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Author Topic:   2003 Montauk 170 E-Z-Loader Trailer

Maximus posted 04-15-2005 10:12 PM ET (US)
Two full seasons of use and I'm surprised at the distress [the E-Z-Loader trailer supplied with my 2003 170 MONTAUK] is showing.
Two main complaints:
1. Upon re-packing the bearings, I found the left side had water intrusion and the bearings/seal needed replacing. This trailer has less than 1000 miles on it. The bearing buddies (exterior) look like they are 10 years old.
2. Corrosion of the brake lights. Both 1157 bulbs were frozen in the sockets. The inner mounting bracket for the two rear bulbs was badly corroded. The mounting hardware for the two rear lights was also badly corroded...two #10 carrige bolts and a small #4 inside the light.
Anyone else surprised at how fast a 'new' trailer ages?
ScottH posted 04-15-2005 11:42 PM ET (US)
I bet I use 100 gallons of water to rinse my trailer each time I dunk her into the saltH2O. It's two years old with no rust. I also will spray WD-40 on areas where I have had problems with rust on other trailers
LHG posted 04-16-2005 12:03 AM ET (US)
You can eliminate problem #2 by installing a set of "Dry Launch" brand round trailer lights. Nothing like them. Install them with SS nuts and bolts. Mine are 16 years old, saltwter use, and ZERO corrosion or burn-outs. They come as standard equipment on Continental trailers.
WT posted 04-16-2005 01:27 AM ET (US)
I have changed every lightbulb (frame and tail lights) on my Caravan 2004 Montauk trailer. Trailer squeaks quite loud too. Seems like a cheap trailer.
Warren
Barney posted 04-16-2005 11:39 AM ET (US)
I'm not suprised the EZ loader, including mine, leaves a lot to be desired. Jim
erik selis posted 04-16-2005 07:58 PM ET (US)
I don't know about the Caravan trailers but the EZ-loader trailer that came with my 2003 170 Montauk aren't even allowed on the road here in Europe. At least with a 170 Montauk on it. Personally I think they look structurally inadequate to handle the weight of 170 Montauk over a longer period of time. The components used look like they came out of a toy store compared to many other trailers that are IMO better suited for the 170 Montauk.
Many folks are very concerned about towing their boats (Whalers) with super strong, powerful pick-ups saying that you can never expect the unexpected...like emergency stops and such. With a trailer like the EZ-loader (that comes with the 170) you could tow it with a tank but I wouldn't want my boat to be on it if anything unexpected happened.
Erik
Knot at Work posted 04-16-2005 08:04 PM ET (US)
Erik,
I concur.
It is pretty hard to line up the wheel wells (fenders) with the the sides of the boat and keep the required 3 inches on each side all without the PVC bunker guides.
Tough to load on a windy day.
Trailer sucks... Should have spent my money on a boat lift.
kingfish posted 04-16-2005 10:32 PM ET (US)
Geez, I don't know what all this EZ Loader bashing is about; I don't understand it. I have an EZ Loader that I am very happy with and is a typical well designed and built trailer; and I have seen many other EZ Loaders, and I simply haven't seen any problems with any of them, or heard their owners having concerns about them. Maybe some EZ Loaders have been poorly specced (that is to say dealers are trying to use too light a model to save a couple of bucks), but that can happen with any trailer manufacturer, and is not reason to bash the entire product line.
WT posted 04-16-2005 11:20 PM ET (US)
Perhaps the point here is that new Montauks come on low grade trailers. If I would have known, I would have upgraded. I did not know at the time of purchase that I would routinely trailer my Montauk 300 miles roundtrip.
Warren
erik selis posted 04-17-2005 04:56 AM ET (US)
John, if you look closely at my post you will see that I'm referring to the EZ-loader that came with the 170 Montauk. I intentionally mentioned that twice. I am not bashing EZ-loader trailers in general. Sorry if my post offended you.
Erik
jimh posted 04-17-2005 08:07 AM ET (US)
The two specific complaints aren't so much an E-Z-Loader trailer problem as they are just general trailer problems.
Sometimes a grease seal can fail if there is too much grease packed into the bearing. The grease is forced past the seal, rupturing or damaging it. Check the back of your trailer wheels for evidence of grease being flung out from the axle. If you see grease on the wheel rim, your seal is probably shot. Also, if the bearing is running hot, the heat will melt the grease. The melted grease will come out of the seals more easily. Or, perhaps there was not enough grease in the bearing initially. It is hard to say.
