Modify Trailer?

[Thomv]

I finally found out what my trailer weighs. It is between 900 to 950 pounds. With a GVWT of 7000 pounds that would mean my boat, gear and fuel would only leave me with a net weight of about 6150 pounds. Here is the problem. My boat weighs 6500 pounds without fuel and gear so if I add another 800 pounds that would bring me up to 7300 pounds plus the 950 pounds for the trailer leaving me with 8250 GVWT or 1250 pounds over the GVWT limit. I was thinking of adding a third 3500 pound axle and wheels. Does this sound feasible? The trailer is in excellent shape and did come with the boat. I am trying to avoid having to buy another trailer for $4K plus tax.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Modify Trailer?

** double post**

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Modify Trailer?

There is more to trailer capacity than just the axle rating. (or sum of it in your case.) The metal frame of the trailer is also spec'ed for a specific weight, so although you might have enough axle capacity, it doesn't matter when you buckle the trailer in 2.

wait... just re-read your post. You have a trailer that weighs 900 pounds with a 7300 pound boat on it? I'm hoping your numbers are off. A proper trailer for that size boat is going to be in the 1500 to 2000#+ pound range. You seriously have the wrong trailer for that application. Did a quick check, and it looks like 3500# axles can weigh about 125# each, tires are about 20#, so that is almost 350# in axle weight. That means the rest of your trailer weighs 550 pounds. My trailer for my 1500 lb 17ft bowrider is 450 pounds!

 

[Thomv]

Re: Modify Trailer?

I got that weight from the manufacturer. It is an aluminum tailer with 6 1/2 inch by 4 inch ibeam which is the same size ibeam used on their heavy duty trailers so I should be okay with that.I guess I need to go to a public scale to be sure of the weight.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Modify Trailer?

Contact the manufacturer of the trailer and ask them what they suggest. Their suggestion may be to change both axles to something of more capacity than 3500. I would avoid going to 3 axles if you can.

Often the frame is identical between 2 GVW trailers and the only difference are the axles but you won't know unless you ask the manufacturer.

 

[Thomv]

Re: Modify Trailer?

Contact the manufacturer of the trailer and ask them what they suggest. Their suggestion may be to change both axles to something of more capacity than 3500. I would avoid going to 3 axles if you can.

Often the frame is identical between 2 GVW trailers and the only difference are the axles but you won't know unless you ask the manufacturer.

The manufacturer told me the ibeam is the same size for standard verses heavy duty. It is the axles that are different. Why do you stay away from going 3 axles? Is it have something to do with turning?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Modify Trailer?

3 axles wont turn easy