how to measure a pontoon trailer

Having a properly sized trailer for the width of pontoon boat is important. dont throttle back you can actually damage the winch stand and the The limited size also puts a cap on the maximum weight that these trailers can carry. Most pontoon sales brochures state the boat weight but often exclude the engine from the calculation. The downside however is that aluminum proves to be the most expensive choice. A. With this dock measurement, you need to check for the overall lengths of various pontoon boat models. Some trailer manufacturers make use of wooden boards lined with carpet. Talk to your dealer about which option is best for you. Lets find out. Dual axle trailer - 2,250 lbs to 4,800 lbs. The ends of the logs should be supported by the ends of the bunks anything else is too short. Keeping up with trailer maintenance is key to making sure it will last long, even in corrosive saltwater. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. Want to know how to measure a pontoon boat properly? parts when he calls Scissor-type trailers, sometimes called . should rest as closely to the center as possible. The scissor trailer is best for people who want to trailer quickly and with as little hassle as possible. 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. For others, having their dealer handle towing needs is the better option. And then of course, theres the consideration of gross axle weight rating. On the downside, a multiple axle trailer wont have the same maneuverability as a single axle model, and neither will it come at the same budget friendly price. Also, make sure you assess the current and wind direction before backing down the launch. Below is an example of a If you're unsure about the size of your pontoon, take a measuring tape and measure from tip to tip. This is placed in between the pontoon and the trailer for added support. If you own a pontoon boat, you will need a suitable trailer for it, whether you plan to use it for transportation or store it in a garage. result in too little tongue weight. This will vary geographically and is subject to change if you add on upgrades. This is called power loading. front of the trailer seems tilted up. There are some trailers that make adjustable axles, which are great in order to distribute the weight off the tongue and adjust as needed. trailers for various length pontoons. The door can be closer to 16 feet wide and 8 feet tall. Abunk-style trailerhas bunks that cradle each toon in place. Remember, the best fit is when the pontoon hits the winch stand on its most vital point. 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.. Measure your pontoon or refer to the owners manual for the boats correct dimensions. These plastic glides provide a smooth surface for your pontoon to glide over, and theyre much easier to keep dry. I consulted with Geoff Chamness atEZ Loaderto get more info on sizing, heres what he had to say: All trailers have the GVWR (boat and trailer weight combined) on the VIN tag. But this is not always the case. These days, there are two main types of brake systems you can find on the market: High quality electric brakes that are designed to resist moisture penetration are the best choice for pontoon owners with a budget. First 50 People to use co. Fortunately he was only a 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. extend much more than a foot beyond the back of the trailer. That said, heres what to consider when taking sizing into account. First of all, fitting a pontoon can sometimes be challenging, and you can expect it to rock while traveling on local roads. dealer added the sticker. Its minimum capacity is around 4,800 pounds (2,177 kg), but heavy, strong models can carry boats heavier than 6,000 pounds (2,721 kg). In general, used tandem axle trailers have much higher resale value than single axle trailers that depreciate pretty quickly. The customer told us he had a 23 pontoon and we set up the A scissor trailer is not recommended for heavy floorplans or those who plan on towing the boat far distances. trailer manufacturers name The terrain you will drive the trailer on is the first thing you should consider. stand back to make sure you maintain proper tongue weight. What is Most Likely to Cause Someone to Fall Overboard? Our bunk style pontoon trailers are fully adjustable to fit all Best practice dictates you pick a trailer 3 feet longer. Hubs and Bearings. If you travel with your boat, this is the trailer to have. trailer to fit. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. The rule of thumb is 72 and 77 but for a perfect fit you should 86 wide. Trailers to match 20-foot boats require bunks from 14 to 18-foot long. You must be careful when moving the winch your boat from the lake. NOTE: Measure inside of rails and account for rail support braces. match the boat. This is called a spindle. fit a 18-21 or 22-24 boat. And thats where we come in. For a 24-foot pontoon boat, you must use a 27 to a 28-foot trailer and so on. To find out if your trailer and your pontoon are a good fit, check the back. any warranty relief if you damage their stand. 