what size trailer?

cSickNick · #1 03-20-2009, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Under my 20' Seafari I have a 19-21' Magic Trail tandem with 4500 lb capacity, based upon the calculations below.

1800 lb hull + 300 lbs fuel + 400 lbs gear + 250 lbs in live well = 2750 lbs x 1.25 = 3437.5 lbs + 900 lbs trailer weight = 4337.5 lbs max gross vehicle weight = 4500 lb capacity trailer to purchase

Hi Frank,

I am confused on this calculation on figuring carry capacity of adding in the 900lbs of trailer.

I thought carry capacity rating of a trailer is minus the trailer weight?

Unless that was your motor weight? Which appears to be missing or feather light

- Nick

rockdoc · #2 03-20-2009, 06:41 PM

Trailer capacity doesn't include the trailer weight. Vehicle trailer capacity (or towing capacity) includes boat, motor, fuel, trailer, equipment, ice, beer, 1000 lb. Tuna

, etc. (everything behind the hitch)

Steve

DonV · #3 03-20-2009, 09:24 PM

Strick is right.....the cost of going the extra size up is nothing in the long run, especially going with disc brakes on all four wheels!!!!! I've seen boats upside down on the side of the road because they could not stop properly...not pretty!

Dilligaf · #4 03-20-2009, 10:45 PM

5900Lb would be too small you think for a 23 sceptre? only be towing a total of 15 miles one way tops.

htillman · #5 03-21-2009, 12:06 AM

You are at the limit of the trailer. Does the trailer physically fit the boat. What type of brakes? It is your risk to go smaller versus moving up in size. With a 23, I would go up a size and at least have disc brakes. The distance you trailer is dependent upon the type of traffic you encounter.

Dilligaf · #6 03-21-2009, 06:28 PM

it has disk brakes,dual axle,torsion. bunk its a loadmaster trailer. dealer says it be fine but wondering what you guys think?

bridgeman · #7 03-21-2009, 07:43 PM

I towed my 23 900 mi. from Fl to PA has a 6000# tandem continental aluminum, didn't have brakes but I was towing with a F350 powerstroke. Kodiak disc brakes are going on next weekend, even through the VA mountains on 77 it towed easily. The trailers 29' long so I didn't notice any bouncing around like some single axles that I've had with my previous boats. I see a good bit of loadmasters up this way.

Fr. Frank · #8 03-21-2009, 10:38 PM

Quote:

I thought carry capacity rating of a trailer is minus the trailer weight?

Unless that was your motor weight? Which appears to be missing or feather light

- Nick

Uh, I forgot the 375 lbs for the motor.

But my trailer tag says "Max Capacity 4500 lbs GVWR", which is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, and for every trailer, the GVWR DOES include the weight of the trailer.

Never make that mistake!!! Max carrying or load capacity and Max GVWR are two different things. GVWR is the weight of the load PLUS the weight of the trailer. My trailer weight is actually listed as 795 lbs, I just round it upward a bit to 900 for fudge factor.

ScottM · #9 03-22-2009, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Never make that mistake!!! Max carrying or load capacity and Max GVWR are two different things. GVWR is the weight of the load PLUS the weight of the trailer.

Excellent point Fr. Frank. Many people confuse the 2 or assume they are the same. A couple years ago when I was in the used trailer market, I made it a point to ask the seller to clarify the weight rating stated in the ad. Most times they were stating GVWR.