The lighting on the trailer was probably bargain-basement. Fortunately, it is not too difficult or expensive to get better quality lamps. Yes, it is unfortunate that on a quality boat like a Boston Whaler the trailer comes with lights that didn't last two years. Maybe that is why they have changed brands and now use KARAVAN.
Barney posted 04-17-2005 08:26 AM ET (US)
I guess I bashed the entire line of EZ Loader. Shouldn't have. I have no experience with other trailers in the EZ Loader line. As for my EZ Loader under my 2003 Montauk, it does the job, but I think a heavier trailer, higher rating, would be a good thing. Also a stainless upgrade. Jim
kingfish posted 04-17-2005 10:54 PM ET (US)
Thanks Erik - didn't mean to be over sensitive, either.
I think there are better and worse trailers, but the big thing I think with any manufacturer is to have the trailer properly set up and properly matched to the boat it carries. And then, just like the boat it carries, the trailer needs be properly maintained. (I lost my brakes - trailer brakes that is - on a 160 mile round trip today; no problem, just had to dial my driving back a little, and it has been nearly four years with over 10,000 miles with no maintenance at all to the system. So the maintenance is overdue and is next thing on the list.)
John
LHG posted 04-18-2005 01:31 PM ET (US)
Just don't ever buy or own a painted EZ Loader. I bought my 18 Outrage new from Larsen Marine in Waukegan IL, and they furnished such trailer with the boat. Another typical dealer trailer cheap out. This just seems to be the name of the game in selling new boats.
Three years later, with the trailer still looking brand new ON THE OUTSIDE, the tongue failed at 60 MPH in the center lane on I-94 just east of Gary Indiana, on the Friday evening beginning the 4-th of July weekend. (Those in the area know that traffic!) Needless to say, I'm very fortunate to be here typing this post, as the trailer went into violent fishtailing with semi's flying by me on both sides.
The tongue corroded out from the inside where one bolt held it to the main frame, separating tongue from rest of trailer. Only the boat, well strapped on, held the assembly together.
Looking at the 3 x 3 tongue, the metal was paper thin at the failure place, and the whole tongue was only 1/16th tubular wall to begin with. Atmospheric moisture and humidity cause tubular trailer sections to rust from the inside out, usually at the bolt holes. That's why I like all welded trailer frames.
If you own a painted trailer, just go out and replace the tongue with a new GALVANIZED, heavy wall replacement. It may save your life
fishinchips posted 04-18-2005 06:56 PM ET (US)
my ez loader trailer.
replaced the trailer rear lights with new LED lights.
replaced the trailer tongue with a swing tongue.
Thats it. Boat/Trailer is stored in the garage.
bigjohn1 posted 04-19-2005 09:16 AM ET (US)
Although I bought an '05 170, my boat came with an EZ Loader vice Karavan which everyone else gets on these newer models. My dealer told me he intentionally ordered my boat with the next larger size EZ Loader model than that which came with the pre-'04 170's due to its greater strength. As I sit here looking at the brochure which came with the trailer, they only picture four models - one with single axle and the other three are dual axle. Their are no graphics or other information contained on the trailer which specifies a model number but the stickers say the capacity is 2,800lbs with a GVWR of 3,500lbs. The trailer seems to be very beefy and of adequate structural to easily handle the 170. Is my dealer blowing smoke or is this simply the same EZ Loader which came with all pre-'04 Montauks? The bunks on my trailer extend aft of the transom about 12-15 inches even with the boat loaded and the winch positioned all the way aft, this leads me to believe I have a slightly larger EZ Loader than other pre-'04 models....any ideas?

Knot at Work posted 04-19-2005 12:42 PM ET (US)
BigJohn,
Your trailer is bigger. My bunks on my 03 EZ loader are flush with the transom.
KAW
hwnwhaler posted 04-19-2005 04:06 PM ET (US)
Hey BigJohn,
Mabey you got the trailor for the Nantucket? It's single axel but probably larger than the one for the 170. I would check mine for comparison to yours, but my 05 came with the Karavan. This one looks very solid, but we'll see a few years down the line.
John
bigjohn1 posted 04-20-2005 09:02 AM ET (US)
Yep, you guys may well have nailed it with mine being the model used for the Nantucket. Whatever it is, I looks solid (for now).

