How to choose the right boat trailer
Help Choosing the New Boat Trailer that’s Right for You
When you buy a new boat, the boat trailer often takes a backseat in the selection process. But it’s good to keep in mind that the best boat trailer for you brings with it a lot of advantages. It saves you the necessity—and the cost—of renting a boat slip. It provides you with the versatility to travel with your boat wherever you want to go. It makes taking care of your boat easier because it provides you with 360-degree access for repairing, washing and waxing. It can also provide better protection, from weather, water, direct sunlight and birds with their astonishing aim. And a boat trailer can mean extra security by allowing you to park your boat where you want, alongside the house, in a garage, wherever. So, what do you need to consider to select the best boat trailer for you? The tire experts at Treadworld are here to help you answer that question.
Bunk Trailer vs. Roller Trailer
You’ll find when it comes to boat trailers, there are two types of support systems to consider: bunk trailers and roller trailers. Bunk trailers are typically more affordable, have fewer moving parts so are easier to maintain, and are generally easier to use. Most allow you to drive your boat onto your trailer, because with this design your trailer must be deeper in the water for both launch and retrieval. The downside is that your running gear (brakes, hubs, springs, axles) is more vulnerable to damage, especially in salt water environments. Although they are typically more expensive, roller-style trailers offer an easier boat launch and retrieval when at shallow ramps and with low tides because they do not need to be submerged as deep as bunk trailers. As the name suggests, these trailers have balls which allow the boat to roll off and on, which means there’s no need to submerge roller-style trailers in the water. Instead, a heavy-duty winch can be used. Whichever you choose, look for rollers or bunks that are self-centering to help you securely align the boat and make loading hassle-free.
Choose the Right Boat Trailer Axle Configuration
Boat trailers can have single or multiple axles. For the most part, a single axle can be found on a small boat trailer—typically for boats up to 22-feet long weighing no more than 3,500 lbs. Single axle trailers are cheaper, require less maintenance, are easier to maneuver, especially manually, and are lighter and therefore require less fuel. Trailers with two or more axles are typically for larger boats. They distribute the weight better, they’re more stable on the road and they’re generally safer in the event of a tire blowout. They’re also more expensive, and more difficult to maneuver.
The Right Boat Trailer
Take some care in choosing the right boat trailer for your boat and your towing vehicle. It should never just be an afterthought. That’s because choosing the wrong boat trailer can mean a much tougher time both on the road and at the boat launch area, while choosing the right one can enhance your overall boating experience every time out.
Aluminum Boat Trailer or Galvanized Steel Boat Trailer?
Aluminum boat trailers are lighter weight which makes them easier to maneuver and can save on the gas consumption, plus they offer great corrosion resistance. They’re also generally more expensive. Galvanized steel is stronger—and heavier—and while more corrosion-resistant that raw steel, it is still prone to rust eventually. It’s also typically the less expensive option.
Do You Need Trailer Brakes?
A good pre-step before selecting your boat trailer is to check your state’s laws for trailer brakes because laws vary from state to state. Some states require brakes on all trailers, some states require brakes on trailers that weigh 3,000 lbs. or more, and some states have no rules regarding brakes on trailers. Regardless, brakes make it easier to control your trailer. Electric brakes are easy-care and give you the ability to brake the trailer before the tow vehicle, but they tend to suffer from use around saltwater. Surge brakes are more complex, but more reliable in saltwater situations.
Be Certain You’re Running the Right Boat Trailer Tires
Boat trailer tires are different than passenger vehicle tires in that they have thicker sidewalls that help carry the load without swaying. Part of determining the best trailer tires for you lies in the bias vs. radial decision. Due to the way they’re constructed, these two tire styles react differently on the road. Radial tires tend to flex more, which provides better traction and stability. They also typically run cooler, which is especially favorable with a heavy load. Bias tires are generally designed with stiffer sidewalls which is a benefit in harsher environments like unpaved, rough country roads. If most of your travel will be on paved highways at high speeds, you may want to choose radial tires. ST (Special Trailer) radial tires are specifically designed for use with trailers, and heavy loads. Whichever style you choose, proper inflation (PSI—pounds per square inch) is essential since PSI that is too low or too high can lead to blowouts. Plus, consider that PSI can change while you’re on the road so it’s a good idea to check your trailer tires at every stop.
Size Matters When Selecting a Boat Trailer
Boat length and boat weight are both crucial determinants when selecting a boat trailer—most trailers are classified by one or both of those two measurements. Establishing the length of your boat frame is not difficult. Use a tape measure or refer to the owner’s manual. Officially, the overall length is measured from the tip of the bow in a straight line to the stern of the vessel—for purposes of selecting the right boat trailer, consider whether outboard motors, bowsprits, rudders, brackets, handles and other fittings and attachments should be factored into your measurement. A rule of thumb is to look for a trailer that is two feet longer than your boat. On the other hand, determining the weight can be a bigger job than just reading the owner’s manual—which will likely tell you the dry weight, including the hull and motor. But it’s the wet weight that is important to the selection of your boat trailer because it reflects the reality of what your boat will weigh with everything added in—fuel, oil, water, anchor, safety equipment, an estimate of gear, fishing and otherwise, and more. Once you determine the weight, make sure you choose a trailer with an adequate GTWR—gross trailer weight rating—the maximum weight of a road trailer outfitted to capacity—typically, including the weight of the trailer itself, fluids, and cargo specified by the manufacturer. For safety, a good rule of thumb is look for a GTWR rating that is 15 percent larger than your weight estimate.
When You Need Boat Trailer Tires, Look No Further than Treadworld
If you’re not sure you have the best trailer tires for you, or you’re looking for replacement trailer tires or boat trailer wheels and tires, count on us here at Treadworld to provide you with the trailer tires you want, in a wide range of styles and a huge selection of sizes. All our RubberMaster Trailer Tires are manufactured to strict tolerances from top rubber compounds, then triple-tested for quality, balance and uniformity before being X-rayed to be sure they’re perfect. Easy ordering, fast shipping plus your satisfaction is guaranteed with our no-hassle Ultimate Advantage Warranty. Don’t hesitate to contact our tire experts via live chat or email with any questions you may have, and to get the ideal trailer tires —or the perfect ATV tires, UTV tires, lawn and garden tires, and many others—from our extensive selection.
