Portage Pal T2000 Trailer: Anybody Hauling An AI On One?

At about $900 and 125#, it looks like the lightest, cheapest game in town.

viz: http://portagepal.com/t2000.html

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2015 AI in "Dune" - "The Grey Pig"
2017 Trailex 450 Trailer
Pre-September 2015 cradles
(anybody want to buy a slightly-used AI SpinKit?)
eMail: [email protected]

I bought a Harbour Freight utility trailer and added 1 1/2' pvc bunks as runners. Also extended the tongue 3'. the cost on sale for the trailer was $250. it is currently on sale till the end of this month. I don't submerge the trailer, just drive it to the waters edge. The trailer you show can be submerged which is a plus, but I don't have trouble unloading and loading mine with someones help. If I were alone what you are considering would be best.

I was considering the Harbor Freight option, especially after seeing FusionEng's elegant adaptation.

But then I started thinking about the severity of consequences if/when something like a bearing fails at expressway speed - and past experiences with low-end Chinese stuff.....I once had an eBike motor where they messed up cutting some axle threads....How in the world does somebody mess that up?

My only reservation about Portage Pal - and the reason for the post - is the narrow attachment point for the front bunk and the possibility of problems from twisting of the load.

_________________
2015 AI in "Dune" - "The Grey Pig"
2017 Trailex 450 Trailer
Pre-September 2015 cradles
(anybody want to buy a slightly-used AI SpinKit?)
eMail: [email protected]

doesn't look like there is any form of suspension .. just a straight axle with no dampening ?

.. you hit a bump at highway speeds and the whole rig will be airborn for about 200'

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Alan W.

Papaya AI2 to replace my well worn V1
TheTwins - His/Hers 2007 Papaya Hobie Adventure Island's (v1.00.01)
.. and a Hobie Outback SUV

Coil springs. I couldn't see them either - but the web page makes reference.

_________________
2015 AI in "Dune" - "The Grey Pig"
2017 Trailex 450 Trailer
Pre-September 2015 cradles
(anybody want to buy a slightly-used AI SpinKit?)
eMail: [email protected]

My $.02 is that the boat sees more stress on the trailer while driving down the road than in the water.
Get the stiffest, best supporting trailer possible and the boat will last longer. Get the largest wheels and the bearings will last longer and run cooler.

Check out the Trailex....."all aluminum" , leaf springs, infinite adjustment of frame, axle assembly, cross braces. I've had 1 steel and 3 Trailex trailers. Steel trailer perhaps rode a little better, but the weight difference vs. aluminum is hugh.

Trailex also has several 'erector set' options easy to install and the price difference overall is not that much more.

All my trailers have had 8" wheels/tires and have been towed on interstates. The only tire ever lost was due to age, nothing else.

If height is important to you remember taller wheels raise the boat also.

fair winds,
bill