Buying a boat trailer isn’t just about picking the shiniest one—it’s about finding the perfect fit for your vessel and lifestyle. At South Florida Trailers, we’ve been building trailers in Miami for years, and we know the ins and outs. Follow these five steps to choose wisely and haul with ease.
1. Know Your Boat’s Specs
Start with the numbers. Measure your boat’s length (bow to stern), width (beam), and weight—dry weight plus fuel, gear, and extras. A 17’ skiff might weigh 1,500 lbs dry but hit 2,000 lbs loaded. Use a marina scale or manufacturer specs. Our trailers cover 15’ single-axle models to 25’+ tandem-axle beasts—match your stats to our lineup. Guesswork leads to overloads or undersized rigs.
2. Match Capacity to Load
Capacity isn’t a suggestion—it’s a limit. Your trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) must exceed your boat’s total weight. Our 19’ single-axle trailer has a 3,500 lbs GVWR, ideal for boats up to 3,050 lbs. Tandem models push past 6,000 lbs GVWR for bigger craft. Add a 10-20% buffer—overcapacity beats breakdowns. Check the tongue weight too (5-10% of total); too light, and you’ll sway; too heavy, and you’ll strain your hitch.
3. Consider Axle Type
Axles dictate stability. Single torsion axles—quiet, low-maintenance—suit lighter boats (up to 3,500 lbs GVWR). Tandem axles spread the load, perfect for 20’+ vessels or rough roads; they track straighter and brake better. Our torsion setups outshine leaf springs for ride quality, and we spec them to your boat’s weight. Test tow both if you can—feel matters as much as math.
4. Think About Features
Features seal the deal. Guide poles ease ramp alignment—ours are standard and clutch in tight spots. Submersible LED lights handle saltwater dunks; stainless steel hardware and galvanized wheels fight rust. Want bunks or rollers? Bunks cradle hulls; rollers adjust easier. Our 72” frames fit most beams, but we customize—call us at (305) 384-5029 to tweak. Pick what fits your boating style, from weekend jaunts to Keys marathons.
5. Test the Fit
Paper specs don’t tell all—fit does. Bring your boat to our Miami shop or send us photos and measurements. We’ll eyeball the setup: bunk height, winch post reach, load balance. Tow a short loop—our trailers feel solid, but your truck’s the judge. Too bouncy? Adjust straps or weight. Too sluggish? Check tire PSI. A perfect match feels right, not forced. We’ll tweak until it clicks.
Choosing smart means stress-free towing. With South Florida Trailers, you’re not just buying—you’re partnering with experts. Ready to find your fit? Reach out today!
