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How Much Does a Boat Trailer Weigh? – Guide for Boat Lovers

Written by J. Harvey / Fact checked by S. Numbers

how much does a boat trailer weigh

There is no exact boat trailer weight, as different types of trailers have varying weights. Expect the range of the weight of boat trailers to be between 200 pounds to 4,400 pounds. This often depends on the kind of boat it accommodates and the type of the trailer itself.

I understand the dilemma behind this. What if you end up with more heft than your vehicle can handle? Fret not. I’ve explained boat and trailer weight mechanics further below.

How Much Does a Boat Trailer Weigh And Why You Should Know Them

boat-trailer-weight

When I mentioned the range above, I’m referring to the average dry or empty weight of boat trailers. For example, a trailer for kayaks or canoes weighs at least 200 pounds. The average tandem axle boat trailer weight and single axle boat trailer weight are usually 1,000 pounds and 600 pounds respectively.

On the other hand, an aluminum boat trailer’s weight, assuming it’s a tandem axle, ranges between 800 pounds to 1,000 pounds. Triple-axle trailers have empty weights that can balloon up to 1,600 pounds. We also need to consider trailers made specifically for huge vessels, which can weigh between 1,100 pounds to a whopping 4,400 pounds.

In most trailers, you can find the exact dry weight of the trailer on the manufacturer’s tag, which is usually glued to the frame. Take note that these weight figures connote the trailer’s frame alone.

It’s always better to know the exact weight of your trailer and your boat, rather than rely on averages. Knowing the precise empty weight of both means you’re one step closer to determining the total weight you’ll have to deal with, with your vehicle considered. It goes a long way in ensuring your safety while trailering, too.

The Formula For Finding Out The Tongue Weight Of Boat Trailers

It pays to know the tongue weight of your boat trailer since it should give you the peace of mind that your vehicle, whether it’s a standard car, truck, or SUV, can still handle all that weight. If you’re not already aware of it, the tongue weight of your boat trailer refers to the downward weight exerted by a completely loaded trailer on the vehicle’s hitch ball.

If you’re struggling to find the manufacturer’s tag on your trailer or it’s just no longer available, you can rely on a tongue weight formula shared on the AskingLot site. This way, you’ll at least always know the total weight you’ll need to manage to ensure road safety. It has also prepared a table that lists figures based on size, capacity, and trailer weight.

Trailer Weight, Boat Size, And Capacity Always Go Together

boat-trailer-weight-calculator

In fact, I’m assuming you’re asking this question because you already know the size and weight of your boat as well as its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. If not, then you should try out the boat weight calculator shared by Venture Trailers. It’s almost always recommended to not go over 85% of the trailer’s GVWR to ensure safety while trailering.

GVWR limits vary per state. It’s different from Gross Trailer Weight because the latter represents the total objective weight, including the dry weight of the boat and trailer plus the gear and fuel.

I’ve yet to find a boat trailer weight calculator. But given that trailer weights are readily revealed by the manufacturer anyway, I don’t find the use of looking for one. That being said, Poontoonpedia has actually prepared one; although, it’s in the form of the chart.

Except for most canoe or kayak trailers, expect most trailers’ weights and capacities to be directly proportional or correlated. In canoe trailers, capacity and weight are almost always identical.

With regards to boat size, though, it’s a slightly different story. According to Go Down Size, heavier boats are often accommodated by extra axles and tougher materials being used on the trailers. This is why having a larger boat doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll immediately need a trailer with as much weight and capacity as possible.

Other Facts And Factors Related Boat Trailer Weight

  • A single axle trailer is almost always lighter than tandem or triple axles. Despite the dual axle boat trailer’s weight being higher, it’s actually easier to handle overall.
  • Trailers made of galvanized steel usually weigh more than their aluminum counterparts. Again, this doesn’t always mean that lightweight is better since more weight in trailering typically indicates higher stability.

Conclusion

When knowing your boat trailer’s weight, it’s important to beyond just finding out the total dry weight. There are other factors like boat size, capacity, and vehicle ratings that will always be intrinsically connected to a boat trailer’s weight, after all. As long as you familiarize yourself with the basic weight mechanics and how they are correlated, you shouldn’t have a hard time getting past weight dilemmas concerning your trailer and your boat.

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