Need Help Calculating Weight for new Trailer

B

babydrilll

New member
Hello All,

Does anyone know the approximate weight of a 1976 V20 with saddle tanks and Johnson 140 outboard? I am looking to buy a new trailer and wondering if I can get away with a single axle trailer (no brakes).

In VA I believe the cutoff weight for a trailer needing brakes is 3000 lbs.

Thanks in advance,

Carl
 
A single 3500 lb axle should be fine... As for brakes... Just GET them... The cost is low and you may save someone's life.

Btw both of my sisters were born in Newport News. I was 4 when we moved away tho so don't remember.
 
"get away with" is not the smart thing on a trailer. not trying to be a smart a**, but if your planing on keeping the boat and using the boat, i'd go tandem. lot of guys have singles, but tandem much more forgiving.

but , that was not the original question. should be able to go into catalogue section, find a 77 or similar model and add fuel, gear and trailer weight to get a close guess
 
The boat 1920lbs, the engine about 350lbs, throw in a couple of batteries 100lbs, fuel 320lbs.
You are up to 2690lbs and ain't got the boat loaded with ice, drinks, fishing crap, safety equipment, etc.
A 3500lb single axle has done fine for these boats (and what I have) but it is very close to the max. I have every intention to convert mine to a dual axle one day.
 
tsubaki is right on with his weight stats... I have an 85 V20 with a dual axle trailer and have had a few boats in my time.. I would not want to pull a boat 20' or over with anything but a dual axle trailer..
 
spend money on a second axle before wasting it on brakes. That second axle will still be there, you'll be lucky if the brakes work more than one season
 
I just switched from tandem to single. I only use it to launch in spring and recover in fall. Its flat land and the ramp is 10 miles away.

If you are staying local, close to a ramp, you'll be fine.
If your plan on taking the highway to Smith Mountain Lake, get a tandem with brakes.

Weight wise, you're fine with a #3500 class
 
In Va if you have two axles it has to have brakes and they will give out tickets at the ramp when you fishing they look for inspection stickers on dual axles trailers in va beach its easy money!
 
Another reason I'm glad I don't live in Va.

NJ requires brakes on trailers over a certain weight class, but there are no inspections or stickers thank God.
 
we've got all kind of laws about trailer down here, but near the coast, no one pays them any mind, including law enforcement. I can't say about how it gets further inland, but near the coast, they know trailer brakes are dangerous( I've had them lock up while towing at speed) and shouldn't be used to make up for towing with too small of a vehicle. Most of the trailer shops down here won't even put brakes back on your trailer, even if you want them too. If they do, they make sure you understand you have no warranty on their operation and they are not liable for any damage the brakes may cause.
 
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