Bass Boat Forums

Well, it looks like my trailer has reached the end of the road   

I spent the money to put new hubs on both axels a few weeks ago, figuring that would keep me going until I replaced the trailer in a couple years.
Nope. Didn't work out that way! 

While I was in the garage a couple days ago, I happened to stick my head under the trailer to check something, and while I was under there, I spotted some rust that looked pretty scary.

I grabbed my flashlight and checked it out more thoroughly. Here's what I saw.




















So, I did some scrambling, researched some replacement aftermarket trailers and made tons of phone calls.

No matter who I called, there were no trailers in stock anywhere for my boat. I managed to find one galvanized trailer that was available in Worcester, MA (60 or so miles from me). But it was bigger than what I needed, so I passed on it.

Every dealer I spoke with said it would take up to 15 weeks (or more) to get a trailer in once it was ordered   

Ultimately, I finally found a trailer dealer in East Haven, CT (50 or so miles from me) who sells Venture trailers. It was the brand I wanted. Sadly, he only had trailers in stock that were either too big or too small for my boat.

But, on the positive side, he just happens to be the biggest Venture dealer in the USA, so he gets trailers in regularly. He said that if I was to order the model I wanted, he could have it in within 6 week... maybe less.

So, I placed an order and put a deposit down on a Venture VAB-2625 aluminum trailer.




It's not made specifically for my boat, like the current trailer was. But it will last me for whatever time I own the boat, since it won't rust. That's all I am concerned with at this point.

To top it off, it comes equipped with some nice wheels and the aluminum frame looks much better than galvanized steel does.

Now I just need it to arrive on time (or earlier) so I can put it under my boat.

In the meantime, I will nurse mine for as long as I can. And I have a friend who can loan me a trailer if I need to while I wait 

Now that could be a problem.  I’ll have to check on it.

No you guys have me wondering.  I’m going to have to check and see if my AAA membership covers hauling a boat.

I now have a spare hub that I will be holding onto and using as a fallback in case I need it.

In your case, Jack, I would suggest keeping something with you in the event that you have a failure on the road. Hubs are cheap (under $100) and are pretty straight forward to change out. It might save you a major headache one day. You never know! 

My new boat trailer has Vault oil bath hubs.

I've heard mixed reviews on the oil bath hubs. If they spring a leak, you're done. A few stories of trailer wheels rolling past the tow vehicle come to mind