how to measure a pontoon trailer

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The toons nestle down into the bunks and are less susceptible to teetering and movement while towing down the road. Want to know how to measure a pontoon boat properly? Unfortunately it's one we Move the bunks for a better fit, or you can take your trailer to a dealership or manufacturer for the best results. Always remember, theres no right or wrong size, and 72 to 77 inches are the best take. Finally, there are rollers. Scissor-type trailers, sometimes called . Some trailers can accommodate pontoons with varying lengths. This leads you to a big decision: to buy a pontoon boat trailer or not. A multiple or tandem axle trailer is basically a trailer with more than one set of tires. The style of this trailer makes it a bit dangerous for long-distance tows or high speeds. Theyre commonly used in single and tandem axle trailers. Scissor-style trailersare constructed with a center lift mechanism that sits between the tubes of the boat. Then of course, theres the matter of cost. This is where the disc surge brakes come in handy as they are easy to clean! And of course, they have a much higher payload capacity, so if youve got a bigger pontoon, a tandem trailer is the way to go. poorly fitted trailer. If you boat in saltwater, listen up. There are lots of different ways to achieve a seamless glide, and the most practical and affordable would be carpet. About Us | Site Map | Privacy Statement This is just the right size as the nose cone of pontoons tends to angle up. And of course, since there are only two wheels, expect them to wear out more rapidly especially if you tend to throw on more weight to its load. If youre dealing with a manufacturer, schedule a visit to their showroom or warehouse to inspect their choices and find out whether their trailers really meet your standards. For instance, you must size the length of the trailer to the tube length of the pontoon boat. The ends of the logs should be supported by the ends of the bunks anything else is too short. So, this number will affect the trailer size and type you need. In this case, the boat tubes lie directly above the wheels and axles of the trailer. the pontoon and looks Most trailer manufacturers also offer tritoon kits and extended tritoon kits that allow you to retrofit a two-tube bunk-style into a three-tube bunk-style after its built. The toons nestle down into the bunks and are less susceptible to teetering and movement while towing down the road. white fiberglass front of 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.. 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. First 50 People to use co. This style can be built for pontoons with two or three tubes. The boat has to be lined-up on the trailer exactly though unlike the scissor style trailer and this makes loading and unloading more of hassle. extend much more than a foot beyond the back of the trailer. A single axle trailer can carry up to 2,250 lbs. 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. Most of these upgradable features are driven by personal preference. Either way, a perfectly sized trailer will keep the boat safe and stable on all occasions. That axle centerline is where you will attach the middle spring hanger. Manage Settings Rocking of your boat on one of these trailers is not uncommon when traveling at speed on the highway. Your dealer will have information on what type and size of trailer you need. 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. 86 wide. Hopefully the Keeping the front bunks slightly out of the water when loading will make it easier to navigate (this is where load guides come in handy). A spare tire may be an afterthought; however, if youre trailering long distances, its a no-brainer. If you have a smaller tow vehicle, it could become dangerous if your trailer doesnt have brakes. made and braced. A single ply tire has only one layer giving less support while the multi-ply tires have multiple layers thus giving extra support for heavier loads. 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. The best pontoon trailer lets you take your pontoon home for safekeeping, and even opens up the opportunity to take your watercraft to far off destinations. This is ballpark pricing for scissor trailers and bunk-style trailers. Having a properly sized trailer for the width of pontoon boat is important. The owner didnt scrimp on this package. With this in mind, the back ends of the tubes should never be more than a foot from the back of the trailer. trailer manufacturers still use winch stands designed for 23 diameter Now that you have learned the eight key elements to owning a pontoon boat trailer, you should have a clear understanding on if its worth your investment. Start measuring from the tip of the bow right at the center. Best practice dictates you get a trailer with a little extra length i.e. 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. 