Here are the number of axles a trailer should have based on pontoon boat weight: Single axle trailer – up to 2,250 lbs. This usually equates to a 14 – 20 foot pontoon boat. Dual axle trailer – 2,250 lbs to 4,800 lbs. This usually equates to a 20 – 28 foot pontoon boat.
Full Answer
What size boat trailer do I Need?
Size — It’s obvious a trailer should fit your boat. For trailerable boats (those under 8′ 6″ in beam, take into account two measurements — length and weight. Length should be measured from the farthest point at the bow to the end of the hull’s running surface. In general, trailers are typically about two feet longer than the boat itself.
How much tongue weight is required for a boat trailer?
Axle position may have to be moved toward the rear to achieve correct tongue weight of 5% to 7% of the total boat’s weight. There are 2 types of inboard engine configurations that concern trailer fit. One is a straight shaft and the other is a V drive.
What type of boat trailer is best for You?
The scissor trailer is best for people who want to trailer quickly and with as little hassle as possible. It suits those pontoon boat owners who don’t have to travel far to launch their boats.
How do I match my boat to the right size trailer?
Matching a larger offshore fishing boat with the right size trailer requires a little more precision. There’s more weight at play, and the forces upon your trailer and car will be higher. Foremost, we suggest ensuring that your boat is able to maintain contact between all central trailer rollers, and the centre of the hull.
How do I know what size boat trailer I need?
To calculate needed trailer capacity, calculate the total weight including the boat, the engine, a full fuel tank (approximately 7 lbs. per gallon), full water tanks (if applicable) and your personal gear. A good rule of thumb is to use 10% of boat, motor, and liquid weights for personal gear.
How long should my boat trailer be?
Length should be measured from the farthest point at the bow to the end of the hull's running surface. In general, trailers are typically about two feet longer than the boat itself.
How much does a 14 foot boat and trailer weigh?
Average Weights & Sizes of Boat TrailersTrailer Boat SizeTrailer Weight CapacityTrailer Weight12 to 14-foot boat400 pounds150 pounds15 feet boats1,500 pounds410 pounds20-foot boats6,000 pounds1,000 pounds18-foot boats3,100 pounds630 pounds5 more rows•Aug 5, 2019
How do you measure a boat for a boat trailer?
2:143:48Measuring your boat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMeasure from the center of your trailer to the center of your rear roller pivot point measure fromMoreMeasure from the center of your trailer to the center of your rear roller pivot point measure from the inside of your rear quad roller to the center of your boat.
What size trailer do I need?
Compare cargo trailer sizesCargo trailer size*Weight limit (lbs.)What it fits4 ft. x 8 ft.1,600Small personal items, boxes5 ft. x 8 ft.1,800Twin beds, loveseats, small tables5 ft. x 10 ft.1,550Queen-sized beds, couches, dining room furniture6 ft. x 12 ft.2,500L-shaped couches, pianos, queen-sized bedsMar 4, 2022
How wide is a 16 foot boat trailer?
Single Axle BunkBoat LengthWidth Between FendersOverall Width14 – 15 ft4 ft5.17 ft15 – 16 ft5 ft6.5 ft16 – 17 ft5.59 ft7 ft16 – 17 ft5.59 ft7 ft9 more rows•Jun 2, 2022
How heavy is a 14 ft boat?
Here's How Much Boats Weigh on AverageType of BoatAverage WeightSailboats – 14 to 20 feet400 to 800 poundsSailboats – 20 to 30 feet4,000 to 8,000 poundsSkiffs300 to 900 poundsWake Boats3,000 to 5,000 pounds7 more rows•Feb 18, 2020
How heavy is a 14 foot aluminum jon boat?
A 14 foot Jon Boat will on average weigh about 160 pounds (72 kilos) not including the motor, and hold around 610 pounds (277 kilos) of people and gear.
How heavy is a 14 foot aluminum boat?
You can find some v-hull designs that are in the 150-pound range, which are reasonably easy to move around. But flat-bottomed jon boats tend to weigh more. Add in under-floor storage and a wider design and weights approaching 300 pounds are possible.
How do I choose a boat trailer?
1:073:42What to look for and consider when buying a boat trailer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne thing to talk about which which is very important is carrying capacity on trailers. A lot ofMoreOne thing to talk about which which is very important is carrying capacity on trailers. A lot of people when they purchase a boat they don't realize. True carrying capacities of the trailer.
Does the length of a trailer include the hitch?
The measurement information provided by travel trailer manufacturers just includes the length of the trailer unit itself and doesn't include the tongue, hitch, or tow vehicle. Therefore, the overall length of the entire setup requires multiple measurements: the interior, exterior, and overall length.
How should a boat fit on a trailer?
Set boat on trailer while maintaining no less than 2" gap between keel and tongue plate cover. The end of the bunks/rollers should be flush with transom and the boweye should reach the winch post. If this is so, the rear pivot should remain in the A-position.
