Bass tracker trailers

[beavertrapper70]

Does anyone know who makes bass trackers pontoon bunk trailers? I found a 25 foot 2005 dual axle with brakes. I am curious as to who makes it and the quality of the trailers

 

[lncoop]

Re: Bass tracker trailers

Suntracker trailers are Trailstar brand, or at least mine (2001) is. Should be fine.

 

[beavertrapper70]

Re: Bass tracker trailers

Thanks for your input Incoop- I just got more details on the trailer today. 2005 Trailstar like Incoop stated. Its a cradle type trailer for 25 foot pontoons.It needs new wood and carpet on the bunks. Tires are in good shape. The ladder on the front needs a spot weld or two. It has dual axles and brakes. I have heard brakes don't do well with water, but that was coming from a guy selling trailers without brakes. The trailer has never been titled as it was used at the marina to haul around other boats. they are asking 1090.00 for it.Does this sound like a fair deal? I have the old style trailer that supports the pontoon boat by the deck.Its very tipsy and I am looking to move the boat around to different lakes, 150 miles or so one way. Any help or input you guys can give me would be appreciated.

 

[newcomlr]

Re: Bass tracker trailers

I have a 1997 Tracker Trailstar Trailer for my 25' barge. It (knock on wood) is holding up well, but I know it was stored inside for the better part of it's life. It doesn't appear most of the trailers are made with the best of materials...lots of painted iron and steel.

IMHO, I would be worried about how well the trailer is been treated under "commercial use" vs. a private owner. Inspect carefully, especially axles, bearings, brakes, etc. $1,090 seems high to me, but may depend on what part of the country you are in. Around here, you can get a new trailer for less than the $2K range.

Interesting you want to move away from the "lift" type trailer. Mine is the cradle type, and I would prefer the lift type. Main reason is with the cradle type, I can't put the toon off the trailer nor can I inspect the bottom of the toons. Guess there are pros and cons to both styles.

 

[beavertrapper70]

Re: Bass tracker trailers

I have a 1997 Tracker Trailstar Trailer for my 25' barge. It (knock on wood) is holding up well, but I know it was stored inside for the better part of it's life. It doesn't appear most of the trailers are made with the best of materials...lots of painted iron and steel.

IMHO, I would be worried about how well the trailer is been treated under "commercial use" vs. a private owner. Inspect carefully, especially axles, bearings, brakes, etc. $1,090 seems high to me, but may depend on what part of the country you are in. Around here, you can get a new trailer for less than the $2K range.

Interesting you want to move away from the "lift" type trailer. Mine is the cradle type, and I would prefer the lift type. Main reason is with the cradle type, I can't put the toon off the trailer nor can I inspect the bottom of the toons. Guess there are pros and cons to both styles.

Where are you from newcomlr? I cant find a new trailer with brakes around here for less that 2500. I am from Ohio, and I travel to Michigan a lot.

 

[Lurch77]

Re: Bass tracker trailers

Interesting you want to move away from the "lift" type trailer. Mine is the cradle type, and I would prefer the lift type. Main reason is with the cradle type, I can't put the toon off the trailer nor can I inspect the bottom of the toons. Guess there are pros and cons to both styles.

There are pros an cons. The biggest con to a lift type is they are far inferior for high speed or long distance travel. My parents had a scissor type. It was fine for the very short distance they went with it, the launch was a mile from their home. But for me, traveling hours at highway speed, the bunk type was the only way to go.

 

[jweckley]

Re: Bass tracker trailers

Agreed. I have bunk style trailer and pulls my 24 footer like a dream behind my half ton pickup. If your traveling more than few miles this is defiantly a better option.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: Bass tracker trailers

I've had a lift style for 4 yrs & travel nearly 50 miles round trip to lake over east Texas country roads - Never a problem & i bet a cold six pack i could launch in less water :laugh:

 

[Lurch77]

Re: Bass tracker trailers

Well yeah, of course you can launch easier. That's a pro of that style trailer. And you may have had no issues traveling, but it's a fact they are a less stable design. It's simple physics. Both types have pros and cons. You just need to decide with of those are more important to you. As mentioned, I have experience with both, I'll keep my bunk.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Bass tracker trailers

BT, I'd jump on that one. Even if you have to spend five C notes to get it in shape (very likely) you'll still come out way ahead. We can help you get the brakes ship shape if they're not already.

 

[newcomlr]

Re: Bass tracker trailers

Where are you from newcomlr? I cant find a new trailer with brakes around here for less that 2500. I am from Ohio, and I travel to Michigan a lot.

