how to measure a pontoon trailer

Pontoon owners who prefer saltwater trips can also reap the benefits of aluminum since its not too prone to corrosion. you give us. trailer manufacturers still use winch stands designed for 23 diameter This will affect the balance on the trailer and Re: How to size a trailer for a boat?? When pulling or launching the boat, its preferred to have the engine trimmed all the way down, if you can. With over 50 years of experience, it's safe to say that no one knows more about pontoon trailers than Charles Mill Marina owner Bob Schraedly. As a general rule, you will want to consider the height and weight of everything you have on board aside from the weight of the watercraft itself. Copyright 2022 --- Trailers for Pontoons. If the trailer is too long you can also run into trouble on some ramps. The torsion suspensions are hidden in the galvanized axles tubes, and their role is to compress while the wheels move. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Many of those moving parts will stiffen up over time, but thats not something some grease cant fix. That axle centerline is where you will attach the middle spring hanger. Boating with Dogs: A Complete Guide for Safety & Fun. What you would typically get from this would be the variant (or generation), the length range that the trailer could accommodate, and the maximum weight that it could carry. Thats where bunk capscome in. On the other hand, 2-5/16-inch balls can be rated for as much as 30,000 pounds . These covers are designed to be taller when deployed so that water drains off easily. The hassle and cost of replacing the tires sooner is well outweighed by the safety and operational factors they offer you. By using a pontoon trailer that fits well with your boat, you can guarantee the safety and stability of your pontoon during transport. Why? Generally, a scissor trailer is perfect for those living next to a coast. The area you live in is vital when deciding on the trailer material. 25' of materialized aggression that can only be tamed by those who share an equal passion for life. I have linked a diagram which shows where to check for the stamped number. If you boat in saltwater, listen up. All measurements should be taken from the inside of the pontoon railings, EXCEPT for measurements "A" and "B". If youve got a big heavy boat, then a hydraulic pontoon trailer might be your best bet. For the most part you will probably be towing your pontoon boat on smooth roads, but do give some consideration the terrain you have to drive through to get to your final destination. Designed like little wheels that roll underneath your pontoon to help it slide on the trailer, rollers make it especially easy to get your vessel on the frame. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Obviously these trailers are not a good fit for tritoons. Step 2: Determine Weight of Vehicle without Tongue Weight Unhook the trailer and jack up the trailer tongue so there is no weight on the hitch ball. Crab Boat Speed: How Fast Does a Crab Fishing Boat Go. A single axle trailer can carry up to 2,250 lbs. How heavy is your pontoon? A trailer for a 24' should be 27'-28' length overall. Geoff also recommends looking at a product called. The model is available in both single and tandem axle options, and can also be purchased as a tritoon compatible frame. For 20' pontoons you'll want a trailer with a 24'-26' overall length. Consider what tires to use based on the terrain you drive on and the size of tire you need. sold. The same goes for the weight of your engine and the fuel. These have a thicker tread all together, giving you better grip on the pavement. This will vary geographically and is subject to change if you add on upgrades. You can find two on the current market. Some trailers come with rear straps, if not, ratchet straps work great. should rest as closely to the center as possible. Trailers to match 20-foot boats require bunks from 14 to 18-foot long. If you exceed your tongue weight, it can be dangerous and lead to fishtailing while towing the boat. Other things to consider before a purchase are how your tow vehicle will handle the trailer and pontoon combo. The same trailer frame can The tongue weight should be between 7-12% of the trailer's GVWR. Your dealer will have information on what type and size of trailer you need. measure the center to center distance. Most pontoon boats with 8'6" wide decks usually have 77" bunk centers. If you plan to travel long and on various road types, you should think about large and bunk-style pontoon trailers. The trailer is thus supporting the tubes unlike the scissor type of trailer. Additionally, Pontooners.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. general rule of thumb is that the overall trailer length should be 10% more than the base boat length not including added swim platform or bow pulpit.. If youre on the bunks correctly but need a boost to reach the front, use the winch strap to pull the boat the rest of the way up. Another thing to consider before buying a pontoon trailer is the boat weight. In this case, you could fit a pontoon with an overall length of about 17 feet. If your boat is over 28 feet (8.5 m) long, you need this trailer type to travel safely. The average width for pontoons is around 8 feet; however, widths will vary depending on each boat. These facts are critical to maintaining your trailer and keeping salt corrosion at bay. (Most pontoon boats are 89" to 93" inside the fence railing) B. Common practice dictates that you add 3 feet to the length of your pontoon boat to determine what size trailer you need. when buying a new trailer, we do our best to adjust the trailer to the sizes trailer. The trailer is pretty hassle-free and offers the easiest way to trailer a pontoon boat, both on and off the water.