Axle weight capacity

[scatgo]

Just got a used trailer for my boat. Of course, I need to know the weight capacity before I take my boat any further than my local boat ramp that is only 2 blocks away. It has two axels with drum brakes and 5 lug nuts per wheel. Will knowing the brake drum diameter help?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Bearing size will tell you. However most likely 3000# or 3500# axles

Capacity of trailer will be between 4500-5500

 

[scatgo]

It dose have two axles so if each axel is in the 3500 range that should bring it up to 7000 + right?

 

[Lou C]

That would be the total that the trailer can weigh, but not the carrying capacity (how heavy the boat can be) you subtract the weight of the trailer from the total that it can weigh and that's the carrying capacity. So if it has 2 3500 lb axles but weighs 1500 lbs, then at most the capacity would be 5500 lbs. Look at the trailer for a capacity plate, if its missing or illegible, try contacting the manufacturer.

 

[Scott Danforth]

It dose have two axles so if each axel is in the 3500 range that should bring it up to 7000 + right?

7000# is what the hubs support
subtract axle weight, spring weight, trailer frame weight, etc.

then add a factor of safety

your trailer is rated for 4400-5500# MAX

for example, my trailer has two 3500# axles. the trailer capacity tag is 4400#
the 5000# version has brakes on both axles. there is no 5500# version from the manufacturer of my trailer.

so, how big of a boat are you trying to put on a trailer?

 

[Sprig]

What boat do you have and how much does it weigh loaded? I mean no offense but why would you buy a trailer not knowing it’s weight capacity? And then worry about it after you bought it.

 

[scatgo]

7000# is what the hubs support
subtract axle weight, spring weight, trailer frame weight, etc.

then add a factor of safety

your trailer is rated for 4400-5500# MAX

for example, my trailer has two 3500# axles. the trailer capacity tag is 4400#
the 5000# version has brakes on both axles. there is no 5500# version from the manufacturer of my trailer.

so, how big of a boat are you trying to put on a trailer?

Its a 26 foot Sea Ray. I am still trying to get specs on the dry weight. So far it looks like it MIGHT be 5200 pounds. I do plan on bring it to my local weigh station but for the moment i need to see where i am at. I did have to by this trailer for emergency use but i would like to keep it if it is up to the task.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Its a 26 foot Sea Ray. I am still trying to get specs on the dry weight. So far it looks like it MIGHT be 5200 pounds. I do plan on bring it to my local weigh station but for the moment i need to see where i am at. I did have to by this trailer for emergency use but i would like to keep it if it is up to the task.

5200# dry weight is about 6500# wet-weight.

assuming a 1993 270 sundancer https://owners-resources.searayweb.com/model-archive-files/1C1_27_74DERNPJJ676.pdf
5600# dry weight
plus 99 gallons of fuel at 6.82#/gallon
plus 26 gallons of water at 8.35#/gallon
Plus holding tank
plus gear

assuming 2000 260 sundancer. https://owners-resources.searayweb.com/model-archive-files/1C1_27_74DERNX0W039.pdf
6000# dry weight
plus 85 gallons of fuel at 6.82#/gallon
plus 28 gallons of water at 8.35#/gallon
plus holding tank
plus gear

really suggest you look up what you have. then get the trailer you need.

unless you are in a bowrider, your over-capacity for your trailer.

most express cruisers have 5000# axles

 

[scatgo]

. Unfortunately the person i got the boat from was not sure what model of the boat was. Did a lot of internet research with little luck. If anything its a cuddy cabin. Wish me luck and thanks for the help.

 

[Scott Danforth]

. Unfortunately the person i got the boat from was not sure what model of the boat was. Did a lot of internet research with little luck. If anything its a cuddy cabin. Wish me luck and thanks for the help.

it has a HIN and you have paperwork (title/registration/bill of sale)

from the HIN and paperwork, you should know what you have

without paperwork, its just a big lawn ornament

 

[scatgo]

this is the HIN off of the registration 81260DA06282. So far the reg and HIN have not helped me get a weight on the boat.

 

[JASinIL2006]

I'm wondering if someone recorded the HIN incorrectly. Most HINs I've seen start with three letters followed by nine numbers. In yours, I wonder if the zero on either side of the 'DA' is actually an 'O'.

Can you pull the HIN directly off the boat?

 

[Lou C]

Maybe you can contact Sea Ray to get a correct HIN & approximate weights from them

 

[Scott Danforth]

Looks to be a serial number and not a HIN

if it is a searial number, looks to be a 1981 260 DA Build 6282

https://owners-resources.searayweb.com/model-archive-files/1C1_27_74DERNJ5B335.pdf

regardless, if its an 260 Vanguard, Weekender, or Sundancer, your trailer is not big enough