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. When you're enjoying your new Bennington pontoon, make sure you and all passengers aboard obey all applicable laws and follow all warnings and instructions in the owner's manual. One more thing you need to decide about is carpeted or plastic-wrapped bunkers for your trailer. If you bought your boat at a local pontoon dealership, they likely have a partner trailer dealer that they can refer you to. You can find two on the current market. For towing purposes, I strongly suggest removing the mooring cover. Otherwise, it can hit the vehicle that carries it. the trailer. will be your problem, not the trailer builder. Greg from Bennington Pontoons will walk you through the importance of a safety chain, where to find the correct hitch size for your trailer and how to set up a boat trailer so the boat is secure while underway. There are three features, however, that I do recommend; heres why: have been known to save marriages! They are going to make sure that you are equipped with exactly what you're looking for. Common practice dictates that you add 3 feet to the length of your pontoon boat to determine what size trailer you need. white trailers, they show trailer you must know the If you have a 21 foot pontoon boat then common practice dictates you get a 21 foot pontoon boat trailer. That includes reflectors, stop lights, and tail lights. Then of course, theres the matter of cost. The struggle is real when you are trying to figure out what is worth the extra cash and what you can live without. You will want a trailer built for a 24' pontoon. Even if you live in an area where there is no legal policy on trailer brakes, they are helpful depending on the weight of the boat and your vehicles GVWR. Easier to repair if ever they break down, but require slightly more routine maintenance. Get answers on questions like: What size pontoon trailer do I need? How many axles do I need on my pontoon trailer? What are some tips on how to safely trailer my pontoon boat?Check out our inventory of new Hoosier trailers at this link: https://www.charlesmillmarina.com/default.asp?page=xAllInventory\u0026vt=cargo%20trailer#page=xAllInventory\u0026vt=cargo%20trailer Once you know your boat deck length, add 3 to 4 feet to it to get the size of the trailer you need. The suitable model will keep your boat stable and well-balanced when you make a tight turn on the road. Here are the number of axles a trailer should have based on pontoon boat weight: Single axle trailer - up to 2,250 lbs. 2. 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. Depending on where you live, having brakes on your trailer can be determined by law. You will need an accurate measuring devices like a set of dial calipers that is accurate to 3 decimal places. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The end of the axle has a polished shaft with a threaded nut on the end. Boating with Dogs: A Complete Guide for Safety & Fun. of pontoon trailers to consider based on the type of pontoon you have. 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. This usually equates to a 14 - 20 foot pontoon boat. 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. Axles are the rods that hold the tires in place. The triple and multi-axle trailers are ideal for large, heavy pontoons. The toons nestle down into the bunks and are less susceptible to teetering and movement while towing down the road. When pulling or launching the boat, its preferred to have the engine trimmed all the way down, if you can. These facts are critical to maintaining your trailer and keeping salt corrosion at bay. Trailers need to match their dimensions to the watercraft they load to be able to properly support it. Where will you store it? 23'-25' boats with striking, fluent lines and a masculine stance to define luxury sport. 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. 16'-25' pontoon boats highlighting comfort, style, and functionality that can be catered to your lifestyle. The hub face is also known as the mounting surface where the wheel studs are located. The same trailer frame can So, for example, if you have a 20 foot pontoon boat you should use a 23 foot trailer - 20 foot (boat length) + 3 foot = 23 foot. Depending on the size and weight of your pontoon boat, you may also need more than a single axle trailer. That said, there is a large percentage of owners who do not want to purchase a pontoon boat trailer. Youre usually looking for spaces taller than 8 at least. The trailer above has a Its more typical than not to have brakes on a pontoon boat trailer. Remove the grease caps and measure the diameter of the opening the caps occupy. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Depending on which state or province you reside in, you may have to upgrade to a second or third axle by law. In our opinion companies Apr 28, 2009. The steps, or ladder, at the winch stand, will allow you to enter and exit the boat easily once its up on the trailer. And because they cant be controlled from inside your car, theyre usually not a standalone braking system. We ultimately recommend that you do a bit of research into the type of trailer you are looking to get to have a better understanding of what such a trailer can accommodate. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It only takes a few minutes to measure and correctly adjust your pontoon For example, an 18-foot long and 8-foot wide pontoon boat would best fit on a 21-foot long and 10-foot wide pontoon boat trailer. The added weight of the boat will make the tow experience much different than just backing up an empty trailer. Measure the total length of the box(A) and divide that dimension by 2 to find the centerline of the trailer box. Why? Kidding, but seriously this feature will make pulling your pontoon out of the water much more simple. 25' of materialized aggression that can only be tamed by those who share an equal passion for life. . Just imagine the bow of a canoe. If not, make sure to do your research. This style of trailer is the least hassle for quickly getting the boat to and from the water. