Some great ideas. I have never really had to think about anything other than servicing my trailers as they all came under a boat. (And they all need servicing.) I too like the oil bath bearing idea over the bearing buddies and I am with you on the stainless sleeve where possible for axles as I have spent enough time looking at rusted axle spindles.I have a R runner under my Skagit Orca since 2003-it has not been trouble free but when you tow 5 to 6000km a year Sh_T happens. The basic trailer has been bullet proof but here is what I have done and I would order this from the get go. Insure that the spindles have at least stainless speedi--sleeves for the rear seals to ride on, electric over hydraulic disc brakes , Oil bath bearings, Full side guide rails, rear bunks with UHMW in place of carpeting for launching with rollers forward. Tires 10 ply with spare. Good quality electric winch. Mike at R Runner builds a good quality low end trailer but for heavier boats and long distances you need to add things to make it trouble free. I would not hesitate to Order a trailer from Mike but I would customize it which he will do. I would insist my next trailer has to have all these things and only then would I compare prices so you are comparing the same things
A couple of questions:
-Where are you at weight wise with your boat fully loaded for one of your trips? You are likely going to be close to me weight wise with your Orca and I know you tow the as... off your boat.
-What capacity axles do you have under yours? This also leads to tire size question- 15 or 16"?.
thanks Steve