ANSWERED: Recommendation on spring weight.

[randys]

Two questions.

I bought a 1983 EZLoader trailer for a 1994 16' aluminum Lund Rebel. I am going to replace the unserviceable trailer springs. I'll inspect the axle and replace the u-bolts, of course. The trailer is intended for a 16' boat at about 2,000 lbs gross. I estimate that trailer, Lund, motor(s), batteries, and other stuff will never be over 1,250 lbs. Trailer has rollers, not bunks. Boat is 72" wide. Trailer frame is 60" wide, 73" at hub faces. I assume that using a trailer that is larger than needed for the load will only cost me a little extra fuel. Every other aluminum boat carrying trailer I ever owned had bunks. Springs are 26" open eye, "C-hook" type. Fishing trips are frequently 150+ miles one way, and over poorly maintained roads.

I don't want to beat the boat to pieces with an overly stiff set of springs.

Should I bother with lighter springs, or buy the standard "2,000 lbs per pair" leaf springs? Should I even worry about it with a lightweight Lund? Lightest I can find online is a 2-leaf set at 1,600 lbs per pair.

Second, is there any problem with using rollers with an aluminum hull boat? I've seen reference to possible "dimpling" of the hull metal. This Lund is no beauty queen, but not trashed, either. Should I even worry about it?

I RTFM, and could not find specific answers in the forum.
Thanks for your advice.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Recommendation on spring weight.

Re: Recommendation on spring weight.

Keep in mind that the spring rate must include the weight of your rig, with fuel, seats and what ever else you carry to the water, plus the weight of the trailer frame itself. I'd guess a 16' roller trailer to be in the 400lb range.
I'd probably leave the trailer with its stock rated springs.
With a light boat like that, denting by the rollers probably won't be an issue. I have both of my 16' Starcraft boats on roller trailers with no problems, and my 18' Starchief came to me on a roller trailer with no hull issues.

The biggest problem with most roller trailers is that they sit higher than is normally wanted for the average small aluminum boat.

 

[Rancherlee]

Re: Recommendation on spring weight.

Re: Recommendation on spring weight.

Don't underestimate the weight of your boat. Your Rebel uses the same Hull as my 1988 16' Mr.Pike. If yours is optioned with a livewell, side steer, and flat floor the boat alone could be pushing well past 600#, tiller models are a little lighter. Full 6 gallon cans are 40# each, Deep cycle batteries 50#+, fishing gear, engine.......... you get the point. I weighed mine at the local landfill weigh station and with 2 gas cans, 3 batteries, 170# 55hp johnson, boat, on the trailer was ~1600#

 

[randys]

Resolved.

Resolved.

Thank you for your replies. (I almost bought an early Mr. Pike exactly like yours that made it to WA from MN; neat boat.) Mine has smaller engine, tiller, and I only allowed one tank and two btty. Trailer should be ~450lbs. This website lists the Rebel as 450lbs, dry and empty.

This trailer config is very similar to the current EZ 14-17 model at 2,000lb, as listed on their website. There are 16 rollers, and that should be sufficient support.

I'm not likely to harm the boat using 2,000lb springs, I can use the trailer for heavier boats in the future, and I am pushing towards analysis paralysis on this. I'm set. Thanks.