating. Just curious if anyone has any experience with them. It seems they can do a keel roller trailer, although I will have to see how many rollers they offer. Overall seems like a decent brand with good bearing grease system.
I would prefer an aluminum trailer from Contender or Boat Master, but I think shipping cost from FL is going to make it cost prohibitive.
Also, anyone have weight range recommendation for a 1985 supersport 15? Whaler told me the hull is 580 lbs without motor, battery, fuel and gear. Outfitter that quoted me ont he trailer said I should get 1500lb capacity, but that seems a bit overkill to me. Next size down was 1250lb capacity.
Thanks,
AC
Jefecinco posted 07-24-2015 07:38 PM ET (US)
Karavan trailers are the OEM trailers selected by Boston Whaler.
It is absolutely impossible to beat a custom made trailer for your boat from a reputable builder. However, many/most(?) owners of late model Boston Whalers are using Karavan trailers without problems. I have one under my Montauk 190 and it does very well. I can recommend the models sold with Boston Whaler boats.
It could be interesting to learn from a Boston Whaler dealer what model of Karavan is sold with Boston Whaler of a close approximation to your boat's size.
Armed with that information you can find a price for that trailer model from your Karavan dealer.
Butch

tedious posted 07-25-2015 10:20 AM ET (US)
AC, a neighbor is storing the trailer for their newer Montauk 170 in my yard. It looks very similar in construction to my Magic Tilt, just without keel rollers. I assume it is a Karavan since it came from the Whaler dealer along with the boat.
I would go with the 1500 pound capacity if you are ever going to tow any distance - a little safety margin is a good thing. My trailer is rated for 1650 pounds. That said, my sister in law has always trailered her 1985 Supersport 15 on the trailer it came with - it's tiny, with 8" wheels, and the whole thing is no wider than the boat itself. It's very compact and light and if you only ever go a couple miles to the ramp twice a year, something like that might be the way to go.
Tim

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Author	Topic: E-Z-Loader Broken Axle After 30-years
1985supersport15	posted 07-21-2015 08:09 AM ET (US) I have a 30 year old 1985 EZ Loader roller trailer that was used in fresh water for about 10 years and saltwater ever since. However, it wasn't until the last 8 years that I trailered the boat to and from saltwater every outing. The other 10 years the trailer was only used to put the boat in and out of saltwater a few times a season. Trailer was and is always rinsed thoroughly with fresh water and high pressure. Last fall I had my rear cross member go likely due to no drain hole and collection of salt water that caused corrosion. Ordered replacment from EZ Loader and was back in business for this season. This past weekend my axle broke and looks like the axle cross member also broke where the leaf spring ubolts connect. I contacted E-Z-Loader. It looks like a minumum of $200 in parts for axle cross member, U-bolts, and plate kit. They also quoted me at $75 each for a hub kit, if I wanted to replace those, and $37 each for bearing kit, if I wanted to replace those at this time as well. A $200 minimum doesn't sound too bad, but I am also looking at labor cost and the possibility of having to replace hubs and bearings. The rest of the trailer frame seems sound and I did the hammer test to is last fall and did not hear metal chips inside the tubes. However, I can see this repair cost adding up quickly. I question if it would be worth just replacing the axle and getting the tralier functional again, or if I am just putting a band aid on a trailer that likely needs new hubs and bearings also since it is 30-years old. I am not even sure if the leaf springs need replacing. If [the value of the trailer] is not worth the repairs, can anyone recommend a good trailer for a 1985 Super Sport 15'3"? I would prefer not to go all float-on. If there is a company that makes a keel roller trailer still with side bunks that would be ideal, but, if not, I am curious about the newer trailers with bunks and forward rollers. Thank you in advance for any recommendations!
jimh	posted 07-21-2015 08:21 AM ET (US) Re-building a 30-year-old trailer by buying all OEM parts from the manufacturer at their repair-part list price will be expensive. If you also plan to hire the labor to make the repairs, the total cost of repair will probably be close to the cost of buying a new trailer.
