I bought the 218SLX with 115hp and single axle trailer. The weight of boat slightly exceeds the capacity but I didn't learn that until after I took delivery. The dealer assured me that the package was sold many times with no problem. The trailer manufacturer was non committal but not concerned. I can add an axle and am trying to decide if the work is worth it. Any suggestions?
Trailer Question
- Thread starter lbeacham
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Don't think I would have a trailer that the boat exceeds the capacity. Not sure if the insurance company would cover it if there was an accident [Lakeliving?]
No matter what the dealer says I would insist on the proper trailer
BTW, you posted this 3 times, I deleted the other two threads
No matter what the dealer says I would insist on the proper trailer
BTW, you posted this 3 times, I deleted the other two threads
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Remediation
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have you weighed the boat with all your stuff on board? You might be way over capacity. So your dealer sells under sized trailers as a habit.
goldnrod24
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This^^^
mattb
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Definitely get this corrected, liability is now yours. You know the insurance co. would tell you to hit the road if something happened and they caught this fact. My dealer sold me a trailer that was longer than my boat and they swapped it out when i requested the correct trailer. If you get grief, get him to sign over liability. Bet he changes his toon. ;-)
Yes, I added fuel but we don't add much more weight with personal items. I used manufacture weight numbers. I think we're about 200 pounds max over the trailer spec. My fault that I didn't get the duel axle. I added other options but the salesman assured me the trailer was fine. I've pretty much decided to add an axle for more safety. I've pulled various boats for years and always had duel trailers but always bigger heavier boats. Pulling this home, I knew I made a mistake. Singles feel different.
goldnrod24
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Not your fault. The dealer should pony up for the axle addition.
Insist on it. BM would be unhappy to hear of this practice.
SEMPERFI8387
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Until the "first" accident. Without proof, they will deny knowledge. Get it fixed, you don't want to be left holding the bag in an accident, nor the guilt if someone is injured or killed. In today's litigious society, you don't want to chance it.
lakeliving
Well-Known Member
Disclaimer- all policies are different and you should read yours before taking the words of some guy on the internet.
I don't see where this would be excluded under your boat or auto owners policies. I am not aware of any exclusions that would pertain to a capacity issue.(I'll have to read my boat policy again) God forbid your boat trailer axle snapped on the highway causing injury/death and property damage your insurance would step for damages you legally become liable for. Then, the insurance company would/could subrogate against the dealer for their role in knowingly selling you this combo.
If you use the trailer to tow back and forth to the ramp a couple miles on slow streets, you might be ok. Long hauls at highway speeds......no way. I would fight with the dealer. They need to stop this behavior and make sure their customers are not only a liability to others, but also sold a setup that will not put the family in harms way.
I don't see where this would be excluded under your boat or auto owners policies. I am not aware of any exclusions that would pertain to a capacity issue.(I'll have to read my boat policy again) God forbid your boat trailer axle snapped on the highway causing injury/death and property damage your insurance would step for damages you legally become liable for. Then, the insurance company would/could subrogate against the dealer for their role in knowingly selling you this combo.
If you use the trailer to tow back and forth to the ramp a couple miles on slow streets, you might be ok. Long hauls at highway speeds......no way. I would fight with the dealer. They need to stop this behavior and make sure their customers are not only a liability to others, but also sold a setup that will not put the family in harms way.
goldnrod24
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I do wish to point out, however, something we just learned. Everyone needs to know what their liability maximums are (cars, boats, houses, motorcycles, etc.). We were carrying WAAAY too little coverage limits compared to the assets we have that someone could come after if we were sued. That could happen if your overloaded trailer causes an accident, even in a "no fault" state.
We solved our liability exposure issue by upping the maximum coverage and obtaining an umbrella liability policy. We have too much to lose.
While this is all well and good, it doesn't excuse your dealer from selling you an under-rated trailer.
