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Pete C.

wrote:

On Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:44:19 -0500, "Pete C."
wrote:

Steve B wrote:

A friend of mine brought me a boat trailer that he wants me to put some
sides on so he can use it for firewood collection. I figured it was going
to be a basket case with rollers, etc. But someone did a right fine job of
redoing it. It has at least four horizontal supports, not sure of what
they're made of. The outer frame is square tube, like 2 x 4. If is decked
with angle holding the decking on, and carriage bolts holding it to the
horizontals. It is single axle with 15" 5 lug wheels, and a stout axle. It
looks the size that would be used to carry like a Searay, or some other
fairly substantial boat. Estimated length of said boat would be 18'.

The positioning of the axle with relationship of the deck is good with
relationship to putting the load right over the axle, with the deck forward
enough to keep it from being tongue light. I'd say 2' - 3' more forward of
the centerline than behind the centerline of the tire.

My question is what is the best way to approximate the new carrying capacity
so that I know how high to make the rails, and use that as an indicator of
when the trailer is loaded? I did not look for a plate, and suspect if I
found one, everything may be changed due to the modifications already done.

Can provide photos if requested.

Sorry to butt in with metal stuff, but, hey, .....................

Steve

Add the tire weight ratings up, weigh the trailer and see what is left.
In MANY cases the spring and axle ratings limit the trailer weight
rather than the tires. If it has 8 inch wheels, the tires will be the
limit. If 12 inch, likely the tires. If 13", possibly the tires - if
14" or bigger- quite possibly the springs or spindles.

I have 7,000# axles on my trailer, 6 lug 15" wheels and the heaviest E
rated tires I can get are good for 5,660# for the pair.