Picking the right trailer for transporting the boat is a task that requires careful attention to detail, especially when it comes to an overall inflatable boat with a length of almost four meters. Trailer for PVC boat 390 Not only should the body be securely secured while driving, but the inflatable tubes should be kept from abrasion and puncture. Many owners make the mistake of trying to save on a basic uniax trailer, not considering that a cylinder length of 390 cm requires a specific approach to load distribution.
Unlike small models, where the simplest frame is enough, the geometry of the pauplement and the rigidity of the structure are critical here. Incorrectly selected support system can lead to deformation of the transom or microcracks in the bottom due to vibration on the track. Transportation It should be as safe as possible for the crew of the vehicle and for expensive equipment.
In this article, we will take a look at the nuances of choice, compare popular models and answer questions that often arise for beginners and experienced water engines.
Selection criteria: load capacity and dimensions
The first thing to start with is to determine the total weight of the outfit. The PVC boat, 390 cm long, as standard, weighs about 70-80 kg, but assembled with a large number of different types of boats. pendant, inflatable floor (NDND) or plywood floorboards, anchors, tanks and, most importantly, outboard motor, the weight can reach 250-300 kg or more. Standard two-stroke engine with a capacity of 15 hp will add about 35-40 kg, and four-stroke – all 45-50 kg.
If the total weight of the boat, motor, fuel and accessories is 350 kg, you can not buy a trailer with a maximum load of exactly 350 kg. Load capacity should be chosen with a margin of at least 20-30% to exclude overheating of the hubs, tire wear and the risk of breakage breathing on uneven roads.
The overall dimensions also play a key role: the length of the platform should allow the boat to be placed so that the bow does not hang excessively, creating sailing, and the transom is located strictly above the axle or slightly ahead of it for proper weighting. The width of the trailer should not exceed the width of the car by more than 20 cm on each side, so as not to violate the rules of the road.
⚠️ Warning: Exceeding the maximum permissible mass of the trailer specified in the PTS, entails a fine and a ban on further movement. Always weigh your kit on the scale before buying a trailer.
The 390 models often have a high cylinder (50-55 cm), which requires an appropriate height of the trailer sides or the use of special stops to prevent lateral roll when parking at irregularities.
Types of pads: rollers or sleds
One of the most important questions to consider is the type of support surface, and for PVC 390 boats, the most common choice is between roller and sled systems. Roller trailer It provides minimal friction when loaded, making it easy to roll the boat into the water even from a flat shore, ideal for those who often change water bodies and do not have access to well-maintained slips.
But there's a big downside to rollers: point contact, and if you don't adjust the height of the rollers to fit a particular body, you run the risk of breaking the balloon or getting damaged by sharp edges when you tighten your belts, and you can also vibrate more on the track.
The sleds, or lodgings, are long bucket slats, covered with a fluffy carpet. foothold The whole bottom, which is perfect for keeping the PVC material safe, the boat is tight, it doesn't walk from side to side, and the risk of puncture is minimized.
- 🚤 Rollers: ideal for self-loading from unequipped shore, require frequent lubrication of bearings.
- 🛡️ Sleds: provide better safety of the hull during transportation, but require a steeper angle of immersion or winch.
- 🔄 Combined: the bow on rollers, sled stern - a compromise option for boats 390.
For heavy boats with a length of 390 cm, experts often recommend a padding system or hybrid, as it better extinguishes vibrations and evenly distributes weight throughout the length of the cylinders, preventing the effect of a hammock at high speeds.
Frame materials and construction
The durability of the trailer depends on the materials used in its manufacture, and two main technologies dominate the Russian market: hot galvanizing and polymer powder dyeing. Galvanized trailer Zinc creates a chemical bond with the metal, providing protection against corrosion even in constant contact with salt water and aggressive environments.
Painted counterparts are generally cheaper but require careful treatment. Any scratch, chip or scuff when loading the engine becomes a hotbed of corrosion. For the owner of the 390, who plans to operate the equipment for years, the difference in price is often paid off by the lack of the need for annual repainting and welding.
The frame design also varies. The 390 cm classic A-breather is the best fit. It provides excellent course stability. It's important to pay attention to the quality of the welds and the thickness of the profile metal. Thin-walled pipes can burst when hitting a curb or when transported on broken primers to the descent site.
⚠️ Warning: After every trip by sea or salty lake, be sure to wash the trailer with fresh water, even if it is galvanized.
The suspension is particularly noteworthy. Lightweight boats often use springs, but for the 390th model with the engine, torsion suspension or reinforced springs with shock absorbers are better suited, which provide a smoother ride, which reduces the dynamic load on the transom of the boat.
Equipment and additional equipment
The basic equipment of the trailer for the PVC boat 390 is rarely sufficient for comfortable operation. First of all, you need to pay attention to the winch. For this mass and length, the hand winch must have a traction force of at least 500-700 kg. The presence of an automatic brake on the drum is a mandatory safety condition, preventing spontaneous unwinding of the cable.
Lighting equipment must be completely sealed. Vibration and water are the main enemies of electrics. Modern LED lights consume less current and last longer, but it is important that they are protected from water entering the enclosure (IP67 and higher). Wiring must be laid inside the profile or protected by corrugated to avoid wind interception or damage during maneuvers.
For ease of use, additional options will not be superfluous: a bracket for a spare wheel, a toolbox and anchor, as well as guides (rollers) on racks, which facilitate the centering of the boat when loading. Without them, putting a 4-meter boat exactly on the axle can be difficult, especially in windy weather.
