I noticed in the new March 2015 Hobie Parts & Accessories Catalog, the single Trailex trailer shown on page 16 has undergone a suspension change from the "old/original" rubber mount to using a single leaf spring.
My 3 year old SUT-200-AI has worked "just okay", but with MY PA-14 loaded weight of around 165 pounds, the trailer bounced and jiggled down the road.
I was always wondering how long the rubber would last before it broke down and not wishing for a failure on the highway, somewhere out in the boon docks.
After investigating the suspension change with Ken Montgomery by phone at Trailex, I decided to order what is called "SUT-200-S Running Gear Conversion to SUT-220-S". It also includes a completely new, 2000# capacity axle and hubs mounted + lug nuts.
The conversion is not inexpensive at $418.00 + $96.00 shipping and handling to Oregon....BUT, this change is light years ahead of the original suspension. It also increases the trailer load weight capacity from 200# to 220#'s.
It took me 4 hours to assemble and swap out the suspension......Ken also wrote the conversion instructions, they are excellent and easy to follow.
My loaded PA-14 now "floats along" behind my car.......If you buy a new trailer, it has this suspension upgrade, but in spite of the cost, I really am happy with the conversion and consider it cheap insurance