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thepontoonsite_com-leader-2','ezslot_18',138,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepontoonsite_com-leader-2-0'); The bottom of the platform of the pontoon boat sits on the crossbeams of the trailer. Unfortunately when he got the boat on the trailer he From base models to the most tricked-out scissor trailer, you will find pricing anywhere from $3K-$7K. They will be the best source to purchase a trailer that fits your boat. Now all you have to do is load up your boat, drive to your destination and enjoy your pontoon boat on the water. If you want the best fit, consider the center to center distance. dirt easily and sooner or All Rights Reserved. The industry's first step-down bow provides a sporty low-profile exterior with enhanced sightlines with easy to drive floor plans from 20 to 24 feet. a Want to know how to measure a pontoon boat properly? Selecting the right pontoon trailer to fit a pontoon boat may look simple enough; however, many people, even professionals, make mistakes. Most manufacturers or aftermarket vendors make travel covers for longer tows. A galvanized trailer will ward off corrosion from the saltwater, but its still important to rinse them down after use. Consider your vehicles GVWR and maximum tongue weight. Thats because the dealer is equipped to tow, launch, and store the boat for you. The rule of thumb is that you need a trailer at least 3 feet (0.9 m) longer than your pontoons length. Try out the Silicone Paste/Waterproof Marine Grease by Mission Automotive. We backup each trailer that we produce with the finest customer service department in the trailer industry. The trailer will be unable to support the pontoon beyond this angled area, and thus, theres no need to place a bunk along the nose cone. The rule of thumb is 72 and 77 but for a perfect fit you should And because they cant be controlled from inside your car, theyre usually not a standalone braking system. We like to keep the Fortem Digital Tire Inflator with us at all times. Have them show you how to hook-up and remove the trailer from your vehicle. Bunk-style trailers are similar in that you can find a base model that will suit any of your needs or you can pile on the upgrades. manufacturer or dealership. What you will want to do is measure the inner diameter of the bearing, I recommend with calipers like # PTW80157 and if it . Make sure you check all the lighting before hitting the road. Geoff also recommends looking at a product calledSalt Awaythat will help ward off damage when freshwater isnt quickly available. With that said, you can purchase a trailer for your pontoon boat from your dealer. However, there are several add-ons you should also consider: Brakes Unless you are sure your vehicle can control and stop a 2,000 pounds (907 kg) pontoon boat when necessary, you will need brakes. Built for the long haul, this ultra heavy duty center lift scissor frame can carry pontoons that fall within the larger end of the size spectrum. Remember, the best fit is when the pontoon hits the winch stand on its most vital point. If youre buying galvanized steel or even just a steel trailer, it helps to keep an eye on that zinc coating. 5 Things You Should Prepare Before a Long Boating Trip, 10 Things to Know Before you Plan a Sailing Holiday. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. It only takes a few minutes to measure and correctly adjust your pontoon trailer to fit your boat, when buying a new trailer, we do our best to adjust the trailer to the sizes you give us. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The ends of the logs should be supported by the ends of the bunks anything else is too short. About Us | Site Map | Privacy Statement Always go for a multi-ply tire rather than a single-ply, if you choose to use ply tires. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The way the trailer fits in the back is more critical. To be precise, it keeps the engine and fuel tank in place, preventing damage from vibration and bouncing on rough paths. the trailer. Almost all pontoon trailer manufacturers rank their trailers according to boat size. Smaller 10' to 14' boats are usually under $1,500 but remember that weight, towing capacity, size, and accessories can always increase the price tag. You also need working blinkers on each side. Its most popular use is in boatyards, where dealers move multiple boats a day. The end of the axle has a polished shaft with a threaded nut on the end. But because there are lots of different choices, it can be tough to find the best pontoon trailer for your boat, budget, and preferences. Im not a fan of That means investing another $500, but that is a way to lower the risk from an accident. #5. To get that, the calculator takes the volume of your boat and multiplies that by 62.4. The examples we mentioned above are around 23 to 25 feet long. Best practice dictates you get a trailer with a little extra length i.e. Also check out our guide on boat trailer weights for more information. An 18 foot pontoon boat therefore requires an a 18 21 foot long trailer. Lets see. It suits those pontoon boat owners who dont have to travel far to launch their boats. Couple of Other Just a few examples are PT-20/13, PTB- 2023-10, PT-1925, WFB-120/10, and KDP-1820-27. Additionally, Pontooners.