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Author	Topic: 2003 Montauk 170 E-Z-Loader Trailer
Maximus	posted 04-15-2005 10:12 PM ET (US) Two full seasons of use and I'm surprised at the distress [the E-Z-Loader trailer supplied with my 2003 170 MONTAUK] is showing. Two main complaints: 1. Upon re-packing the bearings, I found the left side had water intrusion and the bearings/seal needed replacing. This trailer has less than 1000 miles on it. The bearing buddies (exterior) look like they are 10 years old. 2. Corrosion of the brake lights. Both 1157 bulbs were frozen in the sockets. The inner mounting bracket for the two rear bulbs was badly corroded. The mounting hardware for the two rear lights was also badly corroded...two #10 carrige bolts and a small #4 inside the light. Anyone else surprised at how fast a 'new' trailer ages?
ScottH	posted 04-15-2005 11:42 PM ET (US) I bet I use 100 gallons of water to rinse my trailer each time I dunk her into the saltH2O. It's two years old with no rust. I also will spray WD-40 on areas where I have had problems with rust on other trailers
LHG	posted 04-16-2005 12:03 AM ET (US) You can eliminate problem #2 by installing a set of "Dry Launch" brand round trailer lights. Nothing like them. Install them with SS nuts and bolts. Mine are 16 years old, saltwter use, and ZERO corrosion or burn-outs. They come as standard equipment on Continental trailers.
WT	posted 04-16-2005 01:27 AM ET (US) I have changed every lightbulb (frame and tail lights) on my Caravan 2004 Montauk trailer. Trailer squeaks quite loud too. Seems like a cheap trailer. Warren
Barney	posted 04-16-2005 11:39 AM ET (US) I'm not suprised the EZ loader, including mine, leaves a lot to be desired. Jim
erik selis	posted 04-16-2005 07:58 PM ET (US) I don't know about the Caravan trailers but the EZ-loader trailer that came with my 2003 170 Montauk aren't even allowed on the road here in Europe. At least with a 170 Montauk on it. Personally I think they look structurally inadequate to handle the weight of 170 Montauk over a longer period of time. The components used look like they came out of a toy store compared to many other trailers that are IMO better suited for the 170 Montauk. Many folks are very concerned about towing their boats (Whalers) with super strong, powerful pick-ups saying that you can never expect the unexpected...like emergency stops and such. With a trailer like the EZ-loader (that comes with the 170) you could tow it with a tank but I wouldn't want my boat to be on it if anything unexpected happened. Erik
Knot at Work	posted 04-16-2005 08:04 PM ET (US) Erik, I concur. It is pretty hard to line up the wheel wells (fenders) with the the sides of the boat and keep the required 3 inches on each side all without the PVC bunker guides. Tough to load on a windy day. Trailer sucks... Should have spent my money on a boat lift.
kingfish	posted 04-16-2005 10:32 PM ET (US) Geez, I don't know what all this EZ Loader bashing is about; I don't understand it. I have an EZ Loader that I am very happy with and is a typical well designed and built trailer; and I have seen many other EZ Loaders, and I simply haven't seen any problems with any of them, or heard their owners having concerns about them. Maybe some EZ Loaders have been poorly specced (that is to say dealers are trying to use too light a model to save a couple of bucks), but that can happen with any trailer manufacturer, and is not reason to bash the entire product line.
WT	posted 04-16-2005 11:20 PM ET (US) Perhaps the point here is that new Montauks come on low grade trailers. If I would have known, I would have upgraded. I did not know at the time of purchase that I would routinely trailer my Montauk 300 miles roundtrip. Warren
erik selis	posted 04-17-2005 04:56 AM ET (US) John, if you look closely at my post you will see that I'm referring to the EZ-loader that came with the 170 Montauk. I intentionally mentioned that twice. I am not bashing EZ-loader trailers in general. Sorry if my post offended you. Erik
jimh	posted 04-17-2005 08:07 AM ET (US) The two specific complaints aren't so much an E-Z-Loader trailer problem as they are just general trailer problems. Sometimes a grease seal can fail if there is too much grease packed into the bearing. The grease is forced past the seal, rupturing or damaging it. Check the back of your trailer wheels for evidence of grease being flung out from the axle. If you see grease on the wheel rim, your seal is probably shot. Also, if the bearing is running hot, the heat will melt the grease. The melted grease will come out of the seals more easily. Or, perhaps there was not enough grease in the bearing initially. It is hard to say. The lighting on the trailer was probably bargain-basement. Fortunately, it is not too difficult or expensive to get better quality lamps. Yes, it is unfortunate that on a quality boat like a Boston Whaler the trailer comes with lights that didn't last two years. Maybe that is why they have changed brands and now use KARAVAN.
