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I apologize for that, some one else made that same claim recently. The regs you supplied do NOT refer to all trailers, it only applies to certain vehicles/combinations regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. IE: Commercial Vehicles that require a CDL to drive.
One would think it would make sense for the Federal government to regulate construction and safety standards for all motor vehicles, trailers, etc. since by their very nature, they often travel from state to state, but they don't for some reason. A trailer that's legal in one state can get you a ticket in a neighboring state.
I guess the feds don't want to trample on "States Rights".
rwidman - 3/18/2007 4:16 PM One would think it would make sense for the Federal government to regulate construction and safety standards for all motor vehicles, trailers, etc. since by their very nature, they often travel from state to state, but they don't for some reason. A trailer that's legal in one state can get you a ticket in a neighboring state. I guess the feds don't want to trample on "States Rights".
I agree. That would make sense.
Here in PA, any trailer rated over 3,000 lbs must have brakes. Now, I do not know if that is due to federal regulations, or state. I do know what we have a state regulation which mandates that tandem axle trailers must have brakes on both axles. I believe some states permit brakes on only one axle of a tandem. States vary regarding maximum width too. There are still a couple that have an 8' maximum.
__________________ Grady White SeaFarer 226 w/Yamaha F225 - SOLD
The dual is definetly preferred. You will ride much better.
With a single and a heavy boat/trailer that approaches 4500-5000 lb, your choice of tires is quite limited. There is one trailer tire , an H load I think, that is rated for ~ 2600 lbs each. They are hard to find when needed. I sold a 5000lb single axle setup with a 20ft W/A about 8 yrs ago, a couple yrs later the new owner stopped back by to ask me where I had gotten the spare from because he had not been able to find one.
I apologize for that, some one else made that same claim recently. The regs you supplied do NOT refer to all trailers, it only applies to certain vehicles/combinations regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. IE: Commercial Vehicles that require a CDL to drive.
No problem.
Yes, the regs I posted don't neccesarily cover non-commercial trailers, but they do explicitly state that trailers over 3000# GVW must be equipped with brakes on all axles. We can argue over the details, but you wanted proof. How about you provide me with proof that you don't have to have brakes installed on all axles on a boat trailer over 3000#.
On my latest search for a trailer for my Aquasport, I called dozens of trailer dealers all over the gulf south. When I asked them wheter the trailer I was asking for ( >3500# tandem) came with brakes, I got a unanimous: "A recent Federal law states that every trailer over 3000# requires brakes on all axles. Now, you can get a trailer thet will carry 4,000 # with no brakes, but it will be officially labeled as a 2,999 # GVW trailer."
Call a trailer manufacturer and ask for yourself.
This all seems silly, though. Get a trailer with brakes if it's over 3000#. It's just common sense.
Booker - 3/18/2007 8:17 PM
..........but they do explicitly state that trailers over 3000# GVW must be equipped with brakes on all axles. ..........
The way I read them, they only exempt trailers under 3000 LB, they don't specifically require brakes on over 3000 LB. It doesn't mater to me, I have a much heavier boat and I have brakes. It's just hard to answer a post when there are so many conflicting opinions and unclear regulations.
With that much weight, I would never consider a
single axle. I have a 2170 Blazer Bay, and it probably
weighs loaded out, closer to 2,000lbs. I ordered mine
with a tandem trailer, no brakes.
The ride is far better. The weight is more evenly distributed.
Also, from what I have heard from other Blazer owners,
there tires need replacing more often with the single axle.
I own this boat too. It weighs 4000# with a 600# motor, rigging , batteries, t-top (400#), some fuel, gear, etc. I got a great trailer from East Coast Trailers, a THT sponsor. Recommend you give them a call--very helpful.
I got a Loadmaster, with elect/hydraulic brakes, Tekonsha actuator, Kodiaks on all 4 wheels, Marathon tires, ss hardware, torsion bars, LED lights. Highly recommend this rig---it's great!
Keep in mind that boat and trailer = 5000#. That's a lot more than you were thinking.
Take it from me...I've owned both types.
Do not settle for a single axle trailer.
Do not settle for leaf springs instead of torsion axles.
Do not settle for brakes that are not disc brakes.
If you do, you will regret it.
For the trailer brake requirement, the weight limit varies state to state. Just saw it in the Towing guide of the february issue of Trailer Boats magazine. The individual state's limits are printed in the guide as well. Here in PA, it's 3,000 lbs. Many other states use 3,000 as well. But some states are higher (or lower) than that amount.
__________________ Grady White SeaFarer 226 w/Yamaha F225 - SOLD
Re: Tandem or single axle trailer 