Use silicone lubrication to treat the metal parts of the winch and cable after each trip, which will prevent the mechanism from rusting and jamming at the most inopportune moment.
Also worth considering is the large diameter keel roller, which takes the bulk of the bow when loaded, protecting the keel from abrasion against the metal frame. For hard bottom boats (HDBs), this is a critical element.
Comparison of popular trailer models
The market offers a variety of solutions, from low-cost Chinese to premium European brands, and to avoid confusion with the names, we have compiled a comparative table of specifications relevant to the class 390 boats.
| Model/Parameter | Load capacity (kg) | Type of coating | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| MISA 817701 | 750 | Galvanizing | Reliable frame, easy to find spare parts, high liquidity |
| SKIEF Universal | 550 | Galvanizing | Budget option, simple design, requires improvement of lighting |
| VMM 390 | 600 | Powder paint | Specialized for boats, comfortable lodgings, risk of corrosion |
| Krusader K1 | 750 | Hot galvanizing | Premium quality, perfect welding, high price |
When choosing between models, consider not only the price, but also the availability of service. MIZNAThere are parts in any large store, while rare models may require the order of components from other regions.
Also worth noting is the safety cable or chain, which is a requirement of traffic regulations, and its absence can result in a fine on the first inspection by an inspector.
☑️ Pre-purchase check
Rules of operation and maintenance
The life of the PVC 390 trailer depends not only on the quality of the workmanship, but also on the correct maintenance. Regular maintenance will prolong the life of the units and assemblies. First of all, you need to monitor the pressure in the tires. Light trailers often use chamber tires, which are sensitive to temperature changes and prolonged downtime.
Even if the trailer is equipped with the E-Z Lube system (lubrication without removing the hub), it is recommended to check the state of the lubrication once a season or every 5000 km of run and replace it if necessary. Water entering the hub during sharp cooling (departure into the water with a hot trailer) is a common cause of bearing failure.
Keep the trailer in a dry room or under a canopy removed from the car's breath, which will relieve the load from the rubber and prevent the oxidation of the wiring contacts. If storage is unavoidable, use a special case that protects the lobes and frame from ultraviolet and precipitation.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave a trailer with a loaded boat in the parking lot for a long time. Constant loading on the cylinders at one point leads to deformation of the bottom and the appearance of "cracks".
Before each season, check the tightening of bolt joints. Vibration when driving on the highway can weaken even well-twisted nuts, which can lead to an emergency.
How to properly lubricate the hubs?
To lubricate the hubs without removing the wheel, use a lubricant syringe (if designed). Insert the nose of the syringe into the hole in the center of the hub and slowly squeeze the lubricant until fresh lubrication starts to come out of the drainage hole (if any) or from under the gland. If the syringe is not available, you will have to remove the cap and hub for visual control and stuffing of the lubricant manually.
Registration in the traffic police and legal aspects
Boat trailers with a gross mass of more than 750 kg are subject to registration with the traffic police and require a separate license plate. However, most boat trailers 390 have a total mass of up to 750 kg (category B), which allows them to be driven with normal category B rights without opening category E. However, registration with the traffic police is mandatory for any trailer, regardless of its weight.
To register you will need: the passport of the owner, the contract of sale, the trailer PTS and the current insurance policy (separate trailer is not needed, but it must be inscribed or cover use with the trailer, which is important for heavy categories, but for lights up to 750 kg is enough conventional OSAGO tractor).
It is important to remember speed limits: when driving with a trailer in populated areas, the speed limit is 60 km / h, outside settlements - 90 km / h, on highways - 90 km / h (unless the trailer's PTS indicates otherwise, but this is usually the standard for category B), Exceeding speed with a trailer is fraught with serious fines and loss of control on the highway.
Registration of a trailer is mandatory regardless of its mass, and the absence of numbers on the trailer is equivalent to driving an unregistered vehicle and entails a fine and detention of the vehicle.
Compliance with these simple rules will allow you to avoid problems with the law and enjoy a vacation on the water without unnecessary worries.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Do I need an E-Category license for a trailer for a 390 boat?
Category E is only required if the permissible maximum mass of the trailer exceeds 750 kg and the total mass of the vehicle and trailer exceeds 3,500 kg. For most passenger cars and boat trailers, 390 (total weight up to 750 kg) is sufficient for the usual category B.
Can I carry a boat with an aluminum bottom on a PVC trailer?
Yes, you can, but only if you use a lounge-type trailer, a roller-shaped trailer can damage aluminum sheets or create stress points, and make sure that the load capacity of the trailer matches the weight of the heavier aluminum-bottomed boat.
How often should the bearings in the hubs be changed?
The bearings' life depends on the operating conditions. In regular use in salt water or mud, lubricant replacement is required once a year, bearing replacement is required every 2-3 years or when backlash and hum appear. For dry conditions, the lubricant can be changed every 2 years.
What to do if the trailer starts to wag on the track?
Reduce the speed, but don't brake abruptly. Braking the car can increase the rocking. Try to smooth the movement, most often due to improper loading (too much weight at the rear) or insufficient pressure in the tires of the trailer.
Do I need a separate CASA policy for the trailer?
A separate CTP policy for trailers with a permissible maximum mass of up to 750 kg is not required. The liability of the owner of such a trailer is already covered by the CTP policy of the tractor (car).