Skeeter EZ Loader trailer too long - options?

[chwebmaker]

I just bought a 2005 Skeeter SX190, which comes on a custom welded EZ Loader trailer. The trailer does not have a swing tongue and is 18 inches too long to fit straight into my garage. The optional trailer that comes with the swing tongue would fit in my garage with 3 inches to spare. I called EZ Loader and they do have a swing tongue kit for $480 plus another $500 labor for a welder to install it, but they do not recommend installing it. The person I spoke with at EZ Loader told me that with my trailer, which is an A frame with a frame going down the middle, that it is a very complex job, to install the kit. The frame would have to be cut in more than 3 places. He told me that most welding shops wouldn't take the job and that even if I found someone that did, the risk would be great that I would have problems with the trailer down the road. He firmly recommended against this option.

The only other option I can think of is to buy a new EZ Loader trailer with the swing tongue from a skeeter dealership - $3,400. Not cheap.

Anyone have any other ideas?

[taeheel2az]

I solved this once by framing an opening in the back wall of the garage and installinga shed roof on the outside back of the garage. It worked very well and looked good.

May not be an option for you.

[chwebmaker]

I wish I had that option, but the nazi Home owners association in my neighborhood would be papering me to death with fines for making that type of alteration. I was thinking about taking out the wall between the garage and the bathroom on the main level, but I then I would have to suffer the wrath of my wife and when mamas not happy, nobody in the house is happy!

[jhva]

Basscat has a kit for an A-frame trailer, and thy install them . Call them and see if they can help you.

[ClaySlayer]

It's a freaking trailer not a spaceship. Find a competent trailer shop near you and I'm sure they can do it...probably without you even having to order the swing kit...

[lakefolk]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by ClaySlayer &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">It's a freaking trailer not a spaceship. Find a competent trailer shop near you and I'm sure they can do it...probably without you even having to order the swing kit... </td></tr></table>

this^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ a good welding or machine shop will work too

[chwebmaker]

I talked to the EZ loader rep, even though they have a swing tongue kit, he recommended against trying to have someone install it. He said that I could have a host of trailer problems after the install. He also said that the axle really should be moved forward after the install. Sounds like there are too many variables at play to have the swing tongue kit installed.

A new trailer that matches my boat will run $3,400. The two dealers that I spoke with won't take my trailer on trade even though it has been garaged kept most of the time. Any idea what I can get for the trailer by selling it and where should I list it?

[chwebmaker]

I appreciate the advice jhva, I called a BassCat dealer in my area and unfortunately they wouldn't touch my trailer. After talking at length with the EZ Loader rep, I am ready to give up on ordering the swing tongue kit and having it installed. I will wait a year or so and see how things work out with the boat stored angled in my garage. If my wife doesn't bitch too much than I will leave it that. Otherwise I suppose I will just have to get another trailer. For all I know, I may decide this boat is too small and get a 21'+ boat and keep it at an indoor facility. But that idea doesn't sit well with me. It is definitely preferable to have your boat in your own garage.

[chwebmaker]

I have contacted numerous fabrication shops and they have advised me not to have them attempt to add a swing tongue to my current trailer. So I guess that option is dead.

I decided to check with some other custom trailer makers before moving forward with another EZ loader. I cannot believe how difficult it is to find a custom trailer with a swing tongue that will meet my garage length requirements. This is turning out to be a real PIA.

[haftafish22]

sent you an IM