Calling all 25 trailer experts!

Ray · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 6:48 pm Post subject: Calling all 25 trailer experts!

OK, so my used 25 came from Baltimore originally, then to Wisconsin, then trailered down to me in NC.

The trailer was set up (based on the label) by the dealer in Baltimore.

When it arrived here in NC, the tires were badly worn on ALL FOUR --- INSIDE edges. From what I can glean by googling, this means that it is likely overloaded as the axles bend slightly and the wheels cant inward. This makes sense to my engineering mind.

Here is a picture of the trailer label/specs:

A bit hard to see, but it says 3620lb axles, 6000lbs carrying capacity, and 7240lbs GVWR.

If I calculate the approximate load as it might have come cross country, or as I might use it:

Boat: 3600 (round to 4000 optimistic mfgr)
BF150: 478
100g fuel: 625
30g water: 240
2 batteries: 100
cruising stuff (light): 500
-----------
Total: 5943lbs

Yeah, OK, its close, but to do this?

Am I missing something?

I am pricing out 5000lb axles as we speak.....

Thanks for any insight,
Ray

PS - the forward pair is more worn on the inside than the rear pair, so I'm guessing I'm also a little tongue-heavy.

JamesTXSD · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 7:28 pm Post subject:

Hi Ray,

Have you weighed the boat on the trailer? I was told "6,500 pounds all up on the trailer" by the factory. They missed it by a ton. We cross the scales at 8,700 pounds for the boat on the trailer... and that is with boat gear in the bed of the truck. Just over 900 pounds tongue weight.

I would say 5,000 pound axles should definitely be on your shopping list.

We had a sailboat trailer that did exactly what your photos show. I took it to an alignment place to see if they could "tweak" the axles... they did that, but suggested that we were probably overweight for the trailer. Running it over the scales, we found they were right.

While you're at it, you might look into electric over hydraulic brakes - another nice upgrade for this size boat/trailer.

Good luck with this project - I have no doubt your trailer will be the prettiest one around when you are done with it. Wink

Best wishes,
Jim

Ray · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 8:17 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Jim!

Have not weighed everything yet - I am only 7 miles from the ramp I use a couple times year right now. But I've got big plans for more travel hopefully soon.

Good to know all this from someone who probably has more miles on their CD25 trailer than anyone here!

Dora~Jean · Posted: Sun May 04, 2014 3:21 pm Post subject:

Hi Ray,

I believe you forgot to include the weight of the trailer as part of your load calculations. Typical weight is about 2,000 lbs, depending if steel, galvanized or aluminum. Add in a spare tire/wheel if you have one. 7,500 to 8,500 lbs full up seems to be the norm.

thataway · Posted: Sun May 04, 2014 5:52 pm Post subject:

On my 25 trailer, I had a very similar problem. The trailer capacity was about the same as yours. The trailer tires were worn so badly after about 7500 miles, that I had to put on new tires. I made three changes, and no more tire problems.
1. went to radial belt tires
2. made sure the trailer was absolutely level (when loaded as ready for the road)
3. Went to an equalizing hitch, with an adjustable ball position adjustable