Gene Kearns wrote:
On Wed, 19 Sep 2007 09:14:38 -0400, Larry Crowe penned the following
well considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:

Interesting that this topic came up as I'm preparing to trailer this
weekend. I recently had new tires installed on the trailer after having
a blowout and noticed last night that the weight capacity listed on the
tire was 1760 lbs. I have a 1996 Glastron with a 3.0 volvo penta and a
quick google search lists similar newer models as having a dry weight of
2315lbs w/3.0. Is the tire not rated properly for my capacity ? I do
recall that they are 15" tires. Thanks Larry

At 1760 lbs. you probably have 6 ply rating 14" tires. This looks a
little light to me, if you have a 2315# boat + fuel and other "stuff"
that is carried aboard + the weight of the trailer.

Two tires at 1760# each gives you a load rating of 3520#, which is
probably your axle capacity (3500#), if you have 5 lug wheels.

Ditto the above drill when you go to buy springs... there usually is
an agreement in spring capacity, tire capacity, wheel capacity, and
axle capacity.

So.... I suspect you are at the extreme upper limit of capacity for
your trailer's individual components and the trailer as a whole......

I would suggest weighing the trailer in an "as towed" condition: fuel,
gear, .....anything aboard when towed. Based on the new weight
information, if you are a hard core trailerboater, you may want to
look at a heaver trailer.

Don't suffer the fate of one of our ex-"contributors," who sought to
trailer 1,800 miles (each way) to the water and accomplished little
more than smoking the trailer bearings and axles. This was with a
trailer tailored to the boat by the manufacturer, too.



Once you get near the "right size" trailer for your rig, there's very
little extra expense involved, typically, in buying a trailer with a bit
more capacity. Loadmaster used to make a 5200# gross capacity trailer
for a boat like mine, but phased it out this summer in favor of a 6000#
gross capacity trailer. The price difference? $80. Always remember the
"gross capacity" includes the weight of the empty trailer.