When buying a boat trailer, you need to consider a few things to make sure you’re getting the right one when shopping for boat trailers for sale. Be sure to check the following factors to ensure that you’ll get what you need.
Things to Consider When Buying a Boat Trailer
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
- Boat’s Length
- Trailer’s Width
- Axles
- Trailers
- Galvanized or Aluminum
- Suspension
- Lights
- Tongue Jack
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
A boat trailer’s gross vehicle weight rate (GVWR) refers to the maximum weight that it can carry. The trailer you’ll buy should be adequately strong not just to carry your boat. Also, it must be strong enough to endure the weight of the gear, fuel, and engine. To ensure safety, buy a boat trailer that can carry at least 15% more weight than your estimate.
Boat’s Length
To ensure that you’re buying the right boat trailer, use the bow eye to transom/drain plug measurement for proper fit. To determine your boat’s length, don’t include the swim platform, Euro transoms, or bow pulpits.
Trailer’s Width
When purchasing a boat trailer, never forget to consider the size of your boat, especially the size of the trailer itself. The boat trailer needs to be sufficiently wide to lodge the boat. It would be better if you allow an extra 10cm of space to secure it to the trailer.
Axles – Single or Multiple?
A single axle trailer works best for those who have tight spaces, such as garages and driveways. It allows you to easily maneuver your boat trailer. Additionally, it is cost-effective and necessitates less maintenance compared to multiple-axle trailers.
Multiple-axle trailers, on the other hand, are more expensive and demand more servicing. Likewise, they are more difficult to navigate. However, they traverse better on the road and are safer when a tire bursts.
Trailers – Bunk Trailers or Roller Trailers?
Trailers come in two types, bunk and roller. Bunk trailers have simpler designs and fewer parts to function, which makes them more affordable.
It also means less maintenance and repair. This type of trailer runs best in ideal ramp and tide circumstances. The main drawback is the running gear’s damage vulnerability because of its submersion in saltwater.
Roller trailers are best launched and loaded at low tides or shallow ramps. Their design doesn’t require water submersion like bunk trailers. This trailer doesn’t require frequent dipping of running gear in the salt or freshwater. However, they are more costly and require expensive maintenance.
Galvanized or Aluminum?
You can either buy galvanized or aluminum boat trailers depending on your needs and budget. Each has its own pros and cons.
A galvanized steel boat trailer secures the brake lines and light wiring inside the tubing. It is more corrosion-resistant than raw steel but more susceptible to rust. It’s also heavier than aluminum. This feature is significant for your tow vehicle capacities, including the boat’s weight and trailer package.
Aluminum trailers, on the other hand, are more favored by most boat owners. It’s because they are easier to maneuver, resistant to corrosion, and is lightweight. It won’t rust and improves fuel economy as it reduces your tow package’s weight. Moreover, they have a profound artistic appeal.
Suspension – Spring or Torsion?
Torsion axles usually have thick rubber cords hidden in the axle’s tubing. These cords squeeze together as the wheel oscillates. It provides an even wheel suspension for a seamless ride. Each wheel moves and absorbs shock individually.
These axles mount directly to the frame where fewer parts move than spring suspension. It results in a more even shock absorption. At the same time, it strengthens the frame while decreasing flex.
It’s less likely to corrode because of the galvanized axle tubes’ inside and out. Fewer parts involved in a torsion suspension mean less maintenance. However, this type of torsion is a bit pricey, including the repair or replacement. When it hit a curb, a wheel or a set of wheels absorb the full impact.
Leaf springs are the most commonly used system because it’s more affordable than torsion suspension. They are most reliable in terms of tire wear and stable ride, particularly in multi-axle applications.
They have better load shock absorption with each tire havings its own set of springs. Also, they are inexpensive and simpler to repair than torsion suspensions.
However, this spring’s metal-on-metal design can cause faster wearing. It can also result in more prevalent repairs.
Lights – LED or Incandescent
Boat trailer lights come in LED and submersible incandescent. They are waterproof because of the sealed gasket. LED lights last longer than incandescent. It’s because they can tolerate road vibration and shock more efficiently than bulbs.
Tongue Jack – Foot Jack, Single Wheel, or Dual Wheel?
Tongue jacks lift and lower your boat, enabling you to hook and unhook the trailer. It also helps you move your trailer around more easily. The type and capacity depend on the trailer’s size.
Foot tongue jacks consist of a foot on the bottom with more capacities. Larger boats and trailer packages best use them when extending up and down.
Single wheel tongue jacks have a capacity of 1200 lbs. or less. Trailers with 5700 lbs or less use them most often. Dual wheel tongue jacks, on the other hand, make it easy to maneuver with larger boats and trailer packages.
Conclusion
Purchasing a boat trailer is an integral part of your boat ownership experience. Make sure to buy the right trailer that suits your needs. It will let you move around, anywhere and at anytime. Just don’t forget the things you need to consider when buying a boat trailer. Another thing is, are the laws relevant to purchasing one and you’re good to go.