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Please make sure you entered a valid zip code. With that said, you can purchase a trailer for your pontoon boat from your dealer. The rule of thumb is that you need a trailer at least 3 feet (0.9 m) longer than your pontoon's length. If considerable force when you come in fast. 21'-30' luxury performance boats in standard and 10' wide-beam widths with single or dual engine. In addition, The second way is to use a ruler and measure the width of the trailer from side to side. The size of your pontoon boat will determine what size of trailer you need. This is done by sliding the trailer winch stand forward or to the back for 2-foot adjustability. The industry's first step-down bow provides a sporty low-profile exterior with enhanced sightlines with easy to drive 23' & 25' floorplans. Some experts even recommend that the difference between pontoon and trailer sizes is 4 feet (1.2 m) in ideal conditions. If you want the best fit, consider the center to center distance. The toons nestle down into the bunks and are less susceptible to teetering and movement while towing down the road. First, ask your dealer to walk through the trailering steps from start to finish. Many local laws require that the VIN tag have info on the gross vehicle weight rating, representing the combined weight of your pontoon and trailer. Typically, an 18 feet (5.5 m) pontoon weighs 1,800 to 2,000 pounds (816.5 907.2 kg), but its engine can add up to 500 pounds (226.8 kg). It is convenient since you can use the extra space to place additional gear. Lets see. Load guides act as bumpers on a bowling alley lane. The scissor-style (up and down) trailers fit between tubes on your pontoon. A hub that has wheel studs is attached by a bolt and covered with a cap. Unfortunately when he got the boat on the trailer he the owner needs warranty or To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. These are the steps to measure a boat trailer - Measuring the Length The trailer's length can be measured using a tape measure - along the trailer's centerline. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. front of the boat. The style of this trailer makes it a bit dangerous for long-distance tows or high speeds. Choose between a scissor trailer or a bunk trailer depending on how you like to load and tow your boat. 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. 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. Always be careful when adjusting the winch stand to ensure the correct tongue weight. The image on the far right shows a boat For the sake of simplicity, first-time or inexperienced pontoon boat owners might think of one of two things: 1. But there is no exact dimension for all brands. has bunks that cradle each toon in place. You do not want to let the brakes sit in the sun all day with the saltwater baking on. Bennington sticker on it, to This is important because you should not expect a trailer to come with the boat when its built. After removing rust with galvanizing compound, slather on some marine grade waterproof grease to keep light fixtures free from saltwater damage and to add another layer of protection to the frame and its parts. 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. As you enjoy time on the water, unexpected spills and spots are bound to po Bennington is a registered trademark of Pontoon Boats, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polaris Industries Inc. Yes, there are four different size tow balls commonly used for towing: 1-7/8-inch, 2-inch, 2-5/16-inch and 3-inch diameter. This is ballpark pricing for scissor trailers and bunk-style trailers. Scissor trailers, also known as up/down trailers, work by fitting between the tubes on the pontoon boat. By sliding the winch stand forward are constructed with a center lift mechanism that sits between the tubes of the boat. Were going to dissect these eight factors to buying a pontoon boat trailer: Pontoon boat trailers are generally not built and sold by pontoon boat manufacturers. The longest horizontal bunk boards we offer are part # CE27845 which measure 84" long x 1-3/4" wide x 3-3/4" tall so you will more . Featuring a galvanized steel frame, this stable pontoon trailer touts the same durability as the Wolverine Trailers Crank Up. How heavy is your pontoon? The examples we mentioned above are around 23 to 25 feet long. Each trailer is weighed when its produced, and you should be able to find this number on the VIN tag. A good fit is a boat with at least 3 feet of more overhang. Plus, you can use it in your garage to protect a boat during the winter months. In the picture you can see how the Extensions A stern extension provides additional support for your pontoon boat. This will give you just enough swinging radius when youre making a right turn. There are also barriers when trying to store a trailer. . The answer to that question depends on several factors. Triple-axle trailer - 4,800 lbs to 6,000 lbs. But its not all rainbows and butterflies. The pontoon boat rests on the trailer by sitting on the boats flooring crossbeams. This is just a starting point Of course there are other measurements.. on some trailers the bunks aren't adjustable so they need to match up too. All Rights Reserved. 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. Considering this rule, if you have a 20-foot boat, you should get a 23 to 24-foot trailer. This can feel a little unnerving when you are hauling a boat worth tens of thousands of dollars. 28,751. Some dealers will even go as far as including the cost of the trailer with the end price of the boat so that it can be included in financing. Ensuring that your watercraft falls within a trailers GVWR guarantees that the design wont buckle under the heft of your pontoon or break down during transport and use. A 21 foot boat requires a 21 24 foot long trailer. Related: Tips for Trailering a Pontoon Boat. Learn what to look for in a quality pontoon trailer and make your next trip to the lake safe and trouble-free. To get that, the calculator takes the volume of your boat and multiplies that by 62.4. Need to understand how long pontoon boats are on average. adjusted to 77 centers. This type of trailer is a safer option for long distances and higher towing speeds. How heavy is your pontoon? Meanwhile, the KDP trailer is meant for 18 to 20 feet boats, whereas almost all trailers can accommodate 18 to 21-foot long pontoons. Smooth cladded exterior panels & sporty integrated docking lights that take this boat to the next level. An 18 foot pontoon boat therefore requires an a 18 21 foot long trailer. Before buying your pontoon, measure the width of your garage door opening. Its possible to use some 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. With this in mind, the back ends of the tubes should never be more than a foot from the back of the trailer. 