Determining Safe Weight Capacity for Trailer Wheels

Updated 09/14/2021 | Published 09/13/2021

Question:

I have a tandem axle boat trailer, boat weighs about 2600 loaded. Is a wheel with a 1800lb rating safe?

asked by: Tom

Expert Reply:

In order to determine if the rating is safe you need to know the weight of the boat as well as the trailer. If you have wheels with a capacity of 1,800 lbs per wheel that means you do not want to exceed 3,600 lbs assuming your boat trailer has two wheels. Since you know the loaded weight of your boat is 2,600 lbs you have nothing to worry about as long as your trailer does not weight more than 1,000 lbs. It would also be a good idea to make sure that your wheel and tire are rated for at least the same amount as your axle to be on the safe side of things.

expert reply by: Robin H