What should be bearing weight when a boat is fully trailered?
Rear support rollers should also be bearing weight when the boat is fully trailered. That will ensure that the load is evenly distributed. Minimising rear overhang is also essential. Too much, and the boat’s weight will pull up on your car’s tow hitch, making driving dangerous.
What happens if you choose a trailer that is too small?
If you choose a trailer that is too small, it may be overloaded. If you choose a trailer size that is too big for your boat, your boat may not be stable. That might leave you wondering where to start in your search for the right size boat trailer. Our advice: start by looking at your boat!
What is a tinny trailer?
For example, custom tinny trailers allow you to tow your boat into tricky and inaccessible areas. That opens up a lot of potential fishing ground that larger boats, with larger trailers, simply couldn’t cover. They’re also lighter, which means you use less fuel when towing.
Can a boat hang past a trailer?
In terms of size, your options vary. Narrow your search by measure your tinny’s length, and beam. Remember, your boat should not hang past the trailer wheels on either side. It also shouldn’t have too great an overhang at the back.
Is it easier to get a tinny trailer or a boat?
If you’ve got a relatively small tinny, picking a trailer size will probably be easy. Tinnies are quite light, and they’re also easier to secure than larger boats. That means your margin for error is a little higher. In terms of a starting point, we recommend looking at alloy trailers.
How much does a single axle boat trailer weigh?
Typically, a single-axle trailer can accommodate a boat up to 22’ (6.7 m) or 23’ (7.01 m) with a maximum weight of 3,300 lbs. (1,369 kg) to 3,500 lbs. (1,587 kg). They cost less, require less maintenance and are easier to move around manually than dual-axle models. Trailers with two or more axles are for larger boats.
What is a single axle boat trailer?
A single-axle trailer is usually used for smaller single-engine boats and can be towed by a variety of vehicles. Here we see a tandem-axle bunk trailer. Trailers with two axles can accommodate a wide range of boats up to about 7,500 pounds (3,401.9 kg). Brakes make it easier to keep a trailer under control.
Why do trailers have bunks?
Bunks can be added to a trailer to improve support. Roller-style trailers are more versatile and are preferred for easier launch and retrieval. Get Hitched. Most trailers connect to the tow vehicle with a hitch that clamps to a ball on the bumper or frame-mounted receiver hitch.
What is a jack on a trailer?
A jack that bolts to the front of the trailer tongue makes it easy to lift the trailer on and off the hitch. A spare tire and mount can mean the difference between making it to the ramp or home. We highly recommend that all trailers have a spare tire.
Why do load guides on trailers work?
Load guides attached to the sides of a trailer make it easier to put back on the trailer, because when submerged the operator cannot see all of the trailer bed. Finally, bearing savers such as Bearing Buddies can extend the life of a trailer by keeping the wheel bearings bathed in a constant supply of grease.
Why do you need a trailer for a boat?
A trailer can greatly enhance the boating experience not only because it eliminates having to rent a slip, but also because it allows the owner to travel long distances to boat in new waters. A trailer also adds value to a boat, creating a more complete package. Choosing the right trailer isn’t rocket science, but there are important criteria ...
What is the GVWR of a boat trailer?
The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is the maximum weight the trailer is rated to carry. For safety, add 15 percent extra weight. Tongue weight refers to how heavy the front of the trailer is. It should always be between 10 and 15 percent of the total boat-and-trailer package.
How long of a trailer do you need for a pontoon boat?
Pontoon boats take very little effort to get them moving on the water but how do you get them to the water in the first place? What size trailer do you need for a pontoon boat? An 18 foot pontoon boat requires an a 18 – 21 foot long trailer. A 21 foot pontoon boat requires a 21 – 24 foot long trailer.
What to consider when buying a pontoon boat trailer?
The size and weight of your pontoon boat are not the only things to consider when choosing a trailer. If you want to ensure your boat is safe and secure there are other keys things you need to take into account before making a trailer purchase.
How much weight can a 24 foot pontoon boat carry?
A 24 foot pontoon boat requires a 21- 27 foot long trailer. Choose a trailer with a number of axles that can accommodate the weight of your pontoon boat. A single axle trailer can carry up to 2,250 lbs. A dual axle trailer can carry 2,250 lbs to 4,800 lbs. A triple-axle trailer can carry 4,800 lbs to 6,000 lbs.
How much weight can a single axle trailer handle?
Here are the number of axles a trailer should have based on pontoon boat weight: Single axle trailer – up to 2,250 lbs. This usually equates to a 14 – 20 foot pontoon boat.
What is a bunk trailer?
A bunk trailer, also called a float-on trailer, gives the pontoon boat a much more secure hold, as the trailer fits directly under the pontoon tubes. The trailer is thus supporting the tubes unlike the scissor type of trailer. The tubes sit over the wheels of the trailer.
How many feet can you put on a pontoon boat?
