| p>You've finally taken the big step and purchased | | | | weight of your trailer, you have several different |
| your own boat! However, unless your boat | | | | options when it comes to boat trailer parts. You |
| remains permanently docked, you will likely now | | | | must next decide if you want a single axle or |
| need a way to transport it between your home | | | | tandem axle trailer. Tandem axle trailers handle |
| or storage location and the object of your | | | | better than single axle trailers, particularly with |
| recreation (lake, river, or ocean). Boat trailers | | | | larger boats. They also have larger tires, making |
| come in a variety of sizes and with many | | | | for a smoother ride. However, they are |
| different options, all depending on the size of your | | | | significantly more expensive than single axle |
| boat, the size and load capacity of your towing | | | | trailers. |
| vehicle, and the type of boat you have. It is | | | | Next, you need to decide if you want a |
| important to know your options and decide what | | | | submersible or bunker trailer or a roller trailer. |
| you need before you go to purchase your boat | | | | Submersibles are harder to maintain but easier to |
| trailer. | | | | maneuver than roller trailers, which should really |
| The most important factor in buying a boat trailer | | | | only be used by someone extremely experienced. |
| is ensuring that the weight capacity of the trailer | | | | They also cost less than roller trailers. |
| is great than the weight of your boat. Towing a | | | | Finally you have to decide if you want or need |
| boat that is too long or too heavy for your trailer | | | | brakes for your trailer and why kind will be best |
| will eventually wear down the axles and put too | | | | suited to your needs. Smaller capacity trailers |
| much strain on the tires and the rest of the | | | | don't generally come with brakes and most don't |
| trailer. This could eventually result in your boat | | | | need them. The exception to this is if the tow |
| trailer breaking down without notice. Every trailer | | | | weight of your load is very close to the tow |
| has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). By | | | | capacity of your vehicle. If the tow capacity of |
| federal law, the entire weight of your load, | | | | your trailer is greater than 1,500 lbs, then you will |
| including the trailer, the boat, the boat's gas, and | | | | need trailer brakes. You can choose either electric |
| any other items, must not exceed the GVWR. A | | | | brakes, that work in conjunction with the tow |
| good rule to follow is to load your trailer to no | | | | vehicle's brake system, or surge brakes that help |
| more than 85% of GVWR just to ensure that | | | | the trailer slow down whether or not the tow |
| you don't do unnecessary damage. | | | | vehicle is braking. |
| Once you've determined the necessary size and | | | | |