Are you gearing up for a weekend on the water but worried about whether your boat trailer is overloaded? At Caravan Weight Check, our specialised boat trailer weighing service ensures your setup is safe, legal, and ready for the road. With rising fines for overloading in Western Australia—up to $10,000 in some cases—getting an accurate boat and trailer weight check isn’t just smart; it’s essential for protecting your investment, your vehicle, and everyone on the highway.
Unlike general caravan or motorhome assessments, our boat trailer weight verification focuses on the unique challenges of marine towing: from hull positioning and outboard motor loads to fuel tanks and launch gear. We weigh everything up to 6 tonnes, providing precise measurements that go beyond basic compliance. Book your mobile boat weighing service today for just $150 flat fee, and hit the ramps with confidence.
Why Accurate Boat Trailer Weighing Matters for Australian Boaters
Towing a boat isn’t like hauling a caravan—watercraft add dynamic variables like saltwater corrosion risks, uneven bunk loading, and the extra heft of anchors, life jackets, and fishing rods. Over 90% of towing incidents in Australia stem from improper weight distribution, according to NHVR data, and boat trailers are no exception. Exceeding your trailer’s Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) can lead to:
- Reduced Braking and Stability: An overloaded trailer increases stopping distances by up to 40%, especially on wet coastal roads.
- Vehicle Strain: Your tow vehicle’s Gross Combined Mass (GCM) could be breached, risking transmission damage or voided warranties.
- Legal Penalties: Random weigh stations from Perth to Albany are cracking down, with demerit points and impoundment for non-compliance.
Our trailer weight check experts use state-of-the-art wireless scales to measure individual axles, tongue weight (aim for 8-12% of ATM for optimal balance), and total payload. This isn’t a quick glance—it’s a full audit tailored to boat trailers, helping you avoid common pitfalls like rear-heavy loads from stern-mounted motors.
Boat Trailer vs. Standard Trailer Weighing: Key Differences
Boat trailers demand specialised attention due to their design for ramps and water entry. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Aspect | Boat Trailer Specifics | Standard Trailer (e.g., Cargo) Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Load Distribution | Hull bunks must align with boat’s center of gravity; fuel tanks at stern add rear bias. | Even cargo spread; less sensitivity to tilt. |
| Tongue Weight | 10% of ATM ideal (e.g., 200-300kg for 2.5T trailer) to prevent sway on highways. | Broader range; less impact from water exposure. |
| Braking Requirements | Mandatory electric brakes over 750kg ATM per ADR rules; we verify functionality. | Similar, but no marine rust considerations. |
| Max Capacity | Up to 6T for multi-axle setups; includes gear like oars and coolers. | Often lighter; fewer accessories. |
By focusing on these marine-specific factors, our service keeps your adventures accident-free.
Our Comprehensive Boat and Trailer Weighing Process
We bring the scales to you—whether you’re in Bunbury, Mandurah, or the Swan Valley—for a hassle-free on-site boat trailer weighing that takes just 30-45 minutes. Load your rig as you would for launch day: full fuel (1L = 1kg), water ballast, batteries, and all your boating essentials. Here’s what we cover:
- Individual Axle and Wheel Weighing: Checks front/rear balance to flag issues like bow-heavy hulls causing front-end lift.
- Tow Ball Download Measurement: Ensures 8-12% of ATM for steering control—critical for high-speed freeway tows.
- Gross Weights Verification: ATM, GTM (Gross Trailer Mass), and GCM against your compliance plate.
- Boat-Specific Adjustments: Assesses outboard tilt, trailer rollers, and keel support for ramp safety.
- Real-Time Tweaks: We’ll reposition gear on the spot (e.g., move anchors forward) and re-weigh for instant feedback.
No guesswork – our tech captures data to the kilogram, accounting for everything from epoxy hull coatings to bimini tops. Tailored Recommendations for Safer Boat Towing: Post weigh, you’ll receive a detailed PDF report with photos, charts, and actionable advice. For example:
- If Overloaded: Relocate batteries to mid-trailer or upgrade to a tri-axle for better spread.
- Balance Fixes: Adjust winch height to level the trailer (aim for 400-450mm hitch height).
- Upgrade Tips: Consider alloy wheels for corrosion resistance or electric-over-hydraulic brakes for heavier rigs.
We’ve helped South West WA boaters like a Dunsborough angler who shaved 150 kg off his stern load, eliminating highway sway, or a Rockingham family who optimised their 4.5T yacht trailer for family outings. These tweaks not only boost safety but can improve fuel efficiency by 10-15%.
Pro Tip: Pre-Launch Checklist for Boat Trailers
- Verify spare tyre pressure (35-45 PSI) and jockey wheel rating match your boat’s dry weight.
- Secure tie-downs at the bow, stern, and transom—loose lines amplify sway.
- Test lights and brakes: Over 750 kg ATM requires ADR-compliant systems.
- Re-weigh seasonally: Saltwater exposure and gear additions sneak up on you.
Ready to Weigh Anchor? Book Your Boat Trailer Check Today
Don’t let an overloaded trailer sink your plans. Our Western Australia boat weighing service is mobile, affordable ($150 flat fee), and backed by years of towing expertise. Serving the South West from Perth to Busselton and surrounds, we’re here to make your next fishing trip or family cruise worry-free. Book Now – Slots fill fast this boating season! Compliant with NHVR and ADR standards. All weights verified on calibrated equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Boat Trailer Weighing
Q: How often should I get a boat trailer weight check?
A: Annually, or after mods like adding a hardtop or larger outboard. Pre-season is ideal.
Q: What’s the max boat trailer weight you handle?
A: Up to 6 tonnes—perfect for tinnies to cabin cruisers.
Q: Do you weigh the tow vehicle too?
A: Yes, add $50 for a full combo check to ensure GCM compliance.
Q: Are there fines for boat trailer overloading in WA?
A: Yes—up to $10,000 plus demerits. Our report protects against that.
For more on safe boating, explore our towing guides. Questions? Contact us at info@caravanweightcheck.com.au (mailto:info@caravanweightcheck.com.au).
