Add an Axle to a Boat Trailer to Increase Capacity or Replace Trailer Recommendation

Published 12/26/2014

Question:

Ive got a 1992 EZ Loader boat trailer in which EZ Loader told me the GVWR of the trailer was 4,750 lb. and yet the boat that was sold with it is approx. 4,300lb. which combined with the 1,000lb. trailer makes 5,300 GVWR. This is confusing as why would they sell this trailer with that heavy of a boat? Anyway the boat is 20ft. and is on a single axle trailer. The axle is 2inch wide X 3inch tall and the hub is 6 lug with 2 3/4inch spacing between them. The tires are ST 225/75R15s. I am trying to figure out if I can repair the trailer I have or do I need to replace it with a double axle trailer because I cant carry that heavy of a load on the trailer I have.

asked by: Daniel T

Expert Reply:

Honestly your best option will be to replace the trailer. Trying to upgrade a trailer to a higher overall capacity is pretty difficult and it can never be verified if you did actually upgrade the trailers capacity.

While axle capacity is a huge factor in determining the overall capacity of a trailer you also have to figure in the weight the trailer frame and coupler was rated to carry. Since that information can be hard to determine a much easier option that will give you some peace of mind would be to go with a trailer with a high enough capacity for your boat. Especially if like you said the trailer needs repairs currently.

expert reply by: Jameson C