FAQ

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Tennessee Trailers manufactures marine trailers such as pontoon boat, bass boat, duck boat and run about boat trailers as well as sport trailers such as kayak and adventure trailers. 

One of the most important aspect in selecting the trailer you need is weight capacity. The proper trailer for your boat will carry the fully loaded weight of your boat plus approximately 10% overage for safety purposes.

To determine the weight of your boat add: the published dry weight (plus engine or engines if outboard powered), gas (gallons x 6.5 lbs) and water (gallons x 8.4lbs.), trolling motor, batteries, and loose gear. Plan ahead and add for other gear if applicable! Add the 10 percent safety margin. This is the capacity you need. 

For example: 2200lb. Hull + 400lb. Outboard + 200lb. Fuel + 100lb. Batteries + 200lb. Loose gear = 3100 pounds.

The 3100-pound capacity trailer will carry the example load but will be at maximum capacity all the time. Adding a safety margin means that this load is more appropriate on either our 3500-pound capacity single axle or our 3900-pound capacity tandem axle model.

Most states require, and we recommend, brakes to be fitted on trailers with a gross weight over 3,000 pounds. Trailer brakes can be mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic. We use hydraulic disc "surge brakes" ,the most popular technology. The entire system is contained in the trailer itself so that any number of different vehicles can tow it. 

The State of Tennessee does not require boat trailers to be registered or licensed; however, other states may require boat trailer owners to do so. 

Yes. Tennessee Trailers stands behind the craftsmanship of our products and the components used when building our trailers.  Please see our Warranty Page for details.

To get a duplicate MSO or net weight letter please click the link below.

We have limited information on trailers manufactured prior to 1992. 

You must have a VIN number to get a duplicate MSO or Net Weight letter

Your VIN# is 17 digits long and begins with 1TP. It can typically be found on a label near the front of the trailer. If the label is missing or unreadable, there may be smaller labels located under a rear step or under the lip of C channel trailers, near the nose jack of the trailer. 

If you cannot locate a VIN#, each state has contingency processes for helping you get the information you need. Each state is different, and you should contact your state for specifics.

Your VIN# is 17 digits long and begins with 1TP. It can typically be found on a label near the front of the trailer. If the label is missing or unreadable, there may be smaller labels located under a rear step or under the lip of C channel trailers, near the nose jack of the trailer.

GVWR means Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This is the absolute maximum amount of weight that the trailer can bear when it is fully loaded. This includes all cargo, and fluids, plus the original weight of the trailer.

Dry weight is important when calculating the carrying capacity needed for your trailer. Dry weight typically refers to the weight of the factory supplied minimum sail-away package, less fluids (fuel and water). It usually does not include an allowance for electronics, life raft/sling, dinghy and associated outboard.

Load Capacity or Carrying Capacity is calculated by subtracting the weight of the empty trailer from the GVWR. Example: a trailer has a GVWR of 2,999 lbs. and has a dead weight of 1,000 lbs. - that means you are allowed to haul 1,999 lbs. 

Lug nuts should be torqued to the following specifications:

12" & 13" tire/rim (5-lug) 50 ft-lbs. min. 75 ft-lbs. max.

14" & 15" tire/rim (5-lug) 90 ft-lbs. min. 120 ft-lbs. max.

15" tire/rim (6-lug) 90 ft-lbs. min. 120 ft-lbs. max.

We typically use 5 lug on 4.5 and 6 lug on 5.5. Click here to see how to measure your lug pattern.