Boat trailer question
 

I recently bought a 1989 Formula F-272 SR1 with twin BBC's. From doing research, I am assuming the boat weighs 7,000lbs. dry. The trailer that came with it is a Fastload but all the information is has faded away. It is a tandem axle 5 bolt pattern. My question is: Is it illegal for a boat dealer to sell you a trailer with a boat that doesn't meet the weight of the boat when all fluids are considered, such as 15 quarts of oil, 120 gallons of gas, etc,..I am guessing yes and yes I have tried to call Fastload trailers but all I get is a voicemail for a cell phone? I have called many times and left message. Any help is greatly appreciated. I am concerned because the axles are flexing quite a bit. I am seeing that most 5 bolt patterns are 3500lb. axles, but thanks again.

first thing i would do is take your boat and trailer and have it weighed. Im not an expert on older formulas but i would think that your boat would come in at 6000 or a little less dry and im just going off what other boats in that era weighed. but even at 6000lbs, add 800lbs for fuel(no reason to tow full of fuel ever) and another 30lbs for oil..plus anchor ect...your pry right at the 7000.

Yes, I need to get it down there and see but I was just trying to think of the legal issues if I was to get in an accident. I have a 1999 F150 with the 5.4 and the dealer assured me my truck was more than sufficient to pull the combo. Turns out my truck is rated to 6500lbs. Granted, that is my fault for not checking but the deal I got on the boat was compared to a kid in a candy store feeling. So, I jumped and a transmission and rearend later I smacked the pavement. Fool me once right,...but live and learn. Thanks for the input.

Yes 5 lug axles are all pretty much 3500lbs. That boat is very stern heavy so I would recommend a 3 axle trailer rated for 10,000 lbs. the boat weighs almost 7 full of gear plus the trailer weight and you'll have plenty of safety factor left. I'm a fan of more trailer than you need.

The twin Small Block version of that boat is 5750# dry. I would figure adding 500# to that for Big Blocks and Bravos. That puts you at about 6250# dry. Add 750# to that to fuel it and gear it and you have 7000# sitting on the trailer. Look at the net weight rating of your trailer...but unfortunately with 3500# axles you are over loaded.

My 255 weighs in very close to a 272. I have twin 6 lug axles rated at 5000# with a gross trailer rating of 10,200# I weighed mine just as I pull it and I am at 7800# gross so I have a 25% margin. Do not scrimp on the trailer...every time you tow you will be "sucking up the seat covers" and one day you will be lucky if all you loose is your boat.

The 10000# rating is easily achieved with 2: 5000# or 3: 3500# axles. I won'y go into the debate over which is better....been enough written justifying both sides of that debate.

I think you need a better trailer....oh and don't forget brakes!!!

You need a different trailer and truck.

Thanks for all the answers. I appreciate it.
So my only two other questions: 1) Was I illegally sold a trailer with my boat and 2) is it possible for me to just swap the axles for twin 8 lugs? Thanks fellas!:ernaehrung004:

Honestly...I think you're pouring good money after bad. Sell your trailer and buy a heavier trailer that was built for what you need from the ground up. Used trailers are bought and sold every day. There is a buyer for yours and someone selling what you need...you just have to get together with the right people.

as far as "upgrading" your trailer:

I was in the same situation. "Dry," my boat and trailer were "within specs." But add fuel, gear, etc, and it's overloaded.

I looked into swapping axles. To do it right, you are looking at axles, shackles, springs, hubs, wheels, brakes... it adds up fast.

When my parts list exceeded half the cost of a new trailer, I made the jump.

It can be done, but I didn't want to invest that much time and labor.

I'll just add: Loadmaster out of Sandusky, Ohio, did me right!

Price, product, and customer service are outstanding.

Too many good deals on used trailers out there to waste your money modifying that one, or your time being upset at the dealer that sold it to you. Just sell old and buy a nice used trailer that fits.

My trailer, was sold to the guy I bought the boat from with NO title from a VERY reputable dealership. Ultimately I had to track down the original owner of the boat, and get him to get a duplicate title from the state he had originally registered it in. Luckily the guy was really nice and spent his time and money tracking down duplicate title, signing it over, and sending it to me.

Location
 

Where are located so that all here can direct you to a trailer dealer or a used trailer?

I am in Illinois. I guess I am going to look in the 10K range. I want to have excess ability and not be limited. Thanks for all the great insight guys especially to a new member, I wasn't expecting that.

Keep in mind that 10-15% of the gross vehicle weight should be on the tongue, so 3500 axles do not mean you are limited to 7000 lbs. However, what does the title say as far as th GVWR? That would be your legal issue. Some companie will rate the trailer by the axles, some by the axles plus 20% on the tongue.

Changing axles is no big deal, we do it all the time. If the trailer is in good shape, no reason not to put 2 5000 lbs, 6 lug axles on it.

