Move Trailer Tip Series - Part 1: Choosing the right trailer
by BRP 27 Apr 2022 21:27 UTC
Move may be the newest loose boat trailer brand on the block, but it boasts decades of design expertise, quietly championed as the wheels under leading aluminium boat brand; Quintrex since its inception in 1945.
Filling a gap in the market for a durable and high-quality trailer range that suits a wide variety of boat sizes and materials, including Fibreglass, Aluminium and Plate, Move also seeks to fill a demand for better access to information that answers common trailering questions of everyday boaties.
Kicking off the how-to series is Move Trailer Expert, Adam Crossley's Top Tips to choosing the right trailer with the following 10 pieces of advice. But, for the best advice when looking at buying a trailer, contact your local Move stockist who will help you find the best option that suits your needs:
Trailer Definitions:
There are several common terms, or acronyms, used when discussing boat trailers which are handy to know:
- Australian Design Rules (ADR) - rules instituted to regulate the compliance and construction of boat trailers in Australia
- Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) - the total weight of the boat (laden), motor and trailer when hitched
- Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) - the total weight of the boat (laden), motor and trailer when unhitched
- Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) - the tare mass of the vehicle combined with its maximum allowable load, or the maximum a vehicle is allowed to weigh while in transit
- Tare - trailer only total weight
- VIN - Vehicle Identification Number (like a car)
- LOA - Length Over All
- WOA - Width Over All
Boat Trailer Suitability
Broken into three simple elements; the boat design, material, and weight are key dictating factors of trailer suitability. Trailers are classified by length and weight therefore, identifying these elements will help narrow down a buyer's options. Ask yourself:
- What is the length? The length is easy to figure out, using a tape measure, measure the boats overall length or contact the boat manufacturer.
- What is the overall weight? The weight needs to account for not just the boat but also the engine, fuel, water, and gear.
- What is the boat design? Is the material aluminium, plate or fiberglass? Is the hull mono or multi?
Aluminium or Steel
One of the most common questions when buying a trailer is regarding the build material. There are several important aspects that sets aluminium apart from steel:
- Rust resistant - resulting in a longer-lasting product, aluminium triples the lifespan of steel
- Malleable - reduces stress on the trailer frame when traversing rugged Australian roads
- Easily Maintained - rust resistant, aluminium trailers require a simple soap sponge and rinse with fresh-water after use
- Lightweight - resulting in easier maneuverability and more economic towing
- Aesthetic - aluminium is naturally more appealing to the eye and maintains its aesthetic for longer
- Durable - due to its malleability, resistance to rust and strength, Move trailers are resilient
Multi-Roller or Skid
Multi-Roller setups are typically built to suit fiberglass or plate-alloy hulls. They commonly have rear cradles, which are designed to catch and correctly position the bow.
Skid trailers are best used for pressed alloy (Plate), or roto-moulded plastic hulls. Skids are carpeted or Teflon timber to reduce hull flex while trailering.
Overall, multi-roller trailers are recognised as being more versatile, easier to operate whilst launching and retrieving, and can be customised with added options to improve vessel support whilst trailered.
Drive-on capability / catch and release
If the size and style of your boat allows for drive-on capabilities, it's worth investing in. The biggest benefit of a catch and release system is achieving a simple solo boat ramp experience. The process is easy:
- Reverse the trailer down the boat ramp
- Drive your boat onto the trailer and the mechanism will "catch" your towing eye
- Disembark the boat and winch her up
Contact your local Move trailer stockist to discuss how you can own a trailer with Catch & Release capabilities.
Single or Tandem Axles
Single-axle trailers are designed to suit smaller boats, typically those up to 20" (6.1 m) with a maximum weight of 1900Kg. They cost less, require less maintenance, are easier to move around manually than tandem axle models and can be towed by a variety of vehicles.
Tandem-axle trailers are built for medium to large boats. They tow better on the road, tend to be safer and can accommodate to a wide range of boats, of which can weigh up to 3500kg with a standard 50mm tow ball coupling.
Professional advice is always recommended when choosing a trailer to ensure it is correctly suited to the paired boat and towing vehicle.
Lights
Choosing a trailer with water-proof marine-grade LED lights, such as Move Trailers, is highly recommended.
Key benefits are:
- Long lasting - for added safety on-road and at the boat ramp
- Waterproof - to allow for seamless and stress-free launch and retrieval, LED lights are fully submergible
- Bright - producing greater light intensity than traditional bulb lights, they make for safer reversing at night
- Durable - resistant to vibrations, shock, and impact, you will have assurance your lights will last
As with all Move trailers, a one-piece wiring loom harness should come standard with your trailer to ensure the safe connection of taillights, turn signals, brake lights and other necessary electrical systems.
Brakes
Laws that govern how many axles have brakes vary by state. Generally, the braking system on your boat trailer is a disc brake system, either a mechanical override (cable operated) or hydraulic (fluid operated) braking system. Australian legal braking requirements for boat trailers are:
- GVM less than 749kg - no brakes required
- GVM 750kg - 1999kg - mechanical or hydraulic override brakes required
- GVM 2000kg and over - breakaway brakes required i.e., hydraulic/electric e.g. AL-KO iQ7
Your local Move trailer specialist will be up to date with all legal requirements as per your state and can advise the best trailer option to suit your needs.
Trailer Wheels and Tyres
Ultimately, the most important thing when choosing a trailer wheel size is load capacity. All Move trailers are built with the correct wheel size as per their rating, which is clearly outlined on the specifications, through the tyre manufacturer or advised by the trailer dealer.
Generally, the most common trailer wheel and tyre sizes are 13" or 14" however, your dealer will advise the best model for your needs. Dealer recommendations should be followed with excessively large tyres resulting in added difficulty when launching and retrieving a boat.
A beneficial optional extra to always consider when buying a trailer is a spare wheel - providing extra safety whilst on the road.
Boat Fit Up
All boats should be specially fitted up to its paired trailer. Boat fit up entails the correct adjustment of trailer rollers and/or skids to correctly fit the boat, making it safe to tow and easy to use. It is also essential to successfully driving on and off the trailer if appropriate.
Always look at a trailer that can handle the environmental conditions it is intended to be used in. Count down from one to ten and you should be on your way to choosing the right trailer for your boat.
Thanks to Move Trailers, thousands of Aussies can rest assured that their boat has a safe journey on the road due to a sturdy build crafted around a sound structure of marine grade aluminium.
The aluminium build also means Move trailers triple the lifespan of steel structures, whilst the chemical properties result in a rust preventative, durable, and lightweight product that makes towing a breeze.
With the number of new boat buyers soaring as more people find thrilling ways to redefine travel, it is as important as ever to ensure safe towing so, the Move Trailer Tips series looks to help new and old boaties feel comfortable with trailering on-road and at the boat ramp.
Designed to meet the needs of all Aussie boaties, living in all Australian terrains, Move is derived to go the distance.
Get on the move by purchasing a top-quality trailer at an affordable price for your new rig, or to upgrade your old wheels, by contacting your local Move Trailer dealer today here.