Choosing the right vehicle to transport a swimming vehicle is not just a matter of convenience, but a guarantee of road safety and the safety of your property. Collapsible trailer For boats, PVC is becoming an increasingly popular solution among water-engineers who value mobility and do not have the ability to permanently store bulky equipment in a garage or in a cottage. Unlike classic one-piece trailers, such designs can save up to 60% of storage space, which is critical for residents of apartment buildings.
The modern market offers many options, from low-end models from the profile pipe to high-tech aluminum systems with hydraulic rollover. However, buying is only the beginning of the journey. The owner must understand the nuances of the assembly, the features of the chassis maintenance and, of course, know the requirements of the law. Inflatable boat assembled takes up little space, but in the disassembled state, the trailer turns into a compact set of parts that can easily be placed even in the trunk of the crossover.
In this article we will discuss in detail why you should pay attention to collapsible structures, how not to make mistakes with the load capacity and what you need to do so that you do not have problems with inspectors on the road. Transportation of the boat requires a responsible approach, since errors in mounting or excess of dimensions can cost you not only a fine, but also the integrity of the motor or the boat itself.
Advantages and disadvantages of collapsible structures
The big advantage of collapsible trailers is, of course, that they're compact. When the season is over or you have to vacate the garage, you can dismantle the sides, the breather and the platform by putting everything in neat packages. This is especially true for owners. PVCThey use the same car to tow and load equipment, but they also have a downside: the time they take to assemble and disassemble.
If a single trailer only requires checking the tire pressure and fixing the cables, the collapsible analogue must be assembled first. For an experienced user, this process takes 15-20 minutes, but it can take an hour for a beginner. In addition, the presence of a large number of bolt joints requires regular monitoring of their tightening, since vibration on the track can weaken even reliably fixed elements.
⚠️ Attention: With frequent disassembly and assembly, threaded joints can wear out faster. Check the bolts regularly and replace them with new ones if necessary using fixing lubricant or growers.
Despite the time-consuming costs, the space savings outweigh the cons for most users: Aluminum models, for example, are virtually non-corrosive, which distinguishes them from steel counterparts that require constant painting. Steel profile It is cheaper but heavier and requires more careful care of corrosion-resistant coatings, especially if you frequent salt water bodies.
Selection criteria: material, load capacity and axles
The first thing to look at is the total mass of the trailer and its load capacity, the total weight of the boat, the engine, the fuel tank and the equipment should not exceed the passport values. loading capacity It's not the mass of the trailer itself, it's the weight of the load it can carry. For single-seat PVC boats with low-power engines, single-axle models are often enough, but for heavy sets, it's better to choose a two-axle trolley for better stability.
The frame material plays a key role in durability. Aluminum (often branded) AMG Or imported alloys) lightweight and non-rust, but more expensive. Steel is stronger and cheaper, but requires perfect welding and painting quality. Galvanized steel is in the middle, combining affordability and good rust protection. When choosing, pay attention to the quality of the welds: they must be smooth, without pores and inflows.
The chassis is the heart of any trailer. The rubber suspension is popular for its simplicity, but the torsion one provides better cushioning and stability at high speeds. The braking system is mandatory for trailers with a gross mass of over 750 kg, but for lighter models, inertial braking of the wheels or no braking is often enough, if weight allows.
The width of the trailer should not exceed the width of the towing car by more than 20 cm on each side, although for passenger cars this rule is often followed automatically. Ground clearance It is also important: too low trailer risks to scratch the bottom about the irregularity when descending from the concrete to the primer to the water.
Step-by-step instructions for assembling the frame
Building a collapsible trailer is a process that requires careful and consistent design. Usually, the manufacturer puts in instructions, but the general principles are universal. You always start with the preparation of a flat ground and checking the equipment. The absence of even one washer can lead to a skewed frame.
The first step is to assemble the main frame of the platform, the side spars connect with crossbars, and the important thing is not to tighten the bolts "to the end" at once: first assemble the entire frame, align the diagonals and corners, and then make the final puff, which will provide the geometry of the structure.
☑️ Checklist for frame assembly
Then you put a breather, which is the most loaded element that transmits the force from the car, and the fastening that was coming to the platform has to be reinforced by headscarves or additional plates, and after the installation of the breather, the coupling head (hinge) is mounted, which must be centered relative to the longitudinal axis of the trailer, otherwise the trolley will be led away when moving.
⚠️ Attention: Improper centering of the breath leads to accelerated tire wear ("eating" rubber on one side) and unstable behavior of the road train on the track.
The final stage of the frame assembly is to install the motor racks and the transom stops, which must be mounted so that when loading the boat lies flat on them, without distortion. For PVC boats, they often use wide soft-coated supports to avoid damaging the cylinders.
Installation of lodgings and equipment
Lodges are the supports that directly support the boat hull. In inflatable boats, it is critical that the surface of the lodging be smooth and without sharp edges. Often wooden bars that are sheathed with carpet or rubber, or plastic linings are used. Lodge attachment It should allow you to adjust the height and angle of inclination to adapt the platform for a particular boat.
