Load Rite 5S-AC25T6000102LTB1 trailer

[bobbpopp]

Hi all,
I am a new owner of a 2002 MacGregor 26x.
The trailer has new tires but is quite rusty after all these years.
I would need to trailer about 40 miles to get to my slip.
There is someone who has a used Load Rite 5S-AC25T6000102LTB1 for sale.
I am afraid the trailer is a bit short.
Another option is to have the factory trailer welded and perhaps put on another axle just to be confident pulling the boat around.
What do you think?
Thanks,
Bob

[OverEasy]

If you have an original steel trailer that has been in salt water or brackish water look it over very carefully... especially at all welded areas and hidden from view areas.

When we looked at several vessels on original trailers and there were substantial problems in these regions where no amount of additional weld would fix appropriately for anything other than possibly a yard trailer but never on a public road. Please be cautious rather than optimistic.

Trailer and boat length and center of gravity all come into play. (Is the Load Rite adjustable range for the axle far enough aft? Is there enough structure to provide support for an aft extension? )

Might I suggest that you visit a valid boat trailer vendor (or call Load Rite or Sea Lion) with the information and dimensions of your Mac26X and see what they recommend. (Some trailer manufacturers are actually quite helpful and can provide some good advice, suggestions and options to consider.)

[OverEasy]

Believe that this is similar to the trailer you mentioned.
The bow hook to stern distance is too short per specification and (I could be mistaken but...) from what is viewable it doesn’t look like the axle structure can shift aft sufficiently for use with a Mac26X.

[bobbpopp]

Hi OverEasy,
Thank you so much for the information provided.
I agree that I should not rely on my rusted trailer.
I have found the following.
Another person posted this measurement:
Bow eye to transom = 23.5'.

Looking at the LoadRite specs
http://www.loadrite.com/spec-sheet-gene ... 000102LTB1
BOW EYE TO TRANSOM MAXIMUM: 23' 10"

In theory, a 26x would just fit but is that enough margin?
Does anyone know if you can adjust the axles on a LoadRite to get a better balance, especially since most of us have a heavy outboard?

[OverEasy]

Hi

I’ll bet the Load-Rite people can help you with that.

Load Rite Trailers, Inc.
265 Lincoln Highway
Fairless Hills, PA 19030

215-949-0500
215-949-1385 (fax)

[bobbpopp]

Thanks!
I was planning to call Load Rite tomorrow.
The one I was looking at sold today for $3k.
So the guy bought it for around $4.5k.
$1.5k depreciation in 6 years is $250 per year.
I would buy a new one if I can find it.
OverEasy, thanks for all the input.
Dealers in Long Island NY I am looking!
Thanks,
Robert

[OverEasy]

Depending upon how you feel about it you may want to consider an Aluminum trailer.
Lighter by almost half and doesn’t rust...

If we were to buy a new one those are two aspects on our wish list.....

[Tomfoolery]

Maybe these sketches will help. I made the first one to illustrate the calculation of the boat's C of G based on known values, such as trailer weight and CG location, and total weight and tongue load. The second one is just the same with some extra dimensions you might find useful.

I wouldn't use them to calculate payload values for shipping it to the moon, but it should be close enough for what you want to do.

If they lack detail due to being screen shots, I can email pdf files with much better resolution.

[bobbpopp]

Thank you very much. The pictures are very informative.
I decided to have a professional transport my boat on his trailer.
That way I feel much safer and have all summer to decide what to do with the old trailer.
I just tried to call LoadRite but they refer to dealers.
Is there a consensus on which trailer is best? I like the idea of an aluminum dual axle trailer.