Owning a swimming tool implies not only the pleasure of cruising, but also the need for its transportation. Boat trailer It is a key element in this chain, allowing the vessel to be delivered to the water without the use of expensive services paid slips or finding a place for year-round storage, properly selected trailer ensures the safety of the boat during transportation and prolongs the life of its hull.
Many owners of PVC boats or small metal boats often underestimate the importance of quality. trailerBut it's the design of the padding, the type of breathed and the quality of the corrosion coating that determines whether you're going to damage the transom or the board when you're going down, and in this article, we're going to look at all the aspects of choosing and using this important accessory.
Key differences between pads and rollers
The first thing that the buyer faces when choosing is the type of support surface. Load trailers This is a structure where the boat is supported by special bucket covered with fuzzy material, which provides maximum contact area, spreading the weight of the vessel evenly over the entire length of the keel, and is ideal for storing the boat on a trailer for a long time.
In turn, roller-trailer They're equipped with rollers that allow you to easily roll the boat onto the platform even with minimal water levels, they're more commonly used for descents and ascents because they reduce friction when loading, but they're less suitable for permanent storage because the fulcrum is concentrated in specific locations, which can lead to deformation of the hull during prolonged downtime.
The choice between these two systems depends on your operating conditions. If you plan to keep the boat on a trailer in the garage or outdoors, the lodgings will be a safer solution. For those who often change water bodies and need to quickly load from the gently sloping shore, the roller system will be preferable.
⚠️ WARNING: When using a roller trailer, be sure to check the tension of the belts before each trip, as vibration on the road can weaken the boat's fixation.
For boats with a deep keel (V-bottom) lodgings are better suited as they provide lateral support, preventing the vessel from rolling when cornering.
Load calculation and axle selection
The foundation of any trailer is its running gear. Load capacity The trailer must exceed the total weight of the boat, engine, fuel and equipment by at least 20-30%. Ignoring this margin of safety will lead to rapid wear of bearings, deformation of the frame and potential accidents on the road.
Single models are usually equipped with a single axle, while heavy boats are required. tandem Tandem systems provide better stability at high speeds and allow heavier loads to be carried without overloading the tires, but they require more careful maintenance and proper adjustment of the wheel mounting angles.
When choosing, you should also pay attention to the type of hubs. In modern trailers, hubs with bearings are increasingly found. LM67048/LM67010 or L68149/L68111They are easier to maintain than the old Soviet counterparts. brake on a trailer becomes mandatory if its total mass exceeds 750 kg, which is regulated by the rules of the road.
How to check the condition of bearings?
Lift the wheel with a jack and swing it. If you feel a backlash or hear a hum when you're spinning, the bearings require replacement or lubrication, and ignoring this can lead to a jamming of the wheel on the move.
Manufacture materials and anticorrosion protection
Constant contact with water, especially salt water, and road reagents makes corrosion critical. Most quality trailers are made of hot-dip steel. galvanicIt works even when there are small scratches on the surface, and visually, these trailers have a matte grayish hue.
Aluminum trailers are less common because of their high cost, but they are completely free of rusting problems. However, aluminum is subject to electrochemical corrosion when in contact with other metals, so you need to monitor the quality of the insulation of fasteners. Cheap analogues are often covered with regular paint, which requires regular updating.
Remember that even a galvanized frame needs care. After each salt water ride, the trailer must be thoroughly washed with fresh water. Pay special attention to hidden cavities and welds where moisture can stagnate.
⚠️ Warning: Never store a wet trailer under an awning or in an enclosed room without first drying, this creates a greenhouse effect and accelerates corrosion.
Features of operation for PVC and RIB boats
Inflatable boat owners often wonder about the safety of transportation on a rigid metal frame. PVC The condition of the surface of the pads is critically important, and the pile coating should be intact, without protruding threads or burrs that can damage the cylinders.
When pumping a boat before loading, it is important to keep a balance: it must be stiff enough to keep its shape, but not overstretched to avoid breaking the seams when vibrating. For fiberglass bottom RIBs, the requirements are similar to conventional boats, but the weight of such boats is often smaller, allowing for lighter single-seat trailers.
