opinions on sailboat trailer

[santana21]

Hello again,<br /><br />I posted last week or so about adding an axle to a sailboat trailer and appreciated all the responses. I have decided to go with a purpose built trailer that, I believe will fit the needs of the boat better. What does everyone think?<br /><br />The Boat.--1983 Hunter 22 fixed keel, 3400#S<br />NOTE: I have stripped everything that was not attached to the boat off, motor, fuel, boom, junk ect.<br /><br />Trailer:-- new Trailnsail 3500# trailer with 205 75 14 lrc st tires. Manufacturer says this is the trailer specified for this boat but the loads don't agree. Trailer is single axle no brakes.<br /><br />I will travel twice a year with the rig, put in and take out. Trip with trailer loaded is about 25 miles. I will be pulling with a 02 Mitsubishi Montero Sport with trailer tow package and 5500# reciever hitch. I won't have to exceed 50 mph and all pavement. No huge hills or rough terrain. Kansas City area.<br /><br />Should I move up to 215 75 14 tires or should I go with new rims and 15" tires and any reccomendations on the 15" tire size?<br /><br />Thank you for your help<br /><br />Santana

 

[CTD]

Re: opinions on sailboat trailer

I never feel comfortable when running at max capacity even though many do. For 3500lbs you need 1750lbs per wheel, if the 205s are rated at 1750 your ok with them. I worry about no brakes the most esp with the vehicle your towing with. Keeping your speed down is important which you plan on doing, try and have 10% of the weight on the tongue. In your case 350 lbs. Also bear in mind you will be overloaded some because if the boat is 3400lbs the trailer will weigh another 4-500lbs. I saw a chart once that rated trailer tires, it allowed (example only) 3000lbs per tire at 30mph 2500 at 35mph 2000 at 40 etc. This was for industrial use off road but shows the relationship between capacity and speed of a tire.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: opinions on sailboat trailer

Given that you're only towing 2x a year, why not just pay a pro 2x a year? Costs maybe $100 so $200 per year. How many years would it take you to break-even with buying a trailer?