advise on trailers

[dandsphillips08]

i have just bought an 18 foot mitchell boat. The trailer that its on is an older type galvanized trailer with 4-80x12 tires on it. The boat sits over the fenders, so its sitting up there pretty good. I have a bass boat style trailer also that has 14 inch wheels on it, and the boat would sit between the fenders, and much lower? Which trailer would be the best for the boat. I plan on pulling it from VA to SC at least five to ten times a year. Both trailers are roadworthy. Just trying to get some insight. Thanks

 

[sc_shane]

Re: advise on trailers

Hey dandsphillips. If your boat will fit on the bass trailer without modification, I'd throw it up there and take it for a ride. That's the only way you're going to be able to tell which trailer it rides on better. If you're planning on a long haul (VA to SC) I'd be sure to drive it on the highway during your test drive as well.

Chances are, you're going to have to make some kind of modification to that trailer to get your Mitchell boat on the bass boat trailer. If I were you, I'd just keep it on the trailer it's sitting on now, change the bearings, ensure the tires are inflated right without dry rot, and call it good. Although it's probably sitting a little high to you, bass boats by nature sit LOW on trailers (in my opinion).

Where are you taking it in SC? Maybe we can meet up and I can show you how to fish! Ha!

 

[Knightgang]

Re: advise on trailers

I do not know much about the Mitchell boat, but I would prefer to be on the 14" wheels on the long Highway tows. THe lower trailer will be much better for ramp launghing as well...

 

[dandsphillips08]

Re: advise on trailers

hey shane, it actually will fit ok on the bass boat trailer. I was in a toss up between the trailer its on and the bass boat trailer. I kinda like the bass boat trailer bc it would sit lower, so it would be right behind the tow vehicle. And would be more stable at highway speeds. But im still looking for insight. Oh and im from Rock Hill, but im currently over seas (Army). But my brother in law is helping me out alot with picking up the boat, and the motor. I have fished almost every lake in SC except monticello, and greenwood. But have been all the way up the saluda river to the dam at greenwood

 

[sc_shane]

Re: advise on trailers

Good deal if it will fit on there right. Take her for a spin and see what you think, but I'm sure the experts here will have better advice than me. Knightgang is on the right track with the bigger wheels for sure...

Hats off to you for serving our country! I work in the business and appreciate everything you do! Thank you SIR!

I keep my boat up on Keowee, but trailer her down to Greenwood all the time. Bass and catfish are great in that shallow lake - I've come home with a cooler full many times. For reference, check this out: http://www.dnr.sc.gov/news/freshwater.html

 

[dandsphillips08]

Re: advise on trailers

yea i was planning on seeing which one pulled better...i also dont think them 12 inch tires would be trustworthy running 70-75 for 5 or six hours...Oh man you dont have to thank me...i love my job and i love serving my country...Have you ever fished lake fontana in NC. Me and my step-dad pulled our boat up there once and it was AWESOME. i plan on bringing my family there when we get back. I heard keowee was the same way

 

[jeffnick]

Re: advise on trailers

Hey dandsphillips08,
Thanks for looking out for me and my family by serving in the armed forces.

I don't fish, but I do tow my boat around quite a bit...so far over 50,000 miles. From Spartanburg, SC to Homer and back was over 14,000 miles.

I know the trailer with the 14" tires and the boat sitting lower would be the hands down better choice, but if it were me, I'd just run it with the trailer it's on...then again, I only drive 55 mph.

If you're gonna be blasting down the interstate regularly, get her set up on the trailer with the 14" tires.

 

[dandsphillips08]

Re: advise on trailers

WOW!!! You towed your boat from SC to alaska? Thats good stuff. if you dont mind me asking why did you tow it all the way up there if you dont fish? And you are welcome. But you really dont have to thank me, i love my job and i love what i do. ( not trying to be mean or rude) Yea i was leaning more towards the 14 inch wheels also. i plan on using the boat in VA and the chesapeak bay, then at the same time i also plan on pulling it to SC, and FL for when we go on vacation.

 

[jeffnick]

Re: advise on trailers

WOW!!! You towed your boat from SC to alaska? Thats good stuff. if you dont mind me asking why did you tow it all the way up there if you dont fish?

We use the boat as a travel trailer while on the road. We stay overnight in WalMart parking lots (WallyDocking), Rest Areas and almost anywhere we get the urge. It's equipped with a small generator, air conditioner, coffeemaker, electric cooker and small microwave.

Good luck with your trailer and best of luck catching fish.

Here we are at Jocassee.

 

[dandsphillips08]

Re: advise on trailers

man thats awesome. I have never heard of anybody doing that. Thats actually real smart. I love lake jocassee, i have always heard that it is such a beautiful place. So where all have you traveled to?

 

[jeffnick]

Re: advise on trailers

So where all have you traveled to?

Key West

Bimini - Bahamas

(Thunder Over) Louisville

San Diego

Powell

Columbia River

To name just a few places...​

 

[dandsphillips08]

Re: advise on trailers

thats AWESOME!!! I cant wait til we get to travel around like that. How did yall get to the bahamas? did yall drive the boat? I bet that was awesome...that would be so much fun...

 

[jeffnick]

Re: advise on trailers

How did yall get to the bahamas? did yall drive the boat?

Log of Bahama trip here:
http://www.geocities.com/jeff_nicholas/BahamasMagic.html

 

[dandsphillips08]

Re: advise on trailers

Man that it good stuff. We might have to get together if you have another trip planned next year. That would be awesome to go on a trip like that. I would of course split all the costs.