Boat too Heavy for single axle

[Trophyboy]

I have a 2002 Trophy W/A on a single axle Escort trailer. Its a big axle with big wheels but I just had to replace my bearings and races after one year. I do fish in Saltwater but don't tow the boat very far. The shop says the boat is too heavy for a single and I'll keep having to replace them??? I'm guessing with 20 gallons of gas,gear and a 135 Opti it weighs about 4500#. Too much? I'll contact Escort but just wanted to see if anyone had any experience with this bearing problem on a single axle trailer. Thanks

[62_Kiwi]

Hi TrophyBoy. For what it's worth, my boat & trailer weigh around 2,800 pounds and I've been told by a boat trailer specialist that it's about the maximum weight for a "standard" single axle trailer.It would be interesting to see what its says on the side of your tyres as to the maximum weight rating?Anyway, I suspect from what you've said, you need a double axle trailer...

[snapperbait]

Yep, at 4500lbs. or even 3500lbs., that's definately tandem axle (with brakes) territory...Please let me know when your going to be on the road, so I'm not...

[POINTER94]

Snapperbait is right on. I would say you are in dangerous territory here..

[POINTER94]

darn it

[mikeneal]

I agree, way too much boat for a single axle. And I don't recall if you said or not if you currenly have them, but you need brakes. 3500 lbs is the law in FL at least. Anything over 2500 and I would have them anyhow. I bought a 20 ft chris craft bowrider last year and it about weighes about 3000 unloaded. It was on the largest single axle you can get. (3500 lbs). It still towed like crap. I tradered up for a tandem with stailness brakes and it is a dream. I got 600 bucks for my old trailer, whick helps..a little. You wil spend some cash, but if you tow any distance at all you need something safe and you will love the brakes.

[speedwrench]

If the trailer frame is sturdy enough, and depending on how the axles and fenders are mounted, adding another axle and brakes is not a big deal. Parts w/SS surge brakes would run around $800 . Don't know where you are so don't know what labor costs would be, but if going you're to have it done, stay away from the boat places and find someone who knows trailers and how to balance the weight. Few inches on axle placement can make the difference between towing like nothing is there to full time white knuckles and cheeks clamped on the seat.

[Old120]

Trophyboy!I think you are a little high on your weights. i have a 1292 bayliner 2000 with a 120 that tops the scales at 2700 lbs. The same year in a 2002 trophy is 2840 with a 120 motor. You could add 150 lbs maybe for that good motor. All these boats were package deals . If the weight of a 2002 was more than the maximum for the single. They would have not sold it that way. I have pulled mine half way across Canada with no problems. The maximum capacity for my escort single is 2109 K.G. or about 4500 lbs. Good maintenance keeps them going.Good luck

[Trophyboy]

Trophyboy...I've got the same rig so hopefully I can enlighten you as well as all that guessed. The newer Trophys weigh 3400# +/- and the Opti 135 is 400# +/-. You're 4500# +/- depending on gas and gear is in the ballpark. Bayliner has been putting these Trophy's on these single axle trailers for over ten years without any problems including mine. Your wheels are 16.5 inches and Your tires are E rated LT's to 2670# each. They only offer dual axle trailers as an option for folks who prefer one( tire blow outs etc) but they are not as manuverable and think about the $ for maintaining two axles. Of course the rig has Surge brakes and my trailer and probably yours?handle and launch great. Take your boat somewhere else and have them do the job right next time.