^^

It is an aluminum trailer that is in great shape, if I could post a pic I would, need more posts I guess?..but I am not afraid of mechanical as I work on projects all the time. I guess it just depends what happens first. I will definitley have something decided by boating season though, I MISS BOATING! I have a bunk right now but those rollers sure are nice. First, I am looking at a new one though as my drives hang way too far off I think. I like that extended frame I've seen. The back of my boat sits right at the edge of the bunks...is that right? Sorry I have dumb questions but I just bought it in April and I'm new to the ownership side of a boating.

Ok, I feel like I stepped into a time machine.... Back in 1987 I bought a used (1985 formula 272 T-small blocks). And I bought a new full size 1988 blazer 5.7 FI. I kept for about 10 years and towed back/forth Fla (1100 miles) most every winter. The trailer had 2 5 lug axles. t We were way loaded on trips (fishing/diving/furniture/etc.u name it). The axles have 3 reasons to upgrade. 1 the axle/spindle is bending 2. the bearings are wearing prematurly 3. The tires are giving up. You cant fix 1 & 2 without new axle, but you can beef up tires (which is what we did). You probably got 3500 axles (they do make 4000 w/5lug) so 7000 lb boat and 1500 lb trailer = 8500 lb with about 1000 on tounge. U are a bit over but not much. If your axles aint bent and bearings are nt overheated, get some good tires and get all axles adjusted to proper setting, keep everything maintained and u can go a long time. I only state what I know from experience and do not suggest that you dont listen to others. My experience was 20 yr ago! BTW I still tow to and from Fla with big boat 20,000lbs and we are always on the edge with the junk we be hauling, but I been hauling this boat 15 + years and it can be done. You just gotta be cautious, careful, and have some luck.

I would go with a newer trailer before I do anymore white-knuckle driving..it's just not worth risking an accident. I'm not doubting my driving skills, it's the idiots on the road we have to look out for.

X2- That last point is the real reason. I can't tell you the number of times some a-hole passes me then pulls in font of me, slams on the brakes to make an exit on the highway....

People are idiots the way they drive and we pay for it.


Wannabe

where in illinois are you ,a buddy of mine just bought a 25 foot boat that has a crappy trailer,he wants to update to something better,if you decide to buy a different trailer,im sure he would be interested in yours.he is in the wilmington,illinois area.

If your staying with that trailer, and gonna stick with a tandem axle setup, I recommend 8 lug axles. The cost difference is not really even worth mentioning. The 272 is a heavy 27ft boat, more like todays 30ft'ers.

If your going new, get a price from these guys....

http://www.pcbtrailers.com/

If your current aluminum trailer is 6" "I" beam or more and in great shape it should be good for simply upgrading the axles if you are mechanically inclined to the work. With the axles and springs done you can roll without having broken trailer parts stories and blown out tires all the time. I would over kill at 8 lug. The towing stability would be great and very capable of handling all the traffic issues and situations that you might encounter.

If you don't have a 6" I-beam then I would start over by selling this one and moving up. If you move up you might consider a "drive guard" on the trailer for the same traffic reasons. If the idiot can't cut you off for the exit he might run into the drives on the back of the boat and your fun is over for a while till your fixed up again.


BTW welcome to the Formula family. I'm confident you will love a smooth ride on the water with that 272.

A little more truck would not hurt either but I forget about the truck when I'm on the water. :lolhit:

I just upgraded the axles. I put two 5000lb. aaxles under it. Wish I could post pics because it looks pretty sweet!

Better off trying to work with the dealer to switch it out if they will, or just move on. Second off you have to look at what you have to gain by brining leagal terms into the mix. I have a 91 when I say this, but you have a 89, the money thats involved isnt worth doing anything legal, you could go to small claims, but thats good up to 5 grand.

second off you bought used most states and law will dictate a buyer beware or as is status. lastly you would have to prove the dealer willingly neglected his duties and sold you the trailer.

My boat weighs 7 grand dry and I have a tandem 8 lug axles they are rated for over 10 grand. You could go triple, but I think its over kill.

Figured I would give you guys an update even though it was last fall. The dealer sold me a trailer with no title. I finally got the State Police involved and all they could do was issue him a citation which was $150..so no wonder he gave me the runaround. The ticket was less than filing for a new title but I called Fastload trailers and they sent me a new title/registration and they were great people to work with. I have heard horror stories from others but I will tell you my satisfaction was top priority and they helped tremendously. My trailer is now legal and I upgraded the axles to 6x135, and now I have 10000lb. axles and that's plenty..especially if I lighten the load with a couple LS engines. Still researching that though. Sorry for not posting sooner, but the boat was on the back burner for a while with a one year old haha. Thanks again for the replies fellas. Im going to try and get on the site more.