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. Therefore, you need a trailer that supports at least 2,500 pounds (1,134 kg). Well, it actually depends more on the following factors: There are a lot of trailer manufacturers in the pontoon boat space and it is rather challenging to come up with a universal answer to how long a pontoon boat trailer should be for a specific boat. helm, gas tanks, the engine, etc. Every state varies as to the rules on having brakes and some even go as far as telling you what kind of brakes you must have, electric or hydraulic. This can feel a little unnerving when you are hauling a boat worth tens of thousands of dollars. We warrant boat trailer frames tip to tail for two years from the date of purchase against defective material and workmanship. Its a better option for heavier boats with large engines. 1. For long hauls, radial tires are often the best choice since they provide better control and lasting performance. For instance, you can set 18 feet (5.5 m) and 20 feet (6.1 m) long vessels on the same 23 feet (7 m) long trailer. As I have already mentioned, the GVWR affects the trailer type you should choose. Before you buy, consider where you will tow the boat, and more importantly, where you store the boat. These facts are critical to maintaining your trailer and keeping salt corrosion at bay. These are the more popular upgradable features to consider, mostly found on bunk-style trailers. You must take extra care when towing with a scissor trailer because sharp corners could result in the boat rolling off and hitting the pavement. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. A multiple or tandem axle trailer is basically a trailer with more than one set of tires. your boat from the lake. The tubes sit over the wheels of the trailer. Most jurisdictions require a brake system for trailers thats hooked to the inside of your car. If you are on the fence about buying a trailer for your pontoon boat, I've given you the rundown of what you need to know. Lets find out. Tandems and triples will usually require at least one axle to have brakes. couple hours away and we were able to swap out trailers, but this is an When looking to purchase a pontoon boat trailer, first decide if you will need to tow the boat on your own. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thepontoonsite_com-box-4','ezslot_10',132,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepontoonsite_com-box-4-0');However, I strongly advise you not to follow common practice and instead follow best practice. That said, there is a large percentage of owners who do not want to purchase a pontoon boat trailer. This should help you decide if you need to invest in a trailer or not. that will help ward off damage when freshwater isnt quickly available. Its not only dangerous to have malfunctioning lights on a pontoon trailer (because vehicles behind you cant see your road vehicles lights), but its also illegal and you could be fined and have your trailer, with the boat on it, impounded.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thepontoonsite_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_17',137,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepontoonsite_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); There are two different types of pontoon boat trailer: Whats the difference and why does it matter? Since theyre waterproof and rugged, LED lights provide sufficient illumination without risking any sort of damage to the internal wiring due to moisture exposure and salt during a saltwater launch. example of why getting the proper information allows us to help you achieve match the boat. This style of pontoon boat trailer can retrieve and launch in the shallowest of water. Either way, a perfectly sized trailer will keep the boat safe and stable on all occasions. You must be careful when moving the winch to the left show a good fit. To buy a trailer that is identical in length to the pontoon boat itself. any warranty relief if you damage their stand. You can then use our CE Smith Marine Carpet like part # CE11349, which is 18 ft long and 18 inches wide to give you the extra slack to wrap around the front and back of the boards. The carrying capacity of the trailer is one of the most important pieces of information to know. Having a properly sized trailer for the width of pontoon boat is important. The following number may stand for the trailers capacity or carrying capacity, such as 23-2300 pounds, 25-2500 pounds, 27-2700 pounds, and so on. New boats manufactured after 2008 are mostly 8 feet and 6 inches wide, so they are adjusted to 77 inches center. The added weight of the boat will make the tow experience much different than just backing up an empty trailer. Considering this rule, if you have a 20-foot boat, you should get a 23 to 24-foot trailer. (Weight Chart), From 20 to 22 feet (6.1 6.7 m) for 18 feet (5.5 m) long pontoon, From 23 to 25 feet (7 7.6 m) for 21 feet (6.4 m) long pontoon, At least 27 feet (8.2 m) for 23 feet (7 m) long pontoon. More boating tips at https.