Larry Crowe wrote:
Thanks for the lesson.. Hadn't really ever given a thought to it until
having the blowout,only made for being a little more cautious..larry


HK wrote:
Larry Crowe wrote:
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

What you do is multiply the weight capacity of your tire by the number
of tires to get the gross capacity of your trailer. If you have two
tires with 1760# capacity each, and those tires are the proper size for
your trailer, your gross capacity is 3520 pounds.

Trailers, the frame part, have an overweight capacity safety factor, too.

I'm guessing, but with your boat and the weight of your trailer, you are
probably at the limit of the trailer's capacity.

My new trailer has four tires with, if memory serves, the same weight
capacity as yours. That might mean my trailer would handle a load of
7000# gross. But the manufacturer rates it as a 6000# gross.

Also important: make sure your tires are properly inflated. Typically,
boat trailer tires need 50-55 psi for safe towing speeds.



Also keep in mind that the faster you tow, the more risks you are taking
and the more strain you are putting on your rig. Stopping distances
while towing are substantially greater than when not towing, and your
ability to "evade" accidents is also much reduced.

Check to make sure your trailer's hubs are greased and if you are towing
any distance, when you stop, put your palm on the hubs. Warm is fine;
really hot is not. I boat in salt water, so I have a two gallon garden
chemical sprayer in my car that I fill with fresh water. After I launch
the boat, I spray the trailer's brakes with fresh water.

Have fun.