Weight Capacity of Boat Trailer Roller Bunks Explained

Updated 09/11/2019 | Published 09/10/2019

Question:

When you say these roller bunks have a 3,000 pound capacity,inch i does that mean the capacity of *each* bunk is 3,000 pounds, independent of the other bunk, or ii does that mean the capacity of each bunk is 1,500 pounds? For example, if two of these roller bunks were placed *end-to-end* directly under a sailboat-type keel on the centerline of a boat weighing 3,000 pounds, would they support that weight? Thank you.

asked by: Roger M

Expert Reply:

The weight ratings for roller bunks like the Dutton-Lainson Boat Trailer Deluxe Roller Bunk - 5' Long Sections # DL21741 are interesting as it was explained to us that the capacity listed (3,000 lbs) is the max weight that the boat can be regardless of how many roller bunks are used. So if your plan is to use roller bunks and you were going to use the # DL21741 the capacity would be 3,000 lbs. This is due to the fact that at any given point a single set of the rollers could be carrying the full weight of the boat.

expert reply by: Jameson C