Towing a boat - Questions and concerns:

[TeriAnn]

Here's a question: Are there any known quality differences between the various replacement axles available? I'm thinking in particular of our host's Proline axles vs. Genuine.

Any opinions are appreciated.

It hasn't been announced yet but ROAM offroad AKA Timm Cooper is working on new stronger axles for Series trucks. You might want to check with Brian about how close they are to offering these as products. I understand that stronger than genuine 10 spline axles will be an option.

[disco2hse]

fwiw:

I can't tell from your photo, but it doesn't look like you have over run or electric brakes on the trailer, in which case you are about 1500kg over your recommended limit. Otherwise, if the trailer does have brakes, then you on the limit but still OK.

[TedW]

I can't tell from your photo, but it doesn't look like you have over run or electric brakes on the trailer, in which case you are about 1500kg over your recommended limit. Otherwise, if the trailer does have brakes, then you on the limit but still OK.

The trailer has 4 wheels, and hydraulic brakes that work when you slow the truck down and the weight of the trailer shifts forward and pushes a piston ( master cylinder, I suppose) attached to the hitch. I don't know what the system is called.

[yorker]

Surge brakes, called overrun brakes too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overrun_brake

[TedW]

Surge brakes, called overrun brakes too.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overrun_brake

Thanks, Yorker! So weightwise it sounds like I might be at the margins of where I should be - luckily, my trip to the boatyard is on a freshly paved secondary road with wide shoulders and very little traffic. Just gotta watch that one downhill just before I brake for the boatyard........

[yorker]

Yeah I wouldn't want to do this on a daily basis or for 100's of miles at a time but as long as you use your head you'll be ok. Just be aware you are operating on the fringe.

[disco2hse]

"...but it doesn't look like you have over run or electric brakes on the trailer,..."

"The trailer has 4 wheels, and hydraulic brakes that work when you slow the truck down and the weight of the trailer shifts forward and pushes a piston ( master cylinder, I suppose) attached to the hitch."

That'd be the over run brakes I was referring to

You should have no problem with dragging your boat around, provided you keep to a reasonable or modest speed. The thing I would certainly do however, stick about 100-150kg of sand bags in the rear, just in front of the rear axle, for ballast.

[TedW]

Thanks, Alan! I have just the sand bags at the ready, and will load them up before I make my (sloooooww) trip to the boatyard.

Ted