The Boating Forum - trailering boat from NC to NY, single axle and no brakes-am I nuts?

I will picking up a Parker 21 se with Yamaha 200
in a few weeks. The boat comes with a single axle trailer w/o brakes. I will be towing it with a 1999 Suburban. Is this a recipe for disaster or should I look to either buy a new trailer or have the boat shipped.

Just take it easy. I tow a 21 Whaler with no brakes all the time. I guess you'll be traveling on I-95 which can be a bear at the wrong times. I would definitely avoid any rush hours around Richmond and DC. If you have time you may even want to do some sightseeing and take 17 up to the Norfolk area and then cross the Bay Bridge Tunnel and come up the Eastern Shore. Its worth the extra time and a more leisurely drive. Just my little ol .02.

Some states have requirements for brakes on a trailer above a certain weight. This web site will let you check the laws in any state:
Towing Laws (http://httphttp://www.boatus.com/towing/towlaw.htm://)

For example:

NC - trailer brakes req'd > 4,000 pounds
VA - trailer brakes req'd > 3,000 pounds
De - trailer brakes req'd > 4,000 pounds
NJ - trailer brakes req'd > 3,000 pounds
NY - trailer brakes req'd > 3,000 pounds

My Bayliner 19 weighed 3,700 dry and bare on the trailer (with trailer), and your Parker is definitely heavier.

So, it would be illegal for you to do what you have asked about.

It would also be quite dangerous.

I strongly recommend a dual-axle trailer.

Brakes are essential, even is you stay single-axle.

Have a good, and safe, trip.

Brian

http://www.fishingworks.com/Users/UserFolders/ocnslr/PhotoImages/StbdBow3.jpg

2002 GW Islander 270 - 2001 Yam 250 OX66. Fishin' & cruisin'

First of all your probably in violation of the applicable law in all the states your travelling thru. In all likelihood the boats weight requires a trailer with brakes. Ask yourself if its worth your boating career to travel one of the most highly travelled roadways without brakes given all the nuts on the road. Thirdly a new trailer, tandem with brakes is about $2500 to $3000, make the investment you'll appreciate it over the long run.Fourthly if you become involved in an accident you will be in all likelyhood per se violating applicable law and expect a lawsuit wrapped around your ass. http://thehulltruth.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

JIK

Well that sounds like pretty good advise!!! http://thehulltruth.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

To add brakes does not cost all that much, (assuming that the existing trailer is really big enough, otherwise getting a better trailer is the best investment) you can check out www.championtrailers.com (http://www.championtrailers.com) they sell disc/drum brake packages for about $500 or so, a competent do it yourselfer who has done brake jobs before can install them, I'd get it done before trying anything like that. As others said, you will be in violation of state laws, which is an unnecessary risk to take.

That's a fairly high loading for a single axle trailer - higher stress on the tires elevates the risk of a flat. Don't ruin your new rig (or your life), take the extra time to get a dual axle and enjoy the tow.

1st call your insurance company and get a one way cover-- might just add $ 1,000,000 dollar umbrella coverage -- tow with big trunk 1 1/2 ton or more to stop the boat-- just in case someone pulls out in front of you--- PS destory ALL emails!! If a Lawyer get hold them in Civil Case you ASS is Cooked if someone killed in a wreck!!!.. MORAL of STORY buy double axle with brakes and feel great!! The Parker worth the cost of a good trailer with brakes.

get a Dual Axle Trailer doing that distance. http://thehulltruth.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Even if the Single can handle the weight, your foolish for not having brakes with that size boat. http://thehulltruth.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

And doing that distance, just say, What if you did blow a tire, more stability with the Dual Axle. http://thehulltruth.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Your spending how much, don't "CHUMP OUT"
on the Trailer. http://thehulltruth.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

POMF
http://www.fishingworks.com/Users/UserFolders/pomf/PhotoImages/piratewaveflag.gif http://www.fishingworks.com/Users/UserFolders/POMF/PhotoImages/Shark-1.gif
"HEY, YOUR FISH SMELLS LIKE *@^^y!"

