torsion or leaf?

[Glock Diver]

Those sound like GREAT prices.

I just ordered a new one for my 225 Osprey.  I ordered a little more trailer than I probably need, but I don't want to be right at the trailer's limits.  I'm getting a tandem torsion axle, 7000 GVWR, 14" tires, 6.5" I-beam, front disc brakes, from All American boat trailers in Pompano.  My quote was $3300 OTD (ouch, but I hope it's worth it, not having the worry).

[Circle Hooked]

Mike sounds like a good deal and no worries for awhile is the best part,did they try to talk you into brakes on both axles ? just curious.

[Glock Diver]

Mike sounds like a good deal and no worries for awhile is the best part,did they try to talk you into brakes on both axles ? just curious.

No, I just emailed them the specs I wanted, and included brakes on the front axle.  They never asked about both axles.

Brakes are a pain. On a prior trailer, I had brakes on both axles, and it was twice the pain.  And another trailer shop told me that I'd be fine with just 1 set... Hell, lots of folks pull these trailers with NO brakes!  So yeah, I'm rolling the dice a little, but at least it'll just be one set of brakes to maintain instead of 2.

[Circle Hooked]

I'm all for one set,like you said two sets twice the pain,and one set is all you need,plus your not pulling it with some tiny truck, but i think they changed the laws where if you bought that boat new today and a trailer it would have to have brakes on both axles,any thing over 2500 pounds,that was the reason for my question,when i bought my trailer in 02 only one set was required.

[John Jones]

Florida (and most states) require brakes on ALL wheels if the trailer gross weight exceeds 3000 lbs.

(3)?BRAKES ON ALL WHEELS.—Every vehicle shall be equipped with brakes acting on all wheels except:
(a)?Trailers, semitrailers, or pole trailers of a gross weight not exceeding 3,000 pounds, provided that:

http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/ind ... 6.261.html

I know that Monroe County rigidly enforces this.  Most other parts of the state do not.  It's not a ticket I would worry about.  If one ever was in an accident while towing I can promise you the ambulance chasers know about the statute.

[Circle Hooked]

Good info JJ,they do look for everything in the Keys,i have always hoped since my trailer was made before the law change i was grandfathered in

[John Jones]

As far as I know there is no grandfather clause.  Monroe Co. will bust you for no transom tie down too.

[Glock Diver]

As far as I know there is no grandfather clause.  Monroe Co. will bust you for no transom tie down too.

   Didn't know it was that bad!  
I knew the state law required 4 wheel brakes, but I also notice (at the boat ramps) that many trailers don't comply with this. Every trailer place I talked to was more than happy to configure it with just front brakes.  However, I'm headed to Key Largo 3/27!    

Does Monroe County do random stops on trailers?  Or only if they see a violation?

[MarshMarlowe196]

http://www.boat-ed.com/sc/handbook/trailering.htm

Learned something new here  :)

I'm pretty sure I'm less than / right at 3000lbs.  Wonder how they would know this if I were to be pulled over?  

[Capt. Bob]

Learned something new here  :)

I'm pretty sure I'm less than / right at 3000lbs.  Wonder how they would know this if I were to be pulled over?  

In Fla.

How and why are weight and size restrictions enforced?
   

Law enforcement officers and weight inspectors enforce state and federal laws and rules that regulate the weight, size and registration of vehicles operating on Florida’s highways.  Weight inspectors weigh trucks and check their registrations at 20 weigh stations along major highways.  Motor carrier compliance law enforcement officers also use portable scales to weigh trucks when the trucks do not pass fixed-scale stations or when drivers deliberately avoid weighing at the fixed-scale stations. The primary purpose of the weight enforcement is to protect highway system pavement and structures from excessive damage due to overweight and oversize vehicles.  In Fiscal Year 2007-08, Motor Carrier Compliance law enforcement officers conducted over 21 million vehicle weighings.

I've seen FDOT officers doing this with big rigs but never a boat and trailer (at least not our size boats) but I suppose if one thought you looked suspicious, they may pull you over. Maybe SCDOT has the same deal????

[Circle Hooked]

Mike just make sure all your lights work and the boat is straped down properly,also do the exact speed limit,not over and you should be fine,has worked for me.

[John Jones]

What Scott said.  Have fun!