In addition to the main platform, the trailer is equipped with additional equipment: the motor bracket must be reliably welded or screwed to the frame. The winch is installed on the front pillar; for light boats, a manual winch with a cable is enough, for heavy ones, electric or self-laying cable is preferable.
Lighting equipment is a mandatory element of traffic. Headlights, dimensions and turn signals should be sealed (protection class IP67 and above), wiring is better to lay inside profile pipes or protect with corrugated to avoid damage when driving on bushes or branches.
For ease of use, a spare wheel is often installed, which in collapsible models is mounted vertically on board or horizontally under the platform. Also a useful accessory is a ladder for loading the boat, which can be removable in a collapsible version.
Comparison of materials and specifications
To make a final decision, let's compare the basic parameters of different types of trailers in the table, which will help to visualize the difference between budget and premium solutions.
| Parameter | Steel (painted) | Steel (galvanized) | aluminum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure weight | Highly | Medium. | Low. |
| Corrosion resistance | Low (requires care) | High. | Very high. |
| Cost | Low. | Medium | High. |
| Difficulty of repair | Low (welding) | Medium | Tall (argon) |
As you can see from the table, aluminum trailers They're the ones who win in weight and durability, but they lose in price. Steel models are the choice of pragmatists who are willing to periodically tint chips. Galvanizing is the middle ground for those who want to forget about rust, but are not willing to overpay for aluminum.
Also worth considering is the cost of parts: steel trailers are easier to find and cheaper to find, aluminum profiles and specific fasteners may require an order from the manufacturer, which will increase downtime in the event of a breakdown.
GIMS requirements and registration rules
In Russia, the rules for registration of trailers for boats are regulated by law, and they are quite strict. Since 2020, new rules have been in force, according to which trailers weighing up to 750 kg (full weight) do not require obtaining a PTS and registration with the traffic police if they are intended for personal use.
If the used trailer or its mass exceeds 750 kg, registration is required. You will need license plates, CTC and category B rights (if the trailer mass does not exceed 3,500 kg).
⚠️ Attention: The absence of a license plate on the trailer or its unreadability (pollution) equates to no registration and entails a fine. Always monitor the cleanliness of the room after leaving the reservoir.
For legal use, it is important that the trailer has a manufacturer's marking (VIN code or serial number) stamped on the frame. Homemade trailers are subject to certification, which in modern conditions is almost impossible and economically impractical. collapsible trailer - the only legal way.
Service and preparation for the season
Even the most reliable trailer requires attention. Be sure to have a bearing inspection before the season begins. The lubricant in the hubs may have dried or mixed with water, leading to a wedge on the track. Litol-24 Or specialized waterproof lubricant.
Check the tire pressure. For trailers, it is often higher than for cars, and is about 2.0-2.5 atmospheres (the exact value is indicated on the sidewall of the tire). Unproduced tires heat up and can burst, and pumped tires worsen traction.
Look at the condition of the lodging and winch mounts. The winch cable should not have pile and damage. If you notice that the rope has started to "swipe", it needs to be replaced urgently, otherwise it may burst at the time of loading, and the boat will slip off the trailer.
Don't forget the electrician. Oxidated contacts in headlights are a common cause of fines. Use contact lubricant to protect the connectors from moisture. After every trip, especially on salt or dirt, it is advisable to rinse the trailer with fresh water.
Frequent errors in operation
One of the most common mistakes is overloading: Owners often forget that the weight of fuel in the tank, anchors, tackles and passengers (if they are in a trailer, which is prohibited, but the weight of things in the boat is considered) is added to the weight of the boat. Excess load leads to breakage of breath and accidents.
The second mistake is the misallocation of weight, the boat should lie on the beds evenly, and if the center of gravity is shifted too far back, there is a wobble effect that can turn the trailer across the road, and if it's too far ahead, the rear axle of the car is overloaded.
The third mistake is to ignore the safety cable, and the chain or cable connecting the trailer and the car must always be fastened, and if the hinge is detached, this cable will keep the trailer from running uncontrollably.
Ignoring these rules can have serious consequences, and remember that the trailer is a source of increased danger, and its reliability depends on your attentiveness.
Do I need to register a trailer weighing up to 750 kg?
Under current regulations, trailers with a gross weight of up to 750 kg intended for personal use do not require registration with the traffic police and obtaining license plates if you have a contract of sale.
Can I carry an inflatable boat in a deflated state on a collapsible trailer?
Yes, it can. The collapsible design allows the platform to be used as a universal trolley, the main thing is to securely secure the load (boxes, motor, deflated boat in bags) with belts so that they do not shift when braking.
What is the maximum speed of the trailer?
According to the rules of the road, the speed of the car with a trailer on motorways should not exceed 90 km / h, on other roads - 70 km / h Exceeding speed increases the risk of loss of stability of the road train.
Do you need an E category license to tow?
Category E is not required if the permissible maximum mass of the trailer does not exceed 750 kg, or if it exceeds 750 kg, but the total mass of the vehicle and trailer does not exceed 3500 kg.