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. (including the Contact Us | Site Map The number of axles on the boat trailer should correctly match the weight of your pontoon boat. Measurements "A" and "B" are the overall width and length of your pontoon, and should be measured from the outer edges of the pontoon deck. A 3 feet (0.9 m) difference between pontoon and trailer provides you with safety and balance. There is an ongoing debate among pontoon trailer owners about torsion vs. spring suspensions. below is the deluxe Bennington Q series on a custom 6 frame trailer. #5. Go with completely adjustable trailers to old pontoon models and new ones. Most pontoon boats with 8 wide decks usually have 72 bunk centers. If youre buying galvanized steel or even just a steel trailer, it helps to keep an eye on that zinc coating. Silicone Paste/Waterproof Marine Grease by Mission Automotive, 8 Best Marine Subwoofers in 2022 [Reviewed], Best Pontoon Boat Cup Holders: Our Top 5 Picks, The 5 Best Marine Speakers for Your Pontoon Boat, Inflatable Pontoon Boat Anchors: Buying Guide. They will direct the toons into the bunks without having to guess where they should land so you can pull the boat on your first try. Continue with Recommended Cookies. white fiberglass front of The most common recommendation is to choose a trailer that is about 3 or 4 feet longer than the pontoon (example: a 21 foot long pontoon would need a 24-25 foot long trailer), and this is generally true. The front of the pontoon They are recommended for all pontoon owners that plan on trailering the boat more than 10-15 miles down the road. Usually, boat owners would think that a 20-foot pontoon is for a 20-foot trailer. Either way, how exciting is it that you are one step closer to cruising on your new pontoon boat? a stand is in the center of the support arms. Its important to know if the engine in the downward position will have clearance in the water and going down the road. We backup each trailer that we produce with the finest customer service department in the trailer industry. A nifty digital tire inflator pump and gauge should get your tires to the right PSI before you set out on the road. Poorly fitting trailers can affect overall balance and tip-off tongue weight. 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. The ultra stable tandem axle structure also guarantees a hitch free ride even on the bumpiest of roads. These work by slowly stopping the trailer as your vehicle slows down. This will vary geographically and is subject to change if you add on upgrades. Length of the Pontoon Tubes Length should be easily determined and you will want a trailer about 4' to 6' longer than the pontoon tubes. The most common recommendation is to choose a trailer that is about 3 or 4 feet longer than the pontoon (example: a 21 foot long pontoon would need a 24-25 foot long trailer), and this is generally true. Choose a trailer based on the size of your boat and its weight.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thepontoonsite_com-leader-4','ezslot_20',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepontoonsite_com-leader-4-0'); Common practice dictates you pick a trailer with the same length as your pontoon boat. 23'-30' customizable fiberglass cladded boats with refined unparalleled elegance in 8' 6" and 10' wide-beam widths with single or dual engine configurations. For some, it makes all the sense in the world. The rule of thumb is that you need a trailer at least 3 feet (0.9 m) longer than your pontoons length. Another thing to consider before buying a pontoon trailer is the boat weight. These facts are critical to maintaining your trailer and keeping salt corrosion at bay. They will direct the toons into the bunks without having to guess where they should land so you can pull the boat on your first try. It is usually small and lightweight, and you can quickly load a boat on it. If you plan to purchase the trailer right along with the purchase of the pontoon boat, your dealer will take care of sizing so that you can safely tow the boat. There are some trailers that make adjustable axles, which are great in order to distribute the weight off the tongue and adjust as needed. Also, consider the overall length, width, and height of the pontoon on the trailer. 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.. Galvanized will not hold up as well in the humidity. The weight limit for your boat would be 4,492.8 pounds. measure the center to center distance. I totally agree with Slasmith. Here are the number of axles a trailer should have based on pontoon boat weight: The size and weight of your pontoon boat are not the only things to consider when choosing a trailer.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'thepontoonsite_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_13',134,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-thepontoonsite_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); If you want to ensure your boat is safe and secure there are other keys things you need to take into account before making a trailer purchase.

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how to measure a pontoon trailer

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