Using BOAT TRAILER for hauling CARGO?

I don't know about legal (and I'm sure that would depend on the laws of

*your* state). But I see no physical/mechanical reason why it couldn't be done safely, although you will very likely have to weld on some additional square tube framing and support members to ensure that it's strong enough.

- Michael

What is safe depends. Whether it is legal also depends. It is generally legal in this country to modify a vehicle, unlike Germany, for instance, where a vehicle must be absolutely positively stock. In Washington State, after any modification to a trailer, it must be inspected by the State Patrol. Call your State Patrol, or visit their Web site.

Safe? Depends on the axle rating, condition of the trailer bed, tongue. None of which any of us can figure by looking. If that trailer came with the boat it probably isn't designed to carry much more weight than the boat.

GWE

Obvious question: Does the trailer have a weight rating on it? That boat looks pretty light.

A better idea might be to build (or buy) a cargo trailer that can also carry the boat...

What kind of cargo do you want to carry?

BTW why was the boat upside down on the trailer?

That's an understatement. I can easily lift the back of the trailer with the boat on it (with the tongue resting on the ground). And I am not that strong.

A lot of work...

Military surplus stuff, or possibly sheep. If the trailer can carry

600 lbs, I will be happy.

That's the way it was when the boat was sold to me. I had to drive for about a mile to get it home. Now it is in the proper position, however, I will turn it upside down again soon, as that way it does not fill with rain and junk.

i

Thanks. I will try locating SPARTAN TRAILER Co and will ask them.

i

I have a trailer that's rated at 1000 lbs. It has been overloaded twice. Once on purpose with a machine that weighed 1200 lbs, and one by accident by the dimwit who filled it with a ton of topsoil. The ton of soil bent one axle a bit. But, I'm not real strong either and I can lift one end of this trailer easily. Maybe you can contact the manufacturer if there's a nameplate and ask what the capacity is. Cheers, eric

I'd guess your trailer should have a factory rating of between 500 and

1000 pounds of BOAT + GEAR. Rating is determined by the lesser of the frame, the springs, the axle, or the tires. I would also guess that you have some fairly soft springs, load range is shown on the side of the tires, axles are not usually the problem on smaller trailers like this.

Sparton is a an older trailer mfg, a quick shot through google doesn't show any new stuff. They had a mid level reputation, not cheesy, not top of the line either. I have a hunch they have disappeared.

Your frame is fairly well squared off but the rollers are welded > I have this trailer:

That's very encouraging. Thanks!

i

Yep, looks like it.

My own plan was to make a plywood "floor" with holes around rollers. So that rollers would protrude above the floor. I will be fine with the rollers sticking out. I think. I would load it with boxes of stuff, or some machine tools that are not too big.

i

My concern is having the proper amount of tongue weight. From the picture, it appears that the axle is too far forward, allowing too much weight behind the axle. The result is likely that the trailer will handle poorly and have a tendency to fishtail. The more typical balance point for the axle is such that 10% of the load capacity is the tongue load limit.

I had a friend with the opposite problem - too much tongue weight from a boat trailer designed to carry a large boat with a heavy outboard motor. The trailer balanced well when the weight was hanging beyond the end of the trailer from the stern of the boat. When he tried to use it as a household goods moving trailer, the back end of his pickup sank very low and headlights toward the sky. The axle was way too far back.

(Insert diety of your choice) knows Ive been through the gamet of various ways to move Stuff, and none of them have been particularly satisfactory until I managed to scrounge actual trailers designed to move Stuff. I actually had a boat trailer modified to move Stuff..and it really really sucked. Shrug..YMMV of course.

But given your predilection for mil-surplus stuff..I think if I were you..Id pick up at least a 5x8 single or double axle flat bed trailer. You really dont Need trailer brakes at that size, though its far and away better once you start moving 1500lbs or more.

Im trying to decide if I want to add electric or surge brakes to mine, or upgrade to a bigger trailer, though my tow vehicle is about at the max now..so would need something bigger to pull more Stuff. Ive got a

3/4 Chevy van parked in the back yard with a bad tranny, thats not been on the road for at least 8 yrs, that might get repaired and put on the road just for moving Stuff..but the upkeep and fuel costs here in California are steep enough that Id have to think really hard about doing this.

Gunner

"Considering the events of recent years, the world has a long way to go to regain its credibility and reputation with the US." unknown

Usually a lot better to modify a "stuff" trailer to move a small boat than modifying a small boat trailer to carry "stuff" A set of "car-top carriers" mounted to the trailer works pretty good.(and you can carry "stuff" underneath it.

Thanks. Unfortunately, I do have "parking issues". Appreciate the suggestions, though. I can use the boat for hauling cargo, though.

i