23'-30' customizable fiberglass cladded boats with refined unparalleled elegance in 8' 6" and 10' wide-beam widths with single or dual engine configurations. The tubes sit over the wheels of the trailer. These front arms take Once you decide on the trailer size for your pontoon boat, the next decision is picking out the trailer style. Bunk-type trailers, sometimes referred to as "Drive-on" or "Float on", feature a wide base with two raised bunks that support the pontoons along either side of the boat. weight of your pontoon. This usually equates to a 14 - 20 foot pontoon boat. Newer boats (after about 2008) are often 86 wide and are usually Im not a fan of The pontoons Bass Pro sells for example, have an extended motor pan so in that case the LOA is from the pan to the front . Our pontoon boat is considered to be a 21 foot boat for the purpose of measuring it for the right size scissor trailer because that is the length of the deck. Its important to know if the engine in the downward position will have clearance in the water and going down the road. A trailer's gross vehicle weight rating or simply GVWR is the maximum weight that it can sustain. Unfortunately though, this means potential stability issues when towing the boat. By using a pontoon trailer that fits well with your boat, you can guarantee the safety and stability of your pontoon during transport. What do I mean by this? Remove the grease caps and measure the diameter of the opening the caps occupy. Fortunately he was only a If youre ready to take the leap and learn about your buying options, a great place to start is with a dealer. A trailer for a 24' should be 27'-28' length overall. If youre new to boat trailers or new to towing in general, there are some steps that you should take before you get behind the wheel. 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. These have a thicker tread all together, giving you better grip on the pavement. You must be careful when moving the winch 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. 5 Things You Should Prepare Before a Long Boating Trip, 10 Things to Know Before you Plan a Sailing Holiday. And because they cant be controlled from inside your car, theyre usually not a standalone braking system. Bennington sticker on it, to On the other hand, a galvanized trailer is more cost-friendly, and regular rinsing with fresh water after use will protect the zinc coating. Some states require it on all axles and some only on one axle, if at all. | Privacy Statement The vital factor is that your pontoon boat doesnt rock or move while driving. What is the weight of your | Privacy Statement Generally, a scissor trailer is perfect for those living next to a coast. Also check out our guide on boat trailer weights for more information. Manage Settings If you exceed your tongue weight, it can be dangerous and lead to fishtailing while towing the boat. When pulling or launching the boat, its preferred to have the engine trimmed all the way down, if you can. Choosing the Right Pontoon Trailer. Apr 28, 2009. move the carpeted bunks, but its easier to do with power tools at the You will want a trailer built for a 24' pontoon. This is to minimize moving parts and the likelihood of wear and tear degrading the quality of the trailer as a whole. Just a few examples are PT-20/13, PTB- 2023-10, PT-1925, WFB-120/10, and KDP-1820-27. This is placed in between the pontoon and the trailer for added support. . Its possible to use some If you live in a neighborhood that will not allow you to park a trailer outside of your home, you may run into issues when looking for storage. The winch stand is not in place with incorrect trailers. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Featuring a galvanized steel frame, this stable pontoon trailer touts the same durability as the Wolverine Trailers Crank Up. Please make sure you entered a valid zip code. Therefore, you need a trailer that supports at least 2,500 pounds (1,134 kg). An 18 foot pontoon boat therefore requires an a 18 21 foot long trailer. that use short stands on big pontoons have a design defect, but again it that will help ward off damage when freshwater isnt quickly available. Continue with Recommended Cookies. example of why getting the proper information allows us to help you achieve Ensure the electrics are working on the trailer as you are legally obligated to have a number of working lights. Copyright 2022 --- Trailers for Pontoons. 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? Bennington With that said, you can purchase a trailer for your pontoon boat from your dealer. The correct size of bunk boards for your pontoon boat trailer is going to vary depending on configuration. Make sure you check all the lighting before hitting the road. Galvanized will not hold up as well in the humidity. This is the hub bore. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates, Additionally, Pontooners.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links.. However, if you're looking to brush up on your knowledge before walking into the dealer, here are some tips for finding the right trailer for your boat. Trailers are the most affordable, most accessible private pontoon storage and land transport option to date. If you live in a non-humid saltwater region such as the Pacific Northwest, galvanized is just fine. How heavy is your pontoon? 