Same area. Check eGay. You'll be surprised what's available in Indiana and Michigan from dealers. Example: $1,749; NEW 24' TANDEM AXLE CRANK UP, TANDEM AXLE, (2)3500 LB. AXLES RATED AT 2990LB GVWR, UPGRADED INDUSTRIAL GRADE BRAKE WINCH, FLIP UP JACK,
*12" LOAD RANGE D TIRES.
*GREASE ZIRTS ON SPINDLES

*PERFECTLY PLACED TIE LOOPS

*WATERPROOF TAIL LIGHTS

*9" CARPETED DECK STEPS

 

[beavertrapper70]

Re: Bass tracker trailers

Incoop- I'm looking at the trailer today. I may take you up on the brake help. Newcomer, that price looks good, but there isn't brakes. I can't find one with brakes for under 2500. The big question is do you really need them?

 

[lncoop]

Re: Bass tracker trailers

The big question is do you really need them?

Yes.

 

[newcomlr]

Re: Bass tracker trailers

Agree that surge/breakaway brakes are a good idea ESPECIALLY if you are going long distances. Check out Hoosier Trailers available at places like Charles Mill Marina in Ohio. $2195 for:

This Hoosier WFB 224 tandem axle pontoon trailer will accomodate up to 25' pontoon boats. The trailer has a 4400lb capacity & includes tongue jack & winch stand with ladder & hand rail. Options Include: Spare Tire and Bracket, Side Bunk Guides (Set of 4), 10" Disc Brakes w/ 14" Tires, Swing-Away Tongue (30" off overall length), LED Tail Light System.

As incoop indicated, you're looking at investing hundreds for repairs and probably tires in the $1K used trailer...so you could be at $1500 easily. $600 more plus tax and you have a new, probably higher quality trailer.

Just sayin...

 

[lncoop]

Re: Bass tracker trailers

That doesn't include brakes though. That's what BT is saying. Anything that size with brakes is $2500 or more, and this one would be no exception. Also, the tires on the Trailstar are supposedly good to go. So, even if he does have to drop $500 on repairs he'll still be close to a thousand bucks ahead.

 

[newcomlr]

Re: Bass tracker trailers

The last example includes 10" disc Brakes.

To be clear, I'm not advocating one brand over the other ...just wanted to show that for $1000 plus whatever for repairs you end up with a repaired 8 year old trailer...for not a ton more you can get a new trailer.

Sometimes, my best tool is my checkbook.

 

[Lurch77]

Re: Bass tracker trailers

The big question is do you really need them?

Yes.

To elaborate a bit, not only do brakes make towing a great deal easier and safer, they are required in most states with the weight you'll be hauling on it. Here's a site that lists the braking laws, state by state. Most states say if the trailer and it's load are 3000lbs or more, you must have brakes. Trailer Brakes | AAA/CAA Digest of Motor Laws

 

[lncoop]

Re: Bass tracker trailers

The last example includes 10" disc Brakes.

To be clear, I'm not advocating one brand over the other ...just wanted to show that for $1000 plus whatever for repairs you end up with a repaired 8 year old trailer...for not a ton more you can get a new trailer.

Sometimes, my best tool is my checkbook.

I completely agree that sometimes it's better to pony up. As Andy told Aunt Bee, "Aunt Bee, pay the man.". But, unless I'm looking at the wrong description (I'm looking at the last one) that trailer does not include brakes. The description you posted clearly states the ten inch disc brakes are an option.

Options Include: Spare Tire and Bracket, Side Bunk Guides (Set of 4), 10" Disc Brakes w/ 14" Tires, Swing-Away Tongue (30" off overall length), LED Tail Light System. (my italics)

It also doesn't come with a spare or guides, so if the Trailstar has either of those he'll be even further ahead.

 

[newcomlr]

Re: Bass tracker trailers

I completely agree that sometimes it's better to pony up. As Andy told Aunt Bee, "Aunt Bee, pay the man.". But, unless I'm looking at the wrong description (I'm looking at the last one) that trailer does not include brakes. The description you posted clearly states the ten inch disc brakes are an option.

Options Include: Spare Tire and Bracket, Side Bunk Guides (Set of 4), 10" Disc Brakes w/ 14" Tires, Swing-Away Tongue (30" off overall length), LED Tail Light System. (my italics)

I interpreted the ad as those with the options included with the trailer at that price. Looking back at it now, you may be correct that those are extra.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Bass tracker trailers

Yeah, they throw in that word included before options deliberately I think.