There are many different types of trailers on the market today, and it can be tough to make an investment decision. The bunk trailer and roller trailer are two of the most popular types.
The structure of these trailers is what sets them apart from each other. While we can rest the boat on the cross beams of the bunk trailer, the roller trailer, on the other hand, has multiple rollers for that task. So, which one is better for your requirement?
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at each type of trailer and help you decide.
Contents
Bunk trailer vs roller trailer: Advantages and disadvantages
The bunk trailer
Bunk trailers feature a series of enclosed compartments that sit above the trailer’s wheels. Here’re some of their advantages:
- Its structure allows for good airflow and reduces the risk of injuries caused by animals slipping on the floor.
- The bunk trailer has a rather simple design, one of its strongest features. It requires little maintenance and allows easy maneuvering.
- A bunk trailer has two levels: the lower level rests on the ground and supports the boat, while the upper level holds the wheels and suspension. Therefore, you can tow larger boats.
- It can be used in narrow waterways, ensuring more safety for the boat in case of accidental drops.
- Bunk trailers are durable, as they are often made of pressure-treated pine.
However, there are some drawbacks to using a bunk trailer:
- They can be more challenging to recover and launch.
- This trailer is not the best for use with a high freeboard boat or boats with a propeller hidden in a skeg.
- Their initial price can be more expensive.
- They don’t offer as much protection for the integral boat bottoms or fiberglass hulls.
The roller trailer
Regarding boat trailers, the roller type has been gaining in popularity in recent years. This is due to a number of factors, such as its easy assembly, versatility, and overall convenience.
This new type of boat trailer has a wheel on each side of the boat, rather than one in the front and back. This design allows for easier maneuvering, especially in tight spaces. It also makes it easier to get the boat onto and off the trailer.
- One advantage of a roller trailer is that it’s easy to assemble. Unlike traditional trailers that require a lot of time and effort to put together, a roller trailer can be set up by one person in just a few minutes.
- In addition, this type of trailer is also very versatile. It can be used for both small and large boats, making it an excellent choice for people who own more than one boat.
- It allows boaters to move their vehicle sideways.
- A roller trailer ensures a simple launching and recovering process with the positioning of rollers.
- This trailer is more suitable for high freeboard boats.
However, there are some disadvantages to this design:
- It can be more challenging to drive the trailer with only one driver.
- The roller trailer, in general, is not as safe as a bulk trailer, especially for high-capacity boats.
- Since there are two wheels on each side of the boat, keeping the trailer straight while driving can be tricky.
Conclusion
So, which is the best type of trailer for you? That depends on your needs and what you will be using it for. Make sure you check out the advantages of these trailers and anticipate any difficulty in using them to invest in the right one.
Still, you should know that, compared to roller trailers, bulk trailers are actually more common. Therefore, if you plan to rent one in a certain area, it’s likely that you can rent a bulk trailer, but the other is not always available.