bertram bahia mar 20 and a chevy 1500

[jturbo86]

I'm currently looking for a trailer for my bertram bahia mar 20, I think ive found a float-on tandem axle that will be perfect for the boat my only concern is the lack of trailer brakes. I'm extremely mechanically included so absolute worse case, I'll add electric trailer brakes assuming they would survive saltwater.

Does anyone have any experience w/ a 23-24' load @ 5k+ pounds with a short-bed single cab truck? It's a 2009 1500 5.3 z71, I know power wouldn't be an issue with the 5.3 im more concerned about transmission temps on hills and stopping the boat with my small truck. I'd mainly be pulling the boat in and out of the water roughly 6 miles from where I live but there are some steep inclines/declines on the route.

Occasionally the boat will be towed to other locations that are roughly 45 miles away but its mainly highway driving and no hills. I'd like to be able to safely maintain 60+ MPH on the highway. I remember driving with my father towing his 27' carrera with his single cab side step and he was moving right along..... but he is a white knuckle kind of guy, I am too.... just not with my wife whining.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
John

 

[oldjeep]

I'd add brakes, but sure wouldn't be concerned with towing a 20ft boat behind a half ton.

 

[jturbo86]

Thanks for the reply! My 5k weight might be a little conservative, I should probably rethink that number. For a 20' boat its quiet heavy.

 

[oldjeep]

Mine is 20 Ft and near 6k on the trailer. I tow with a crew cab half ton, but hardly notice it is there.

 

[Scott Danforth]

check your local laws. some states, you need brakes at 2000# trailer load, others 3000#

your bertram should weigh in at 2800# dry http://boatspecs.iboats.com/Bertram_Yacht__Bahia_Mar__1970/bp/66b8771

your tandem axle trailer will be about 1200#.

add #1000 for fuel and gear and your towing #5k

for salt water, I would go with surge brake actuator and disc's

 

[jturbo86]

Thanks for the help guys. Yea I just spoke to the old man, basically said brakes are must.

I'm going to look at the trailer now, hopefully the axles allow for a brake kit to be used. If not my search continues.

 

[Scott Danforth]

not sure your budget, however brand new tandem axle aluminum trailers with brakes are about $3k in the Tampa Florida area.

 

[jturbo86]

Yup, just got a quote for 3200 new. That might be the direction im going to go. After it's all said an done, for another 1k I can have a new trailer and not have to worry about it.

 

[jturbo86]

No Title

 

[NYBo]

It may be just the angle of the photo, but the tongue looks a little high. The trailer should be level.

 

[jturbo86]

Yea it is a little high, I'm figuring fully fueled/gear and it should be level. The truck did really well, was hitting 68-69 MPH with no problem trans temp at 155. Slowed down to 65 mph and it was like the boat wasn't even there.