After attempting to fix / replace my hub on my old "caulkins" trailer and getting nowhere other than finding some bearings-races that are close to fitting my overly rusted / cracked brake drum/hub, I'm looking at a king trailer for my 23' fiberform. Anybody have any experience with these...?

Not that particular model, but I have a King for my 16' boat. Very solid, well built trailer. Will buy another should the need arise. My experience with the company's customer service has been good as well.

had a king on my old boat and now have an ez loader on for my new boat. both have been great!

It's possible to put new sleeves on the axles of your trailer, I'd imagine. They provide a new bearing surface as well as a better seal for the races. I'm not sure how they'd work with a brake system, but it's worth checking out. You might also be able to replace the axle-- an easy task on a trailer without brakes. Since I've never owned a trailer with brakes, I'm not sure what you'd have to do in your case, but the cost would be less than a new trailer for sure.

Westside Marine in Port Townsend does sleeve jobs; they also handle King Trailers. Call Randy or Mark at 360/379-5688. They do good work.

Jeff

I have a King Trailer and really like it. I bought it at Boat Country in Everett..That is the place right next to Dagmars next to I-5 just before Marysville. I can't vouch for their pricing but I know they took good care of me. My trailer has three axles and stainless steel disc brakes. The trailer is a bunk model which poses some problems when launching at a sling like the one in Edmonds. The axles do not have leaf springs but use torsion bars which makes the ride much smoother..alot less bouncing down the road...The bunk trailer with the torsion bars brings the boat closer to the ground making trailering and washing much nicer. The disc brakes are easy to work on and replace . The new bunks are made of a real slippery plastic replacing the rug covering. They also make a new model for launching a bunk at a sling like Edmonds. Edmonds now will launch boats on those trailers but they cahrge a little more. I'm not sure why other than the extra 10 seconds it takes to thread the straps through the bunks .All in all an excellent trailer. I had an EZ Loader before and wouldn't trade back.

Grandpa-

Are your bunks cut out towards the stern, to allow them (Edmonds/Slings) to pass the strap through?

I have a bunk trailer as well, the folks at Edmonds faxed me a diagram as to where to cut or make notches on the trailer for the Sling Strap. They included all the specs, etc.

I know the prices went up to Sling in at Edmonds, something like $22 r/t for roller trailers and $30 r/t for bunks. I would think by cutting a notch in the bunks for the sling strap it would save some $$$$.

Kev

Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm going to go with the King trailer but with the leaf springs. Their cheaper.

I haven't tried to cut the bunks on mine but realize I can...Without the cut outs Edmonds won't even try to launch it..they couldn't unless they used their forklift to lift it off the trailer. As far as the leaf springs vs the torsion bars I think that defeats part of what makes the King so good....Bigger boats like mine probably benefit more from the torsion bars though...the trailer still has superior galvanizing and the brakes are hard to beat.

We have had two different EZ Loaders and now a King. It is by far the better of the two. While at the boat show, we looked at several brands and King semed to be the best design and overall package youcould ask for.

I would highly reccomend the King to anyone looking for a good trailer.

Well, you convinced me Granpa regarding the torsion bars. What the guy that I'm buying it from said is that if your wheel goes into a hole, the torsion bar will swing down and could get stuck. Guess I'll have to be extra careful.

Grandpa, I checked with the Port of Edmonds marine services and their current policy is that they will launch boats off any UNMODIFIED bunk trailer for $30.

If your bunk trailer has been modified with a provision for sling launching, then you are charged the roller-trailer price of $22.

Plus parking fee, of course <img border="0" alt="[Goldfish]" title="" src="graemlins/goldfish.gif" />

Bought a King trailer for my 14' Alumium back in 96" after my EZ Loader trailer rusted to death from all the salt water use, great trailers for the price.

Jeff,
I have the big King triple axle. It's rated to carry 12,000 and has the torsion axles and disc brakes. I had an EZ Loader prior to this with drum brakes and springs. Both we're the same gross weight trailers. I was putting new bearings (three axles worth) on the EZ every 12 to 18 months and I cared for them diligently. With the King I have had it going on four years and the last time I checked my bearings (2 months ago) they looked great. I really believe it's because of the torsion axles and the fact they carry the weight better. The disc brakes are also a wonderful improvement over drums. Last longer and easier to service. I love the King trailer and would buy nothing else at this point. Torsion is the only way to go. I probably trailer it about 4500 miles a year.

King Trailers is out of Marysville. Great bunch of people, very interested in customer service. If you have a boat related buisness license they will sell to you. Quality product. If you call them, ask for Andy.

I have a king Trailer that I am real happy with!
Make sure you get the flush system on it for the brakes, Also there bering system is a little different the "Buddy Bearings" in that you need to grease after each use. Got mine in Marysivlle. Good luck

Also King trailers are cut, punched, drilled, bent, BEFORE galvanizing! This is a huge advantage. Also with any kind of troubles with axle/spindles, are replaceable one individual torsion bar/spindle at a time. You don't have to buy a whole new axle should a real problem arise.