Inflatable boat trailers?

[azambella]

We are looking for a trailer for our inflatable dinghy.
needs to be saltwater launch worthy.

Looking at CE Smith & Trailex so $1,200 - $1,500

We wold appreciate any thoughts before we buy one,

Thank you
Z-Breeze

 

[dmax]

Go aluminum if you can, so much lighter.

 

[Will Gilmore]

I think an inflatable trailer is an up and coming idea. Go for it.

-Will (Dragonfly)

 

[dlochner]

How big is the inflatable? Is it RIB?

I'd be inclined to get a small utility trailer for a few hundred bucks and modify it for the inflatable.

 

[GibbyGibstone]

I think an inflatable trailer is an up and coming idea. Go for it.

-Will (Dragonfly)

You beat me to this...

 

[Justin_NSA]

You beat me to this...

likewise

 

[Parsons]

I've not faced this issue as I always deflate/bag when land transporting, but whatever you do, make sure it's padded so you don't pop your balloon. Helped a fellow move his inflatable in a pickup once, and while loading it caught on the side. We knew it was a tight fit, so we three fellows just gave it a good push and -- after a ripping sound and a soft exhale of air, it fit rather easily. Anyhow, there was a sharp corner at the tailgate hinge, and we found it.

 

[dLj]

I don't know anything about those trailers. But when I'm looking for a trailer to drop in the water there are two areas I look at closely:

1) Wheel hubs - Wheel hubs must have a grease fitting that is easy to use and pushes grease from the inner races outwards, which is what pushes water out. these grease nipples are typically found on the centerline of the axle and on the outer race side. There also needs to be a drain hole in the hub. You just won't ever get these to be completely sealed so water needs to be able to drain out easily.

2) Lights. The lights do need to be completely sealed. I look really carefully at all the seals and the light body to make sure it's completely waterproof. Especially check the lens for the license plate. those are often overlooked.

Aluminum frames are lighter and tend to be less prone to corrosion in years to come. If it's a steel trailer, make sure it's heavily galvanized, not just painted.

dj

 

[DougM]

1) Wheel hubs - Wheel hubs must have a grease fitting that is easy to use and pushes grease from the inner races outwards, which is what pushes water out. these grease nipples are typically found on the centerline of the axle and on the outer race side. There also needs to be a drain hole in the hub. You just won't ever get these to be completely sealed so water needs to be able to drain out easily.

Those things are called ”Bearing Buddies” . They are readily available at Boating supply stores and simply replace the existing bearing caps. They take about 5 minutes to install and save a lot of grief over time. Trailer dealer will probably try to sell you those as an extra cost option.

 

[azambella]

Ok ya got me. Inflatable boat.............................................................................Trailer

Thanks for all your input

I may go with the cheap-a$$ utility trailer and put launching wheels on the boat so the trailer
does not get dunked in Saltwater