New RIB Owner Trailer Advice

[B-more Andy]

Proud new owner of Apex A-19 as of today.

General question about trailers - with a RIB do you usually end up with a larger capacity trailer that far exceeds the actual weight of the boat in order to accommodate the length?

The guys at the local trailer shop (which is very well respected in my area) are telling me I need a 2600lb capacity trailer to fit my boat which is 18'8" loa, 16'-ish from bow eye to transom, and weighs right around 1260lbs max weight (I filled the gas tank and then weighed it on a truck scale while bringing it home today). Does that trailer sizing sound right?

Thanks,

Andy

[Nos4r2]

Is that 2600lb capacity or weight of the whole rig including trailer?

[B-more Andy]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Is that 2600lb capacity or weight of the whole rig including trailer?

That's load capacity.

[Limey Linda]

Originally Posted by B-more Andy

That's load capacity.

No it does not sound right. Your need a 1200-1500lb capacity trailer, single axle at most.
You are probably correct they are basing it on length
I think you were talking to a con man. Tell him and go somewhere else.

[Hightower]

I would imagine that they have a range of trailers (like others do) which are rated at specific loads verses length. Don't forget that you're not buying a trailer for you specific needs, the trailer models on offer must offer carrying capacities for a whole range of boats, not just RIBs.

So yes it might be over rated for your application, but that's a good thing isn't it (apart from the price)?

Is the RIB fully kitted out with all the things you are likely to carry for a normal days boating, you'd be surprised on how quikly weight can mount up?

If you're still suspect of this trailer supplier then phone a few others up to ask advice. Speak with Apex and ask them what they use. What is the law regarding braked trailers, is there a limit at which they become compulsory like in the UK (750kgs) as this might affect your trailer choice.

Hope some of this helps.

[Rigaud]

An over rated trailer is not a good choice since you'll constantly feel like your pulling an empty trailer which will bounce all over. My YachtClub trailer is all bolted together and not welded, the trailer is of proper dimensions for my Rib and the axle was chosen as per proper load capacity. To top it off the axle can be moved forward or backwards for precise balancing of the load. Remember, you should only be carrying 10% of the weight on the vehicle. I have been towing for years with big trucks here in Canada pulling up to 8,000 lbs at times and always straight inline.

Hope this helps a little.

John

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by Rigaud

...Remember, you should only be carrying 10% of the weight on the vehicle. ...

Errr?

[Rigaud]

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Quote:

Errr?

Simple, your tongue weight is supposed to be 10% of the total trailered weight. That being said the way your weight is balanced on the trailer plays a significant role on how your ride will perform.

I have no issues since my vehicle is a GMC Suburban pulling a Bombard Explorer 600 with a 2-stroke 115 yam. I donèt even feel it and on occassion must look in the mirrors to make certain the boat is still behind me. LOLL

[jyasaki]

7 to 10% is recommended. Too light and the trailer my sway; too heavy and you're introducing too much squat on the tow vehicle, and may affect handling by unloading the front wheels (though you'd probably never get there with a RIB.)

I think Hightower is probably right; they have pre-built (or at least pre-designed) trailers they sell. But the difference that Rigaud is talking about can be corrected by changing springs.

jky

[B-more Andy]

Originally Posted by Hightower

Is the RIB fully kitted out with all the things you are likely to carry for a normal days boating, you'd be surprised on how quikly weight can mount up?

Hightower,

I weighed the boat with all of the gear on board and with a full tank of gas figuring that would be the max weight that would ever be on the trailer.

Andy