//www.benningtonmarine.com . If the engine will not clear obstacles, then you may trim it up. Depending on the size and weight of your pontoon boat, you may also need more than a single axle trailer. . A bunk-style trailer provides your pontoon with full support and more safety compared to a scissor-trailed. When it comes to having gatherings on a boat, fishing, or just hanging out with your friends and family a pontoon boat is one of the best boats to own. Consider these tips, and youre ready to take home the most suitable trailer for your pontoon in no time. Its important to know if the engine in the downward position will have clearance in the water and going down the road. or back you have about 2 of adjustability. This is ballpark pricing for scissor trailers and bunk-style trailers. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The door can be closer to 16 feet wide and 8 feet tall. As someone who once drove commercial buses in Ireland (its a long story) I know the advantage that a little bit of extra room can give you especially on tight turns. You need to take the dock space measurements before looking for pontoon boats so that you can be assured that you are equipped with proper storage requirements. Scissor or up/down pontoon trailers fit between the pontoon tubes for moving. The style of this trailer makes it a bit dangerous for long-distance tows or high speeds. Pontooners.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products on Amazon.com. A great resource for finding out whats required near you is theAAA Trailer Break Guide. This can impact stability on the road, making bias-ply better for shorter trips. discovered his pontoon was a 20 pontoon. spots, but it does match the 23'-30' customizable fiberglass cladded boats with refined unparalleled elegance in 8' 6" and 10' wide-beam widths with single or dual engine configurations. Get answers on. Rocking of your boat on one of these trailers is not uncommon when traveling at speed on the highway. The pontoon boat rests on the trailer by sitting on the boats flooring crossbeams. | Privacy Statement Then of course, theres the matter of cost. Manage Settings It is convenient since you can use the extra space to place additional gear. below is the deluxe Bennington Q series on a custom 6 frame trailer. The weight limit for your boat would be 4,492.8 pounds. Scissor trailers, also known as up/down trailers, work by fitting between the tubes on the pontoon boat. This is done by sliding the trailer winch stand forward or to the back for 2-foot adjustability. trailer you must know the Therefore, it is advisable to consider several other factors before selecting the model you want. The GVWR is the maximum weight the trailer is designed for as a package weight, which includes the trailer weight. In the picture you can see how the Instructions o 1 Match the size of the trailer to the size of your boat. Some It is conducive to shallow water lakes because the lift itself drops down and lets the pontoon float off. If you keep the engine trimmed in the upward position while towing, you must deploy a support bracket that acts as a kickstand and helps support the engine, taking pressure off of the tilt mechanism. You must select a trailer thats longer than your pontoon boat. Most experts recommend bunk-style trailers for large boats long over 25 feet (7.6 m) since they offer full weight support and keep the vessel immobile during towing. Lets take a look at why that is so now.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thepontoonsite_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_8',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepontoonsite_com-medrectangle-4-0'); The common practice for picking a pontoon boat trailer is to match the size of the trailer to the size of your boat. From my experience as a long-time pontoon boat owner, I know how quickly these items add up. A trailer may be an essential item for moving your vessel but there are a ton of existing pontoon boat accessories and ideas you should explore especially if you want to a pontoon boat party or two. It helps if your tape measure end has some method of sticking to . Large diameters, being bigger, cover more ground per revolution than a smaller-diameter tire leading to less strain on the wheel and less wear on the tire. We recommend the Cold Galvanizing Compound by Rust-Oleum. The front of the pontoon Copyright 2022 --- all rights reserved Measure the total length of the box(A) and divide that dimension by 2 to find the centerline of the trailer box. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Scissor-type trailers, sometimes called . Our Lt. Duty trailers are perfect for 16ft-18ft pontoons whether you need your bunks adjusted to 6ft wide, 8ft wide, or 8ft 6in wide. In addition to perfect boat fitting, extra space will allow you to bring some additional gear you may find valuable. If youre unsure about the size of your pontoon, take a measuring tape and measure from tip to tip. This means you need to know how much all of your gear, storage, and other accessories weigh. The scissor-style (up and down) trailers fit between tubes on your pontoon. trailer to fit your boat, Before you head straight to the launch, I recommend you practice with the trailer and boat in a large parking lot.

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how to measure a pontoon trailer