Hi from Admiral Trailers

[Blackie]

Hi we've recently taken over at Vandercraft Trailers and have changed the name back to Admiral Trailers! I'm sure many of you will be familiar with the old Admiral Trailers who produced rib trailers many years ago. The designs continued under Vandercraft and now back to Admiral...

I'm not a Rib owner personally but am involved in clubs who own and use Ribs. I was pointed in the direction of the forum by a friend and thought it would be good to see opinions and ideas about trailing boats generally. Who knows I might even be able to offer some advice myself!

Happy Ribbing and especially happy trailing!

Tony

[boristhebold]

First of get yourself a trade membership on here as some people have an issue if your a company and just join as a member, very cheap so shouldnt be an issue.

Some feedback on my experience with trailers.

If you have a boat in a dry stack and also have a trailer there comes a time when the question comes up whether its worth keeping the trailer for the one maybe two times a year you might use it, plus it just sits there and starts to disintergrate in our weather, so maybe a good idea would be to have a number of different size trailers you could hire out to people.

Light boards on trailers in my opinion are really poor in terms of design and dont last, perhaps design a more robust and weather proof version of a light board. People would pay extra for a well designed light board.

Spares, create a on-line decent spares capability so people can order parts for their trailers. Hunting around for spares can be an issue and if you turn up in person many times trailer shops dont have the bit you want.

Perhaps sell second hand trailers also.

Many people unsure of the law and trailers, any guidance on your site would be useful to people.

[willk]

Originally Posted by boristhebold

First of get yourself a trade membership on here as some people have an issue if your a company and just join as a member, very cheap so shouldnt be an issue.

So long as he doesn't promote his product then Blackie is welcome to take part in Trailer related discussions without a trade membership.

[GordyP]

Had an Admiral Trainer for the Arctic, very well built kit it is too.

[ribraff]

Always been impressed with Admiral Trailers, two of my launch and recovery customers have them, both are still perfect.

[Searider]

Originally Posted by willk

So long as he doesn't promote his product then Blackie is welcome to take part in Trailer related discussions without a trade membership.

Well done Admin Team!

[mick]

Think mine is an Admiral trailer

[Crusher]

Originally Posted by willk

So long as he doesn't promote his product then Blackie is welcome to take part in Trailer related discussions without a trade membership.

Isn't this thread promoting his product??


Sent from my iPhone using RIB Net

[Rumbustious]

Seems to be good advertising to me...

[CJL]

Originally Posted by boristhebold

Light boards on trailers in my opinion are really poor in terms of design and dont last, perhaps design a more robust and weather proof version of a light board. People would pay extra for a well designed light board.

Too right!!!

[mick]

Originally Posted by CJL

Too right!!!

Yup same here like others on here made my own
But the Dutch seem to have some very good L B mainly folded Ali plate

[nugent]

This works for me. Led submersible to

[Blackie]

wow, feeling the love!!!

Thanks for all the responses...

Good point re trade membership. We'll certainly look at that.

I agree re lighting boards. They are a load of rubbish most of the time... We're currently going through the process of type approval and I'm definitely erring towards the separate pods on each side of the trailer. Waterproof LEDs seem the obvious choice.

mmm not sure about hire trailers. We'd much rather sell one!!! hahaha
Seriously I think that would probably be more relevant to retailers who would be located in the area's where this service might be needed... Certainly give it some thought.

I'd be interested in what people think about the trend towards solid beams on roller trailers rather than the more traditional swinging beams. And the use of only 4 rollers on a fixed beam at the front rather than 8 rollers on a swing beam. I guess it reduces the cost of the trailer but it's surely not as good. Is it?

Thanks again all.

I promise not to overtly promote Admiral Trailers... oopps

Regards

Tony

[Trimix]

There is always a drive to reduce cost - especially as the internet allows instant price comparison.

However, low price does not equal good product. Trailers get ignored and forgotten. Until it broken of course.

Perhaps you need a two pronged approach. Cheap ones for cost consious first time buyers (who really are only interested in getting their boat to the water).

Then a second range - for those who know / realise you shouldnt skimp on quality when it comes to a trailer.

Or perhaps a combination of both - basic frame, which you add to / upgrade as and when you need.

Website with spares that are sent out with a courier and tracking. In stock, uptodate and with a human on the phone 24/7 to assist with buying / fitting etc.

Reputation is everything and your website is the first start.

[Blackie]

Cheers Trimix, much appreciated.

Website? oops we've been flat out since we started. Need to get that sorted then!