Single Axle Trailer Question - Parker 1801

[tmwtrfwler]

First post to the forum as I just purchased my first boat. It's a 2011 1801 Parker and it came with a single axle trailer with brakes.

The trailer needs some work as the calipers are metal on metal, the lug nuts are throwing the threads, etc.

My question is does this trailer need brakes? The boat should come in at just about 2800 lbs. with gas and the motor. I don't recall seeing a single axle with brakes before but then again I'm new to boats....

Tried searching but new to the forum and didn't find anything. Thanks in advance.

 

[TWOBOATER]

The brake requirement varies by state. I know in MA you need brakes over #10000. Your profile doesn't say where you're from... Call local boat or RV dealer. they should be able to tell you.

 

[1801Steve]

First post to the forum as I just purchased my first boat. It's a 2011 1801 Parker and it came with a single axle trailer with brakes.

The trailer needs some work as the calipers are metal on metal, the lug nuts are throwing the threads, etc.

My question is does this trailer need brakes? The boat should come in at just about 2800 lbs. with gas and the motor. I don't recall seeing a single axle with brakes before but then again I'm new to boats....

Tried searching but new to the forum and didn't find anything. Thanks in advance.

Probably not. My 1801 rides on a trailer with no brakes and it has not been problem.

 

[nicknotsebastian]

yea. its a state law thing...varies widely by state. check dmv online or aaa etc

 

[tmwtrfwler]

VA law says anything over 3k lbs.....the trailer has a GVW of 3400 so with all the numbers being close I guess that's why they added the brakes.

I am getting them fixed but thought it was curious that a single axle had them.....but I'm new to boat. my hallmark decoy trailer doesn't come close to this weight so I never thought of it.

 

[Megabyte]

I used to pull a 17 Dusky with my Cherokee.
Single axle trailer, no brakes, which was just barely under the MD limit of 3000#'s.

I had occasion to be headed to the CBBT to fish and came upon a quick red light on Rt13 and that boat pushed me half way through that light before I could get her stopped. :shock:
My only saving grace was that the folks who had just gotten the green saw me and held up or I would have been toast.

Legally, the trailer did not need brakes, but practically it certainly did.
Honestly, you are fortunate to have a trailer with brakes.

 

[tmwtrfwler]

after learning more I agree. Glad to have them. Small price to pay for some security.

Been a while since I've been through Lewes. Went to Washington College in Chestertown and used to go through there to hang out on the Delaware Shore. My father was at Dover for a long time in the reserves. Good area.

 

[MadGar]

First, and I'm not trying to hijack your thread but, do you still have that dusky megabyte? That's sweet.

I have a 19' kencraft challenger which is probably heavier than the 1801 and I don't have brakes. I drove the boat back from Delaware like that which was a 3 hour drive, without problems. However, I wouldn't make that trip again without a nicer trailer. I only tow it about 2mile one way to ramp, low traffic, no lights, and I'm cautious anyway but you can't go wrong with having them.

Now the bad part, brakes on trailer that enter saltwater are bound to fail unless you really keep up on them. I try on the trailer I use for my 2320 but they just failed and my previous trailer for another boat was brand new and the brakes seized after 3 seasons and I work hard trying to keep the salt off but never have much luck.

 

[Megabyte]

First, and I'm not trying to hijack your thread but, do you still have that dusky megabyte? That's sweet.

Sold her in 2003 when I bought my current Parker.