Barney	posted 04-17-2005 08:26 AM ET (US) I guess I bashed the entire line of EZ Loader. Shouldn't have. I have no experience with other trailers in the EZ Loader line. As for my EZ Loader under my 2003 Montauk, it does the job, but I think a heavier trailer, higher rating, would be a good thing. Also a stainless upgrade. Jim
kingfish	posted 04-17-2005 10:54 PM ET (US) Thanks Erik - didn't mean to be over sensitive, either. I think there are better and worse trailers, but the big thing I think with any manufacturer is to have the trailer properly set up and properly matched to the boat it carries. And then, just like the boat it carries, the trailer needs be properly maintained. (I lost my brakes - trailer brakes that is - on a 160 mile round trip today; no problem, just had to dial my driving back a little, and it has been nearly four years with over 10,000 miles with no maintenance at all to the system. So the maintenance is overdue and is next thing on the list.) John
LHG	posted 04-18-2005 01:31 PM ET (US) Just don't ever buy or own a painted EZ Loader. I bought my 18 Outrage new from Larsen Marine in Waukegan IL, and they furnished such trailer with the boat. Another typical dealer trailer cheap out. This just seems to be the name of the game in selling new boats. Three years later, with the trailer still looking brand new ON THE OUTSIDE, the tongue failed at 60 MPH in the center lane on I-94 just east of Gary Indiana, on the Friday evening beginning the 4-th of July weekend. (Those in the area know that traffic!) Needless to say, I'm very fortunate to be here typing this post, as the trailer went into violent fishtailing with semi's flying by me on both sides. The tongue corroded out from the inside where one bolt held it to the main frame, separating tongue from rest of trailer. Only the boat, well strapped on, held the assembly together. Looking at the 3 x 3 tongue, the metal was paper thin at the failure place, and the whole tongue was only 1/16th tubular wall to begin with. Atmospheric moisture and humidity cause tubular trailer sections to rust from the inside out, usually at the bolt holes. That's why I like all welded trailer frames. If you own a painted trailer, just go out and replace the tongue with a new GALVANIZED, heavy wall replacement. It may save your life
fishinchips	posted 04-18-2005 06:56 PM ET (US) my ez loader trailer. replaced the trailer rear lights with new LED lights. replaced the trailer tongue with a swing tongue. Thats it. Boat/Trailer is stored in the garage.
bigjohn1	posted 04-19-2005 09:16 AM ET (US) Although I bought an '05 170, my boat came with an EZ Loader vice Karavan which everyone else gets on these newer models. My dealer told me he intentionally ordered my boat with the next larger size EZ Loader model than that which came with the pre-'04 170's due to its greater strength. As I sit here looking at the brochure which came with the trailer, they only picture four models - one with single axle and the other three are dual axle. Their are no graphics or other information contained on the trailer which specifies a model number but the stickers say the capacity is 2,800lbs with a GVWR of 3,500lbs. The trailer seems to be very beefy and of adequate structural to easily handle the 170. Is my dealer blowing smoke or is this simply the same EZ Loader which came with all pre-'04 Montauks? The bunks on my trailer extend aft of the transom about 12-15 inches even with the boat loaded and the winch positioned all the way aft, this leads me to believe I have a slightly larger EZ Loader than other pre-'04 models....any ideas?
Knot at Work	posted 04-19-2005 12:42 PM ET (US) BigJohn, Your trailer is bigger. My bunks on my 03 EZ loader are flush with the transom. KAW
hwnwhaler	posted 04-19-2005 04:06 PM ET (US) Hey BigJohn, Mabey you got the trailor for the Nantucket? It's single axel but probably larger than the one for the 170. I would check mine for comparison to yours, but my 05 came with the Karavan. This one looks very solid, but we'll see a few years down the line. John
bigjohn1	posted 04-20-2005 09:02 AM ET (US) Yep, you guys may well have nailed it with mine being the model used for the Nantucket. Whatever it is, I looks solid (for now).