If you have a 21 foot pontoon boat then common practice dictates you get a 21 foot pontoon boat trailer. If you have a 28 foot boat you get a 28 foot trailer. Simple! However, I strongly advise you not to follow common practice and instead follow best practice.
What is a scissor pontoon trailer?
Scissor pontoon trailer. Scissor trailers, also known as up/down trailers, work by fitting between the tubes on the pontoon boat. The trailer fits neatly underneath and between the 2 tubes. Obviously these trailers are not a good fit for tritoons.
How long is a trailer boat?
For trailerable boats (those under 8′ 6″ in beam, take into account two measurements — length and weight. Length should be measured from the farthest point at the bow to the end of the hull’s running surface. In general, trailers are typically about two feet longer than the boat itself. Do not use LOA (which can be influenced by extended swim ...
How much weight do you need to have brakes on a boat trailer?
Brakes — Laws vary by state, but typically brakes are required for all wheels on any trailer that grosses in excess of 3000 pounds.
What is a winch on a boat?
Winch — A trailer winch allows the boat to be pulled up onto the trailer with relatively little effort, and also serves as a tie-down point for the bow once the boat is in place. Typically winches are mechanical, requiring a handle to be cranked to wheel the strap or cable onto the winch barrel.
What is a trailer frame made of?
Frame —The frame of a trailer gives it its structural integrity. Frames are typically made from steel or aluminum. Tubular steel offers excellent strength, as well as protection for wiring and brake lines, which can be run inside the frame. Steel can also be painted to match the color of your boat or tow rig.
How much tongue weight should a boat trailer have?
As a rule of thumb, tongue weight should not exceed 10% of the gross trailer weight, the weight of the trailer itself with the fully loaded boat in place. Too little tongue weight and the trailer will sway from side to side, or surge forward and backward.
What is the suspension on a trailer?
Suspension — Wheels can be linked to the trailer frame by one of two primary suspension methods – leaf spring or torsion beam. The most traditional form of suspension, leaf springs consist of a series of curved, slender steel plates, placed atop each other, which flex to absorb shock.
Does galvanized trailer paint chip?
Paint can also chip, or dull over time. Galvanized trailers offer far superior corrosion resistance, but do not offer the potential for color.
When towing there are three things to consider
If you’ve never purchased a trailer before, understanding different trailer sizes can be confusing. At Leonard, we’re staffed by a team of trailer experts who can help you determine the right size trailer for your unique application.
1. Towing Vehicle
You need to know and understand GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). It is important to towing because it tells you explicitly the maximum weight of cargo and passengers you can carry safely in your pickup truck, SUV, or CUV. GVWR is the total combined weight of the truck, including all passengers, fuel, fluids, and cargo.
2. Trailer type & size
For some, this is an obvious decision, for others, maybe not. Trailers are divided into several classes, and the two most common for consumers are Cargo/Enclosed trailers & Utility/Open trailers. Both Cargo and Utility trailers are offered in a wide range of sizes at each Leonard location.
3. Determining the right hitch system
Check back soon to see our next post, "Determining the right hitch system."
What is the tongue weight on a boat?
Tongue weight (TW) is a related term used to describe the maximum weight allowed on the hitch ball. This is usually 10 percent of the GTW; for instance, a trailer hitch rated at 5,000 pounds GTW would typically have a 500-pound TW limit. For most trailered boats, however, the tongue weight is typically less; 5 percent of GTW is normal.
What is class III hitch?
"Class III" is a term thrown around a lot. But what does it mean? Technically, it's a classification used in the towing industry to identify towing equipment — hitches and such related items as ball mounts, hitch balls, trailer couplers, and safety chains that make up the towing connection between vehicle and trailer — that are rated to handle loads of 5,000 pounds or more. The towed load is termed Gross Trailer Weight (GTW). Tongue weight (TW) is a related term used to describe the maximum weight allowed on the hitch ball. This is usually 10 percent of the GTW; for instance, a trailer hitch rated at 5,000 pounds GTW would typically have a 500-pound TW limit. For most trailered boats, however, the tongue weight is typically less; 5 percent of GTW is normal.
Pontoon Boat Trailer Sizes
Other Considerations
- The size and weight of your pontoon boat are not the only things to consider when choosing a trailer. If you want to ensure your boat is safe and secure there are other keys things you need to take into account before making a trailer purchase.
Types of Trailers Available
- All pontoon trailers are not alike. There are two different types of pontoon trailer: 1. Scissor/Up down trailer. 2. Bunk/float-on trailer. What’s the difference and why does it matter? Let’s find out.
Summary
- Choose a trailer based on the size of your boat and its weight. Common practice dictates you pick a trailer with the same length as your pontoon boat. Best practice dictates you pick a trailer 3 feet longer. An 18 foot pontoon boat therefore requires an a 18 – 21 foot long trailer. A 21 foot pontoon boat requires a 21 – 24 foot long trailer. A 24 f...