It is recommended to use special covers or linings in the contact of the transom with the support elements, if the trailer design does not provide soft stops, this will protect the material from abrasion during long asphalt distillations.
Comparative table of trailer types
To help you make your choice, we compare the main specifications of different trailer modifications, which are averaged and can vary by manufacturer.
| Parameter | Login-type | Roller type | Aluminum trailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protection of the hull | High (large area) | Medium (point) | High (depends on the mats) |
| Loading convenience | It requires more water. | Possibly from the edge | Average |
| Weight of trailer | Medium. | Highly | Low. |
| Price. | Affordable | Medium | High. |
From the table, it is clear that there is no universal solution. For beginners and frequent operation on different water bodies, the optimal compromise is often combined systems, where the nose is equipped with rollers, and the main support is the beds.
Registration in the traffic police and legal aspects
The trailer for the boat is a vehicle and is subject to mandatory registration in the GABDTo do this, you need to have a vehicle passport (VC) or electronic PTS, a sales contract and a check for payment of the state duty. Without a license plate and documents, the operation of the trailer is prohibited and entails a fine.
Otherwise, the category “BE” may be required.
When buying a used trailer, be sure to check the VIN number on the frame for the data in the documents. Often there are cases when the frames were changed or restored after an accident, which can create problems when registering.
☑️ Documents for registration
Self-made: is sheepskin worth making
Many masters with golden hands are considering the option of creating a new trailerIn theory, it's possible to weld a frame from a profile pipe, install a car axle, and mount a breather, but in practice, this is often more difficult and expensive to buy a finished product.
The main problem with homemade products is that they cannot legally register, and without a factory certificate of conformity and VIN numbers, the traffic police will not issue documents, and trying to register such a trailer through a single-production procedure requires expensive tests and examinations, which is not economically feasible for one product.
In addition, artisanal welding rarely provides the necessary strength and geometry, which can lead to breakage at speed. Factory trailers undergo tests for metal fatigue and vibration loads, which in garage conditions are almost impossible to reproduce.
⚠️ Attention: The use of an unregistered trailer threatens not only with a fine, but also with placing the vehicle in a parking lot, and in the case of an accident - with the full responsibility of the owner.
Service and preparation for the season
And boat-trailer It has been in service for years, requires regular maintenance. Be sure to check tire pressure before the season, even if it looks normal. Rubber on trailers often ages from ultraviolet light faster than it wears away from mileage.
Hub bearing lubrication is another critical procedure, and it is recommended to use water-resistant lubricants, such as lithium-based ones. E-Z Lube, allowing you to add lubricant without disassembling the unit through a special syringe tip.
Be sure to check the lights. Trailers often have leaky lights, and water gets in. Use diode lights, which are less warm and better at absorbing water than incandescent lights.
Regular lubrication of bearings and checking the tire pressure reduce the risk of breakage in transit by 90% and prolong the life of the trailer chassis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to remove the boat from the trailer for winter storage?
If the boat is stored in a dry room, it can be left on the trailer, having previously released the pressure in the cylinders (for PVC) or installing supports, the main thing is to ensure ventilation so that condensation does not form under the awning.
What is the maximum speed of the trailer?
According to traffic rules, the speed of a road train (car with a trailer) outside settlements should not exceed 90 km / h, However, trailer manufacturers often recommend not exceed 80-85 km / h for safety and maintenance of tire life.
Can I carry other cargoes on the boat trailer?
Technically, if size and weight allow, but the lodgings can damage the cargo, and the lack of sideboards makes transporting bulk materials impossible, and the trailer must be registered as a boat, and frequent changes in the type of cargo may raise questions for inspectors.
How to properly put the boat on the trailer?
Get the trailer to the water, unload the boat, then get the trailer into the water (deep depending on the type of descent), drive the boat onto the trailer with a winch or by hand, secure the nose lock and lock the boat with slings, and then you can pull the trailer out on land.