karavan classic trailer repairs

[1shooter]

I have a total of 24 rollers on this trailer and some of them are begining to crack. I would guess about 6-8 of them.

I have always wondered if a bunks would be better than rollers. I have looked at the cost to replace the rollers and the cost to convert it to bunks and it is about a wash.

Any thoughts on which way to go would be appreciated.


The trailer is galvanized and has a 3000lb capacity. The boat I trailer is a 1850 Crestliner Sportfish

[TomP.]

It all comes down too personal preference and type of landings you use. Bunks wear and rot out too so there is no trailer that is totally maintenence free. I have had both types of trailers, winter I prefer rollers the boat does not freeze down. really steep landing bunks are better. It is totally up to you. Personally I would just replace the rollers if the trailer loads really well.

[ffishman]

The average boat spends 85% of its life sitting on the trailer. Bunk trailers provide the best support.

[1shooter]

Originally Posted by TomP.

It all comes down too personal preference and type of landings you use. Bunks wear and rot out too so there is no trailer that is totally maintenence free. I have had both types of trailers, winter I prefer rollers the boat does not freeze down. really steep landing bunks are better. It is totally up to you. Personally I would just replace the rollers if the trailer loads really well.

Well thats what has me thinking of changing. For the past 3 years the boat started loading crooked. To the point where I had to have someone towards the rear of the boat pushing it to one side to make it load center. I even had a dealer look at the trailer and they said it was fine. Keep in mind the boat was not on it when they looked at it.

The rollers would roll freely but I am now thinking that under stress the ones with the cracks may not of moved freely causing it to load crooked.

I agree bunk or roller is a personal preference but would hate to spend over a $100 on rollers to have the same problem. At least with the bunk I know it would load straight.

[MarkG]

1shooter...I guess then it would be dependent on what the bunk configuration of the Karavan Kit would give you. If at least 4 bunks,,2 near the keel,you may end up with a nice setup. But how high or low the boat will sit on the trailer will also effect your ease of load/unload.

If the trailer worked ok for you before the rollers became cracked,You may want to just replace the cracked rollers. At least your results would be predictable. (Also look for loose or cracked roller pivot arm mounting brackets).