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Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Trailers (revisited)...



 
----- Original Message -----
From: Dale
To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
Sent: Tuesday, August 01, 2000 9:27 PM
Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Trailers (revisited)...

 
"I think we have discussed this before, but how heavy is your sub Pat??"
 
 
Hey Dale,
Mine's a tad less than 1.25 tons; borderline if the legal limit is 2500 lbs.
 
(SNIP)
 
"My Kboat will only be about 2000 lbs, and I am not planning on putting brakes on it.. both because I cannot afford it at this time, and because I dont think you need brakes on anything under 2500lbs.. (although it is nice)   any thoughts??dale."
 
Well, back in 1991, mine worked OK between the house and the Marina (one block); but I almost lost it on the freeway one day.  Braked duals are better, but I know what you mean: sometimes you gotta "run what ya brung".  All I can say is be really, really careful with it; and have the best towing vehicle you can get your hands on. 
 
Back when I tested the Nautilus I was a starving inventor driving a tired old 6-cylinder Van.  Nowadays I've got a new Chevy 4WD truck.  Even so, when we take the sub to Kawaihae this September, I'm going to load her on a rented flatbed, trailer and all, for the trip to the other side of the island.
 
If your trailer doesn't have good stopping power, your tow-vehicle's brakes are going to have to do all the work.  And another thing to consider: how good are the springs and shocks on your tow vehicle?  The ones on my old van were shot, and that's part of the reason I almost lost control at 50 mph. 
 
How far do you have to go; what kind of roads / traffic; and what will you be towing with?  I think these are all factors to consider.  If in doubt, maybe you could rent a dualie flatbed trailer?  I'd sure hate to see your new sub go "endos" like mine almost did.
 
(BTW: sounds like you're really getting close to "the day".  Good for you!)
 
Hope this helps.
 
Pat