Do not settle for this.....
sunnyside360
Well-Known Member
I had same identical problem with first boat/motor/trailer ever purchased. Ended up selling trailer w/o much loss and buying a dual axle trailer, In my case, this was a better solution safety wise and cost wise than adding another axle, not to mention peace of mind.
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guardrail22
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no brainer.
dealer replaces trailer with one capable of carrying the weight.
dealer replaces trailer with one capable of carrying the weight.
adkboater
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I'm with the other guys, you bought in good faith that you were getting the correct equipment for the application. If a single axle trailer cannot legally haul it down the road and he put any sort of inspection sticker(depends on the state) on it that's BS! Go back at them and have them make it right even if they make you pay an upcharge for heavier trailer. The whole situation is just fine until something happens and at that point it's you're responsiblity and headache!!
PS- I tow multiple trailers all week long, no way I'd run down any PA highway with that much money on board on an overweight single axle. Disaster waiting to happen! Just my 2 cents.
PS- I tow multiple trailers all week long, no way I'd run down any PA highway with that much money on board on an overweight single axle. Disaster waiting to happen! Just my 2 cents.
azray007
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I agree with everyone as well. I strongly suggest you add the other axle. If you're towing back and forth to the water a short distance you take some risks, but if you ever decided to take a trip with your new vessel, the boat is a great place to pack in extra items. If you did that you would be way over your weight limit, and at that point it would be a big safety concern. I understand your dealer working with you on the single axle trailer to save on cost; however, I don't believe that is an area you can cut corners on. After all, you definitely don't want anything bad to happen to that sweet Benni!
Good luck!
Good luck!
Extra axle components on the way. Can't blame the dealer too much, although as a long time salesman (retired), my salesman didn't listen. I learned entry-level Pontoons are super price competitive and as I upgraded at every choice for the 21ft model, the salesman never picked up on the fact that pricing wasn't the issue. Value and the correct boat for my needs was. Twice I asked about the trailer and was lulled into confidence that I was getting the correct one. Life (at 62) is too short to compromise on safety and piece of mind.
goldnrod24
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Good to hear that you have a solution pending. Your good-natured attitude about this whole affair is to be commended.
Still, I think you went too easy on your dealer that sold you something that is patently unsafe. And shame on the salesman who knew what he was doing and shrugged it off.
Hopefully, future buyers will read of this situation here and learn from your experience.
Still, I think you went too easy on your dealer that sold you something that is patently unsafe. And shame on the salesman who knew what he was doing and shrugged it off.
Hopefully, future buyers will read of this situation here and learn from your experience.
tcpip95
Well-Known Member
I would recommend the following (it'll cost you $10):
1. Go on the Internet to find your nearest truck stop that has the CAT weight scales: https://catscale.com
2. Fill both your truck and boat up with max fuel.
3. Go to CAT scales and get your total weight. They will tell you the weight of your boat with trailer as well as the weight of your truck separately.
4. NOW you can make an informed decision regarding whether or not you need a second axle. While you're at it, does your trailer have/need brakes?
My 24 SSL w/Yamaha F150, dual fuel tanks (51 gallons), 10 gallon freshwater tank, 2 full ice chests, etc. weighs 5,240 lbs with trailer. My truck weighs 7,860 lbs w/full tank of diesel for 13,000 GVW. Because of these weights, I have dual axle with brakes on each wheel.
1. Go on the Internet to find your nearest truck stop that has the CAT weight scales: https://catscale.com
2. Fill both your truck and boat up with max fuel.
3. Go to CAT scales and get your total weight. They will tell you the weight of your boat with trailer as well as the weight of your truck separately.
4. NOW you can make an informed decision regarding whether or not you need a second axle. While you're at it, does your trailer have/need brakes?
My 24 SSL w/Yamaha F150, dual fuel tanks (51 gallons), 10 gallon freshwater tank, 2 full ice chests, etc. weighs 5,240 lbs with trailer. My truck weighs 7,860 lbs w/full tank of diesel for 13,000 GVW. Because of these weights, I have dual axle with brakes on each wheel.