Jefecinco	posted 07-21-2015 09:16 AM ET (US) If you have had a cross member and axle failure due hidden interior corrosion you have to suspect the main frame also has a good deal off hidden corrosion and is weakened. You've enjoyed thirty years of service from the trailer. It's time for a replacement. Butch
1985supersport15	posted 07-21-2015 10:15 AM ET (US) Thank you for the replies. I agree with your logic. At this point I will just be chasing problems. I read the trailer reference section of the website which was very helpful. Has anyone been able to find a manufacturer that makes a keel roller with 2 bunks for lateral support for a 15'3" SuperSport? I live in southern New Hampshire. I would prefer to stay away from a float on bunk trailer. If I can't find a keel roller the hybrid style with bunks and forward rollers sounds best. Anyone bought either of these trailer types fairly recently for a 15ft supersport (1985 ballpark)? I want a trailer that provides fairly easy launch and retrieval and that is also a good fit for a Boston Whaler hull. This boat was my grandfather's and I plan to keep it in the family a long time. Thanks, AC
contender	posted 07-21-2015 11:22 AM ET (US) There are trailer dealers that make this type of trailer, problem is they may not be in your neck of the woods, down in south fla, most everyone has some type of alum float on type trailer, Rocket, Continental, Boat Master, to name a few...
tedious	posted 07-21-2015 08:24 PM ET (US) I trailer my 15 with a Magic Tilt Trailer model CDV16WT, with bunks and keel rollers. I do not see that exact model on Magic Tilt's website but I do see the CDV16. I think it's a matter of getting the basic trailer and putting the bunks and keel rollers to fit your application. My trailer was built in 2007. It tows very well and is quite easy to launch and load, I can get pics in a few days if that would help. Tim
1985supersport15	posted 07-21-2015 08:35 PM ET (US) Thanks Contender and Tedious! I will do a bit of research and see what is available in my area. Tedious any pics of your rig would be appreciated, or anyones rig for a Supersport 15ft. Since my trailer is so old and a ticking time bomb makes sense to look into a replacement and I will probably be back on the water faster than waiting for a repair.
NewportMe	posted 07-22-2015 07:24 AM ET (US) Try the trailer outlet in Tilton NH. 1-888-350-6500 Bruce
1985supersport15	posted 07-24-2015 09:00 AM ET (US) Can anyone comment on Karavan trailers? The outfitter my boat was towed to sells them and quoted me $1300 on a galvanized model with 1500lb rating. Just curious if anyone has any experience with them. It seems they can do a keel roller trailer, although I will have to see how many rollers they offer. Overall seems like a decent brand with good bearing grease system. I would prefer an aluminum trailer from Contender or Boat Master, but I think shipping cost from FL is going to make it cost prohibitive. Also, anyone have weight range recommendation for a 1985 supersport 15? Whaler told me the hull is 580 lbs without motor, battery, fuel and gear. Outfitter that quoted me ont he trailer said I should get 1500lb capacity, but that seems a bit overkill to me. Next size down was 1250lb capacity. Thanks, AC
Jefecinco	posted 07-24-2015 07:38 PM ET (US) Karavan trailers are the OEM trailers selected by Boston Whaler. It is absolutely impossible to beat a custom made trailer for your boat from a reputable builder. However, many/most(?) owners of late model Boston Whalers are using Karavan trailers without problems. I have one under my Montauk 190 and it does very well. I can recommend the models sold with Boston Whaler boats. It could be interesting to learn from a Boston Whaler dealer what model of Karavan is sold with Boston Whaler of a close approximation to your boat's size. Armed with that information you can find a price for that trailer model from your Karavan dealer. Butch
tedious	posted 07-25-2015 10:20 AM ET (US) AC, a neighbor is storing the trailer for their newer Montauk 170 in my yard. It looks very similar in construction to my Magic Tilt, just without keel rollers. I assume it is a Karavan since it came from the Whaler dealer along with the boat. I would go with the 1500 pound capacity if you are ever going to tow any distance - a little safety margin is a good thing. My trailer is rated for 1650 pounds. That said, my sister in law has always trailered her 1985 Supersport 15 on the trailer it came with - it's tiny, with 8" wheels, and the whole thing is no wider than the boat itself. It's very compact and light and if you only ever go a couple miles to the ramp twice a year, something like that might be the way to go. Tim