Question about trailer load amount

[sharps45]

The maximum load rating on my boat trailer says 4400 lbs. My boat alone weighs that, without fuel or gear or water for the head. This is the trailer that was sold with the boat from the dealer. The maximum total listed is 5750 lbs. From reading in this forum, that includes the trailer weight itself. Is this trailer overloaded, and if so, what do I do about it? Bear in mind it has been hauling this boat for 7 years with no problem. thanks guys

 

[Mark42]

Re: Question about trailer load amount

The maximum load rating on my boat trailer says 4400 lbs. My boat alone weighs that, without fuel or gear or water for the head. This is the trailer that was sold with the boat from the dealer. The maximum total listed is 5750 lbs. From reading in this forum, that includes the trailer weight itself. Is this trailer overloaded, and if so, what do I do about it? Bear in mind it has been hauling this boat for 7 years with no problem. thanks guys

Just because a trailer is overloaded does not gaurantee it will fail. Probably will sooner or later, but not a gaurantee that it will fail pronto.

Take a look at the leaf springs. The should normally be curved up. If they are flat or curved down, the trailer is definatelly overloaded, and I can gaurantee it will fail. Sooner or later. Guaranteed.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Question about trailer load amount

you can put a heavier axles, and spriings under the same frame. they use the same frames on a lot of different weight under carriages. another item is making sure your tires are rated for the loads.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Question about trailer load amount

Is this a tandem axle trailer (I hope)? If it is, it probably has 3500# axles so that part of the equation is good (GVWR = 7000#). Next is the tires. To carry a 7000# GVWR each tire would need a maximum load rating (check the sidewall) of 1750# (1750 x 4 = 7000). Check that GVWR tag again and make sure the load rating you are looking at is with a specific tire size. The same trailer can be used for a number of different GVWR ratings. The number of spring leafs and tire size will determine those maximums.

If this is a single axle trailer, it would need a 6000# axle and the wheels would very likely have 6-bolt wheels. Each tire would need to be rated for 2875# which puts them in the trailer home size.

 

[sharps45]

Re: Question about trailer load amount

I'll check those things in the morning and get back to you guys. thanks

 

[sharps45]

Re: Question about trailer load amount

It's a double axle trailer. Trailer nameplate says the same size tires that are on it, only with a load range b. The tires on it are load range c, and say they are good for 1760 lbs. It has four heavy leaf springs and they are curved up, not down. I hope this is good enough. As it is, I have been towing the boat loaded with fuel but very little else (only life jackets and skis). I don't load the boat up until it is time to launch. Maybe I'll be alright. If not, or if there's something else to check, let me know. Thanks again

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Question about trailer load amount

The tires will handle a GVWR of 7000# so you should be good in all other aspects. If the tag indicated load range B tires that would account for the 4400 load rating. Load range C tires increase that rating. Just keep the tires inflated to the maximum cold pressure indicated on the sidewall.

 

[sharps45]

Re: Question about trailer load amount

Thanks Silvertip. One less thing to wrinkle my brow.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Question about trailer load amount

I had the same issue with mine. I purchased the boat used and the trailer was 9 years at that time but the rating plate stated capacity at 5.2K lbs which sparked some concern. I called Loadrite and was advised that it was the carrying capacity of the trailer, not the total allowable load of the trailer.

It was still too close for comfort so I went from ST205/14C to ST215/14C tires and picked up an additional 400 lbs of load capability. Still marginal if I’m loaded up but close enough given the duty ratings of such things.