Options on Trailer

[TwinTip]

I am looking for options on a trailer for a 196. Here's what I got so far: Ramlin single axle trailer, galvanized (including wheels), winch, diamond plate on the steps (if it's available in galvanized, else I might ask for it in black steel).

I noticed in some pictures that a spare tire carrier is mounted on the trailer and under the bow of the boat. Is this an option? I'm assuming that these have been Ramlin trailers as well. On some other boats, I noticed that the spare tire is mounted under the stern/starboard side of the boat. What type of mount is used on this type of installation?

Some of these questions come from all of the different pictures I have seen on this site. This other comes from one posting regarding trailers. Does anyone know if the diamond plate is available in galvanized (from Ramlin)? At the time of the posting, it was mentioned that Ramlin did not offer galvanized diamond plates.

I saw a boat that had a painted galvanized trailer. I did not know that paint on galvanized was an option.

Last but not least. Does Ramlin also offer rollers on the back of the trailer?

Boat options have been narrowed down. Still debating on the colors though.

Any feedback and experiences will be appreciated.

[wake_fun]

I had prop guard wheels added, the spare tire carrier, back up lights, LED lights, and big rear steps.

[skinautique]

On the ramlin, you can get the prop guard rollers. The spare tire carrier is mounted on the stbd side of the trailer near the front. You can get a galvanized trailer with the plated fenders on them.

[lcap]

Welded on transom tie downs, disc brakes, oil bath hubs in addition to the items mentioned, less the prop rollers. Single axle trailers are considerably higher.

Spare tire is usually mounted under on tandems and on top near bow on singles.

[AbunDiga909]

skinautique... are you sure about that stuff???? Isn't the spare tire on the port side b/c the little wheel to prop the trailer up when not towing in the the stbd???

Anyway... my family was also very picky when it came down to the trailer. We have a ground clearence problem where we go and were asking about rollers and were told (by Dave, the owner) that they "didn't [really] do" rollers. Thats why I ask skinautique... where did you here this from??? Instead, they were more than happy to personally customize the prop guard to be higher off the ground by about 4-5 inches than it used to/could have been.

Also, theres another option thats not really on the "option list" and thats reverse lights... What they did was they mounted a whole piece of metal on the outsides of the two vertical pieces of the prop guard and it looks like it was done professoinally as if they do it on all their trailers!

Regarding the diamond plate, I don't know if it can come galvinized but we got it and it looks really nice! However, it isn't as comfy on your feet when boarding the boat on land. Dave said the point was to get rid of the wood that could rot... And if your "anal," it sure cleanes a lot easier than the carpet!

One more thing... if your tow vehicle allows you to... ask Dave about that 7-prong connector piece. I'm sure you already know that its a lot more durable than the normal 5 and i've experienced many problems with both 5&4 prong connecters from dragging along the ground which scratches them and then would mess all of the lights up on the trailer.

P.S. If you have a unique colored boat (not black, white) ask him about coloring the trailor... its free! He figures hes gonna paint it either way.. you just chose which pain he uses...

We got everything i said above and in vapor blue with duel axel (for air 216) and it looks real sharp! I'll have to get some pics later...

Ram-Lin is definately the way to go!!!

[skinautique]

abundiga, you got it backwards. The trailer tongue jack is on the port side and the spare would be mounted on the stbd side on the ram-lin. Yes you can get the prop rollers from them. The colored trailers isn't something new. You can get them in the colors to match your boat without a problem.

[AbunDiga909]

ski... i knew about the colors... its the fact that the option was free surprised me and wanted to make sure everybody knew that so price wouldn't get in the way of the color of their new trailer...

[TwinTip]

Thank you all for the comments. I have added rollers to my wish list. I only need to confirm if diamond plates are available as galvanized or only steel.

Does anyone know the process for galvanization. I understand that it is just as paint but the steel is galvanized instead. AbunDiga/Ski, do you happen to know if the no charge for colors also applies to galvanized trailers?

As far as the 7-pin connector, I am used to the 4-pin and since I am not planning on backup lights, I'll stay with this option. I have a full-size SUV that does have the 7-pin connector from the factory and have the 7 to 4 pin adapter. I find it easier to have the 4-pin as opposed to the 7-pin adapter in case one has to tow with a truck that only has the 4-pin.

Ski, do you have pictures of the plated fenders?

I tried contacting Dave from Ramlin but he was not available. I was told that Ramlin only works with dealers and I would have to go through my dealer. I tried the number listed on their web-site. From what I can see, some of you have been able to talk to him directly. Did you reach him at a particular number?

[Rick]

Bad news Twin. If your getting brakes your going to a 5 pin conn. The 5th wire is wired to backup lights and releases a valve to allow you to back the trailer w/o physically having to block the brake actuator.

[skinautique]

Rick is correct, you will have to get the 5 pin connector. I don't have pictures of the plated side steps but you can get them in different colors. That is not a problem. I have never talked to Dave directly. I think the no upcharge holds true for the plated side steps but I am not 100% sure. Maybe Mid Ohio could confirm this?

[AbunDiga909]

I didnt but my dad did talk to Dave directly numerous times. I don't even think Ramlin offers a 4 prong connecter anymore do they??? However I never understand that whole thing about the 5 prong releasing the brakes in reverse or something. I don't know how it differs from our '88 SN trailer that works on a 4 prong.... they both go backwards and they both stop... :lol:

[JMark]

I just got a Ram-lin trailer and it came with the 5 pin flat connector. I have a Ford Expedition and Ford did not have a 5 flat pin to 7 pin round adapter. My Nautique dealer made the adaptor for me. Nice to have a helpful dealer.

[ag4ever]

Disk brakes vs drum brakes. Drum brakes, even when brake fluid pressure is applied will allow you to back up due to the design. Disk brakes on the otherhand, will not allow the tire to rotate if there is any fluid pressure applied irregardless of diredtion. For this reason, there is an electric valve (solinoid) that will close the brake system and prevent the surge coupling from applying pressure to the disk brakes. The valve gets its signal from the reverse lights. Since there is no wire in a four way flat for reverse lights that is where the five way flat came from. I.E. Ground, Tail Lamps, Right Turn, Left Turn, and Reverse Light (or brake lockout).

I think the five way flat is a dumb connector. I have never seen any vehicle come with a five way connectors. I have seen most of the towing equiped vehicles recently come with the round 7 way connector though. I don't think the argument for others towing, and not having a 7 way is very good. Now a days most people have a 7 way connection on their truck, and how many times has somebody else ever towed your boat. I know nobody else has ever towed mine, and probably never will till it is sold sometime. But still I have that dumb five way flat that is then converted to a 7 way round.

[TwinTip]

I guess I'll also look into getting the 7-pin prong. Thank you all for the input.

[FatBoy]

I got a plug in adapter for my F-250 from White Lake Marine that connects to the 5 pin flat. Works great.