Trailer Advice

[alan burack]

I have a 2004 Venture trailer for my 208 Adventure. The cross-members front and rear are separating in the center. Is it repairable or should I replace the trailer?

 

[Andrew93]

Most of those parts are replaceable. Probably fairly economical to replace if you are doing it yourself, if you have to bring it to a shop you might want to compare the cost of a new trailer.

 

[seasick]

If your separation ( I am not sure what you mean) is rust related, you may have rust elsewhere and that can be hard to detect since trailers often rust from the inside out.
Use a hammer to tap and listen for dull thuds. You should take a good look at the brakes, springs and equalizer brackets, common areas for corrosion.
New cross members may be an option if the rest of the trailer is sound and/or doesn't need a lot of parts ( not my experience with Venture trailers).
New crossbars run about $150 or so plus shipping.

 

[alan burack]

Thank you for the response. Do you have any suggestions for places to go for new cross-members?
I live on Cape Cod and prices here are very high.

 

[Hookup1]

Eastern Marine in DE or try the trailer manufacturer.

 

[glacierbaze]

I’m guessing those crossmembers have a downward vee in them, which traps salt water, and causes them to rust. If you do replace, drill a drain hole in the lowest point, if there is not one already, so that water does not sit in them.
The crossmembers are just bolted on, so they should be easily replaceable, if you can locate the parts

 

[alan burack]

Great advice, thank you.

 

[seasick]

here is one example.

VENTURE 3" x 3" x 72" Double Drop Galvanized Trailer Crossbar #13070

Stock# 5421025VENTURE heavy-duty hot dip galvanized drop center flush mount trailer crossbar with 12 ga. wall thickness. Measures 3" wide x 3" high x 72" long (in a straight line at top) and is designed to bolt directly to the frame.

www.easternmarine.com

you have to verify your length, box size, gauge and style ( drop, etc.)

Search for boat trailer replacement parts and you will find several vendors. I have used Eastern Marine as well as ETrailer. Both are reputable. Note that many parts were and may still be in short supply.

 

[Mustang65fbk]

Here's a link to their "find a dealer" section of their website. Looks like they have a couple dozen dealers or so within 50 miles of Boston. Or if you could try calling their main business line, of which it looks like they're located in Maryland. Good luck!

Find a Venture Trailers Dealer - Venture Trailers

The right trailer is closer than you think. To find an authorized Venture Trailers dealer near you, enter your criteria below...

venturetrailers.com

Contact - Venture Trailers

Couldn’t find the answer in our support section? Sorry about that! Simply fill out the form below and a Venture Trailers member will get...

venturetrailers.com

 

[igblack87]

Drinkwater trailers in pembroke mass rebuilt my trailer this summer…great place.

Pembroke Ma.

 

[Recoil Rob]

I rebuilt my trailer last year and that included new springs, hangers, adding a cross member, plus moving crossmembers and the axle for better balance. I did it alone and, while doable, much better to have a helper. Also, a sawzall for the U-bolts and an impact driver will greatly help.