Choosing A Boat Trailer

Many boat owners aren’t lucky enough to live by the water’s edge where they can dock their boats at all times. This means that they have to tow their boats from their homes to the nearest body of water. This requires the use of a boat trailer.

If you’re buying a boat trailer, you’ll have to check which shape and size will hold your boat securely and whether it’s towable by your vehicle. Trailers are also made of different materials, which have their pros and cons.

Go through our guidelines below to get an idea of what you should look for when buying a trailer. If you have any questions or would like to see your options, head to our boat dealership in Chubbuck, Idaho. Our collection of trailers and boats for sale at RVs and Boats For Less is sure to whet your appetite for the open waters! We are proud to serve our friends from Idaho Falls, Pocatello and Twin Falls, Idaho and Logan and Salt Lake City, Utah.

Construction Material

Trailers are generally made of two materials ─ galvanized steel and aluminum. You’ll have to see the advantages and drawbacks of each to know which one is best for you. We’ve listed their points below but if you want more information, come to RVs and Boats For Less and ask our expert staff.

Galvanized steel

This is the more rigid of the two materials so it won’t flex under the weight of a heavy boat. Steel is used more often for large boat trailers but it is also a more stable material for lighter loads. Galvanized steel is coated with zinc, which makes it rust resistant and is a self-healing material.

Aluminum

Aluminum is lighter and more flexible than steel. If you have a smaller boat, an aluminum trailer can greatly reduce the weight you’re towing. For larger boats, there has to be a sturdier construction, which makes the weight increase.

Bunk Trailer

These trailers are made for ‘float on/float off’ unloading, letting you load and unload your boat in the water. If you buy a bunk trailer for your boat, make sure that your vehicle can back up all the way into the water. These trailers hold your boat securely within the rails that run along the length of the trailer. Keep in mind though that if you try loading and unloading your boat without water buoyancy to assist you, you’ll probably end up damaging your boat and trailer. For more tips about using these trailers, ask our technicians at our boat dealership.

Roller Trailer

As the name suggests, these have rollers along the rails of the trailers. This is perfect for when you can’t back your trailer right into the water. The rollers make it easier to load and unload your yacht or sailboat on and off the trailer. These trailers are generally made for larger, heavier boats. They are also more expensive but if you spent a lot on your boat and would like to enjoy it without too much hassle, this could be the trailer for you.

Tips

It’s always recommended to store your trailer under a cover or in a garage especially when it rains and in the winter as well. Also, keep a color-matching paint can or cold galvanized spray can if you have a steel trailer. If you notice chips or rust spots, just spritz one of these to stop it from growing.

If you want to see trailers and boats for sale near Idaho Falls, Pocatello and Twin Falls, Idaho and Logan and Salt Lake City, Utah, come to our boat dealership in Chubbuck, Idaho. At RVs and Boats For Less, we have a wide collection of trailers and boats for sale and our trained technicians will only be too happy to share some more boating tips with you!