Does trailer seem right for boat?

[Sinko]

I have a 18.5 ft boat sitting on a single axle EZ loader trailer with rollers. The boat dry weight is spec'd 2800#. The GVWR of the trailer with one set of tires is 3500# and another set of tires is 3700#. I have the tires rated for the 3700#. Still feel the axle is only rated for 3500#. Anyhow, previously I had a boat with a 2000# dry weight and had it weighed at a recycling center and it came in at 3100# with everything. So now I'm nervous that this may be overloaded, (not to mention I tow it with an V6 Escape and no trailer brakes). Does anyone have feedback on this set-up? The trailer came with the boat (apparently) but I'm the 3rd owner.
Much appreciated.

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Does trailer seem right for boat?

my boat is on bunks, but is a single axle with no brakes. boat and the trailer weigh about 3300 lbs at the local recycling scale (its certified). I think i'm right at the limit for the trailer, so I dont tow with much in the boat, everything goes in the bed of the truck til we get there.

 

[Sinko]

Re: Does trailer seem right for boat?

thanks. did you weight it at the scale with the truck off but the tongue still attached or did you disconnect at the weigh in?

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Does trailer seem right for boat?

Ontario trailer law states that brakes are required if over 3000 lbs.

 

[redone4x4]

Re: Does trailer seem right for boat?

thanks. did you weight it at the scale with the truck off but the tongue still attached or did you disconnect at the weigh in?

I weighed the truck one day empty, and then went back the next day with the boat hooked up to it and weighed the whole package. then subtracted the truck weight from the day before to get the remaining weight, which is the boat/trailer combo weight. By law I am supposed to have brakes on it I found out, but this is the way it came. Im looking into electric brakes but my tow vehicle does a really good job as is.

 

[bitterboater]

Re: Does trailer seem right for boat?

Sinko, the description provided makes the trailer in possession adequate for the boat being hauled. Though I do have to side with the law of your province. Your combined weight requires a braking system on the trailer, and it would be a fairly cheap addition to the truck you tow with.

 

[Sinko]

Re: Does trailer seem right for boat?

thanks everyone.
I priced out electric brakes (at a trailer company) and they quoted a grand for the brakes installed and the truck set up.

 

[bitterboater]

Re: Does trailer seem right for boat?

thanks everyone.
I priced out electric brakes (at a trailer company) and they quoted a grand for the brakes installed and the truck set up.

Not an exceptionally unreasonable price. Though still spendy. My 1/2 ton truck 10 years ago was 350 or so, just for the truck install. Plus parts.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Does trailer seem right for boat?

Whatever the cost of installing brakes, it is cheap compared to the lawsuit if you get into an accident with an illegal tow package. Insurance may not even cover you.

Better safe than sorry.

 

[Sinko]

Re: Does trailer seem right for boat?

Another trailer place mentioned surge brakes as an option. Cheaper and won't require modification to my Escape. Any thoughts if this works over the electric brake system?

 

[bitterboater]

Re: Does trailer seem right for boat?

As long as it brings the trailer into compliance with the laws of your Province. It should not be an issue.