I agree with Boneman, too much weight for a single.

Sounds right, the axles on most singles are 3500 lb capacity, and that load may be over that.
Having it shipped may be your best option.

Having made that trip hundreds of times with a trailer I can not count the times those trailer brakes have saved my rear!!!!

A long ride for those single tires and bearings as well. You may end up as one of the many boats left on the side of the road while you are scowering around trying to find new bearings and hub.........

If it is a good trailer, have brakes put on. They can be done for $700 or so.

The 1999 Suburban didn't have good brakes to start with, and you shouldn't be towing such a load without trailer brakes in any event.

Stay away from I-95 and try Rt 13 across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel. The slower speed limits will be less stress on you and make the trip both more enjoyable and safer.

I agree with Scot on the spare tires and hubs for your trip. I have just returned from a 1,200 mile round trip to the Keys, and had a flat tire in Miami. My dual axle trailer did allow me to limp down the turnpike till I could get to a good spot to change it.

Since I mostly trailer my boat 3-4 times a year I can honestly say I've never had working brakes on any of my trailers and I pulled them all with Suburban's 1989, 1994, & 1996 years. I've never had a incident pulling any of my four boats because I was extra careful to watch traffic, anticipate what the other drivers are going to do by leaving plenty of distance and just being a very defensive driver.

With the exception of my current boat I think the Suburban has plenty of braking power to handle most circumstances. I am however going to get my trailer brakes on my trailer connected and working this year. Trying to stop a loaded boat & trailer weighing over 8000LBS is to much to expect from any vehicle, including a Suburban.

With most of the others!

1) I don't know WHY that boat wouldn't COME with a DUAL-AXLE trailer??? About 2,450# for the DRY boat and another 470# or so for the motor (if Yamaha) - almost 3,000# without even a KNAT riding on the windshield! http://thehulltruth.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Just sounds like too much weight, IMO - especially for a NC to NY trip, or even after you get it up there and "settled"! Do NOT "scrimp" on a trailer that hauls all that VERY NICE boat and motor - PERIOD! I'd DEFINITELY take the "FOUR TIRE" "route"! http://thehulltruth.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

2) Living in the Richmond, VA area, I can tell you there are almost ALWAYS delays through here on I-95 - almost ANY time of the day - construction (several exit ramps), normal accidents, the "everyday idiots" http://thehulltruth.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif who think a towed boat can maneuver and brake just like a car, etc.! I'd rather take 2 EXTRA days, if necessary, and drive across the Bay Bridge Tunnel, and up the Eastern Shore (enjoying the beauty along the way!) on Rt. 13!!! It's tense enough just driving a rig even when you KNOW where you're going and WHAT to expect!

Good luck and TAKE CARE of that PARKER! http://thehulltruth.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Regards,
Bruce W

... especially with no brakes.

One more person to tell you to get a dual axle trailer, even if you have to rent one.

Once you have it home, do you have a 1 mile hop to the marina/ ramp?

If you do, than it will be less expensive to have it shipped, and use the basic, slightly underrated trailer, ( for non long haul/ highway use ), for your needs.

Why would you want to maintain the trailer's 4 set's of bearings and brakes if you are only going a mile or so?

The only other option is a dual axle with brakes like the boys said!

I agree with the others. If you haven't done so already, consider having the boat transported by a professional. At about $1.50 to $2.00 per mile, you may be better off when you consider the cost of fuel, lodgeing, food, insurance, tolls wear and tear and lastly, peace of mind!
Adam

Adam

Your boat is doubling the weight that your tow vehicle will have to stop. http://thehulltruth.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Jacknifing becomes a major problem with a relatively high trailer weight with no brakes. http://thehulltruth.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

I believe that what you are planning to do is dangerous. If the government got involved and legislated brakes for trailers, it was probably for a good reason.

The last thing you want to say is "Gee officer, I didn't think it was dangerous . . . " Do it safely and do it legally. http://thehulltruth.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Miss-Be-Haven