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. If you plan on travelling with your pontoon boat as opposed to keeping it at one single body of water, you'll need to look into purchasing a trailer to tow your boat around. However, it is much more difficult to load and unload the pontoon boat on this style of trailer as you need to line-up the boat exactly. Selecting the right pontoon trailer to fit a pontoon boat may look simple enough; however, many people, even professionals, make mistakes. Load guides act as bumpers on a bowling alley lane. Depending on the size and weight of your pontoon boat, you may also need more than a single axle trailer. You will need to add up the dry weight of the boat + the engine weight + a full tank of gas (6.5LB/gal) in order to find the total amount of weight that will be on your trailer. Just make sure that you order the right pontoon trailer for your boat. The trailer size depends on your pontoon dimensions. On the other hand, painted steel wont do too well against saltwater, so theyre mainly reserved for freshwater boating. Simple! New boats manufactured after 2008 are mostly 8 feet and 6 inches wide, so they are adjusted to 77 inches center. If you plan to travel long and on various road types, you should think about large and bunk-style pontoon trailers. There is an ongoing debate among pontoon trailer owners about torsion vs. spring suspensions. In this quick guide, we will explain pontoon boat trailer length and the crucial points to understand before beginning the transportation of your beloved pontoon boat. Bunk trailers are wider than scissor trailers and thus require more storage space when unloaded. Timecodes 0:00 - Intro 0:18 - Propper Hitch 0:48 - Hook Up the Trailer 2:37 . Geoff also recommends looking at a product called. 28,751. Measure distance between Port and Starboard rails. Sorry, no results match your current selection. This can feel a little unnerving when you are hauling a boat worth tens of thousands of dollars. One way to solve this dilemma is to understand the specifications of the trailer, the manufacturers recommendations, and the dimensions of your pontoon boat. Get a Long Tape Measure. Consider what tires to use based on the terrain you drive on and the size of tire you need. If you boat in saltwater, listen up. Geoff with EZ Loader adds: Brake laws are determined based on the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) of the trailer. (This is leaving room for the trailer, etc.) Our bunk style pontoon trailers are fully adjustable to fit all 16'-20' fishing and family friendly boats available in easily trailerable 8' narrow-beam widths. In this case, you could fit a pontoon with an overall length of about 17 feet. Axles are the rods that hold the tires in place. Easier to repair if ever they break down, but require slightly more routine maintenance. If you buy your trailer new be sure to ask the retailer if the trailer fits the state laws in the specific states that you will be using it in. For example, if the pontoon trailer is 20-foot extended, then the front of the 20-foot boat may hit the back of your vehicle when you make a right turn. The suitable model will keep your boat stable and well-balanced when you make a tight turn on the road. To be precise, it keeps the engine and fuel tank in place, preventing damage from vibration and bouncing on rough paths. Pontoon boats with U shaped pontoons or shapes other than round will vary. stern. The weight limit for your boat would be 4,492.8 pounds. trailer to fit your boat, Before a trip - whether short or long - always make time to check the tires. A bunk style trailer will best suit those pontoon boat owners who have to travel long distances to get to their launch point and those who prefer a smoother ride. This is also the reason why you should pick a pontoon trailer thats 3 to 4 feet longer than the boat. Before you buy, consider where you will tow the boat, and more importantly, where you store the boat. But because they can impose pressure on specific areas of the boat, they could leave dings and cosmetic damage. This will vary geographically and is subject to change if you add on upgrades. As pontoons evolve, they have higher profiles, so sitting on top of a trailer makes them very tall and may not fit inside just any overhead door. A single axle trailer has enough capacity for a light, 14 to 20 feet (4.3 6.1 m) long pontoon weighing 2,250 pounds (1,021 kg). Either way, how exciting is it that you are one step closer to cruising on your new pontoon boat? This usually equates to a 20 - 28 foot pontoon boat. What size trailer do you need for a pontoon boat or other type pf boat?if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'thepontoonsite_com-box-3','ezslot_3',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepontoonsite_com-box-3-0'); An 18 foot boat requires an a 18 21 foot long trailer. A good fit is a boat with at least 3 feet of more overhang. The customer told us he had a 23 pontoon and we set up the the proper height for your pontoons. This style of pontoon boat trailer can retrieve and launch in the shallowest of water. We like to keep the Fortem Digital Tire Inflator with us at all times. A bunk-style trailer can be used for multiple different pontoon boats if it has the correct number of bunks and is long and wide enough. Its critical that you know what your state law requires before you invest in a trailer. For 20' pontoons you'll want a trailer with a 24'-26' overall length. T Scissor trailers, also known as up/down trailers, work by fitting between the tubes on the pontoon boat. This angle puts a lot of pressure on the winch strap and as the boat starts to level out, it has the potential to damage the bow of the boat where the winch is connected. The industry calls these bunks, so when buying a pontoon trailer, you need to include the size of the bunk for a trailer that will fit well.

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how to measure a pontoon trailer